Tired of Having Hard Times?

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

I have to confess that I haven’t reached the stage in my spiritual journey where I rejoice during hard times. So, I imagined yesterday; God said, “Enough crying and feeling down.” While searching for a specific scripture in Luke 4, I decided to study the entire chapter. As I read the events that led to Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth, I couldn’t get past verses 28, 29, and 30.

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:28-30

I read these three Scriptures repeatedly, attempting to process and visualize an angry mob planning to push Jesus over a cliff. Why? Because He told the truth!

Yes, I understood the lesson that God was teaching to me, but I still have been wrapped up in my emotions during this challenging trial that I am going through. I can honestly say that “God is love, and full of grace and mercy.” Today, every hour, I have been praying. Immediately after I finished my 5 pm prayer, the words, “If you suffer, you will reign with him,” came into my mind. Since I had no prior knowledge of these words, I did an internet search out of curiosity. 

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us…” 2 Timothy 2:12

The Apostle Paul wrote the First and Second letters of Timothy to encourage the young believer to endure and persevere all trials because he would receive a great reward.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. So I am willing to endure anything if it brings salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:3, 10-13

 Enduring hardships is part of the believer’s journey. If we desire eternal life, then we must embrace hard times. Jesus suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected for the redemption of our sins. Let us prepare to reign with him forever and ever. Amen.

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 2

God, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach us the purpose for suffering. We pray for strength and a change in attitude while we endure the hardships of life. 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. 

We Need to Pray More

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Every day we are faced with various forms of chaos and confusion. Many believers are being affected emotionally [discouraged] and spiritually [disconnected from God, the source of our strength] by the increase in the godlessness of these last days. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 Amplified version. No prayer, No peace!

There are many ways to fracture a bone in our bodies. But there is only one way for us to fracture our relationship with God. We fail to maintain our connection to God by not praying as we should. The advantage of serving God is that we can live content, worry-free lives because we know who our Heavenly Father is and we have the faith and trust that He will always take care of us. 

Little prayer also means that we place limits on God. “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25. God is reminding us that He is Omnipotent–all-powerful. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Pray as if your life depends on it because it does. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

We can never pray too much! As we approach the Sabbath, commit to communicating to God in prayer every hour while awake throughout this weekend. Prayers of thankfulness, prayers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, prayers for healing, prayers for necessities, prayers for your family, and prayers for an increase in faith, trust, and obedience in God are just a few of the many things that we can pray for. Invite a friend or family member to make the weekend commitment to pray hourly.

It is time for us to redirect our focus from the current events and establish a stronger relationship with God. We need God. Prayer allows us to tap into the power of our Almighty God.

Bible study: Isaiah 40

God, we desperately need you. Our lives are in chaos, and we have no peace or direction. Please show us what to do. Renew our faith as we commit to love and trust you with all of our hearts, soul, and mind. We ask this prayer in the 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.

Made in His Image: Eliminating Racism

As believers, we have many advantages. God has given us spiritual insight, which allows us to view and live from a deeper perspective based on His love. The earth is filled with beauty and diversity. Nature is full of flowers and trees of various colors, shapes, and sizes that we admire. Landscape photography and art remain a high point of interest for most individuals.

But then a different perspective arises when the diversity is evident among humanity. We love and appreciate the animal kingdom’s various species, but we separate and segregate human beings based on outward appearance, social, and economic status. 

Biases and prejudice against one another are historically documented throughout the Bible.

    1. Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman. Numbers 12:1
    2. The Samaritan woman said to him, you are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink for Jews do not associate with Samaritans? John 4:9
    3. Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28

Many individuals claim that they love God, yet they “dislike” other individuals based on race, ethnicity, social, and economic status. More surprising are the “believers” who harbor hate against their brother or sister or intentionally ignore racism because they feel it is not their responsibility to speak out against society’s injustice. Yes, it is our responsibility!

    1. Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause, Isaiah 1:17.
    2. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.

Biases and prejudice are clearly against the harmonious relationships that God intended for us to have with each other. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. 1 John 4:20. God has also made it clear that He will not condone hatred among human beings. Our hearts may be full of dark secrets, but we cannot hide our true feelings from God. Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? 1 Corinthians 6:9

Because we tend to overlook certain scriptures, God addresses the age-old issue of racism in Acts, the 10th chapter. Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35. 

It is time for us to declare “zero tolerance” for the war of humans against humans based on the diversity that God established. Yes, God is the Master Artist who was pleased by His creativity (read Genesis 1). Love for others is a command, not an option. The Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 13:1 states: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction].

What change can one individual make? With 7.9 billion people in the world, one plus one adds up. We are not a box of Crayola crayons. We must cease using color adjectives to describe others. We can say, “The man in the blue shirt” instead of verbalizing “the black or white man.”

