Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

My best friend and her husband are relocating to another part of our town. As we talked about the strenuous task of preparing for the move, I asked her to tell me about her plan for a smooth transition. The first step was to identify all of the things that were no longer a useful part of their lives and eliminate them, either by donating or throwing them away.

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

Believers in God, we are also preparing to move. God has promised us life in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Although we are making preparation by faithfully trusting in God, obeying His precepts, studying the Bible, and praying, God is actively involved in preparing us to achieve spiritual perfection. And that is where suffering enters our lives. God sees and knows the things that are not useful in our characters. He begins to get rid of the traits that would prevent us from receiving our greatest reward, immortality