Pray and search your heart for eternal life deal-breakers of prejudice, biases, and the “isms”. Please know that in the New Heaven and New Earth, sin will not exist. We are not allowed to define sin: God defines dislike for one another as hatred. Diversity is not an issue of learning or faking acceptance of differences. It is loving and honoring God who created all of humanity in His image. If God was pleased with His creation, do we have a choice? 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Bible Study: 1 John 4

God, we ask forgiveness for not loving one another as you have commanded. It is our desire to do our part in demonstrating that you created all of humanity in your image. 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.

Trust God With Your Life

We live in a world that promotes self-achievements. We are bombarded with social media videos that say, “Go for it! Follow your dreams.” Look at me, I did it, and for only $295, I will teach you how to be successful and wealthy.”

But God says, “For I know the plans I have for you…” Jeremiah 29:11.

Obedience and faith in God remove all doubt. Renounce the trending worldview to trust in yourself.

Trusting God with your life requires Faith, Obedience, and Patience.

Remember these two things:

1. God is always right. Yes!

2. Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27. No, God. Sorry, we forget.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Bible Study: Psalm 27

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for our forgetfulness. We were temporarily persuaded that we could solve our problems, and now our minds and lives are in chaos. God, we desperately need you to remove the confusion from our disobedience. We commit to obey and will wait for your divine intervention. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Biblical Truths and Fake News

My testimony is that I have lived through many life-changing events. Not only did 2020 and 2021 bring a ruthless pathogen to humanity, at 62 y/o, my status changed from married to single. And in January of this year, God told me to move to a city in Florida where I have no friends or family. Did God forsake me? No!

The events that happened in my life resulted in a much closer relationship with God. The peace that God gives is priceless. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24. God always answers our prayers. And His answer will always be above and beyond our expectations.

“Lord, I want my faith in you to increase” was my prayer. Not only can I enjoy my new life, but I also have time to have an in-depth study of the Bible every day. I am truly amazed by the treasure map that God has given to us. If you desire a complete understanding of who God is and how we can transform into becoming holy and acceptable to God, pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and diligently study the Word of God.

Fact: Through consistent prayer and studying, Satan is defeated. We also gain the confidence of knowing who we are [children of God], and learn to completely depend on God. Our Heavenly Father has promised to never forsake us. Even when we fall deep into sin, all we have to do is confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness. God’s grace and mercies provide us with new beginnings.

Truth: We have the hope and assurance that God will always be faithful. It is up to us to obey. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Truth: God forgives all of our sins and throws them into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

Fake News: Satan will be forgiven if he only asks God for forgiveness. Revelation 20:9

Truth: God can heal you from all past emotional, mental, and physical abuse. Jeremiah 32:27, Psalm 147:3

Fake News: You will need therapy for the rest of your life. Mark 9:29, Psalm 147:3, Luke 17:11-19

Truth: Satan easily deceives us when we do not pray and study the Bible.

Truth: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-18

God, we thank you for giving us the Bible. Please forgive our sins and fill us with your Holy Spirit. We desire to know who you are and to live righteously. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask 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.

Align Your Thoughts With The Holy Scriptures

Have you tried hard to get the victory over your past or a present habit that you know is wrong? Do you believe that God heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3) or that He cast our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19)?

Satan desires that we think and live as victims who are enslaved to brokenness and addictions. But God promises us Deliverance from our past traumas and present sins.

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever because you delight in showing unfailing love Micah 7:18

For our core beliefs [and thoughts] to align and be in sync with the Word of God, we must study the Bible. The Holy Spirit cannot bring God’s promises to our memory if we lack the knowledge.

Pray for help with time management. But also pray for spiritual discernment. Pay close attention to the people and things that distract you when spending time with God through Bible study.

God created us to have an up-close, personal relationship with him. When we take the time to study the Bible, our thoughts of doubt and disbelief change. We begin to think on a spiritual level. The Holy Spirit empowers us by opening our spiritual eyes, and we receive godly wisdom to recognize the foolishness of this world.

Be aware! Now we will face tremendous opposition! Satan will use family, friends, and strangers to question our commitment to God. Even so, with holy boldness (Acts 4:31), we will be able to speak the words of Jesus: Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan you are stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23. Satan may be prepared to debate or argue, but he has to retreat when we pray and call on the name of Jesus.

Knowing the Word of God prevents us from thinking and living as one who is defeated and hopeless. Praise God! We know how the story ends: Jesus, our loving Savior, is coming again in all of His glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. Revelation 22:20-21

Bible Study: Micah 7

God, we admit that we don’t know you as we should. We desire to grow closer to you, and ask forgiveness of our sins. We need to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Please give us understanding and wisdom as we study the Bible. 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.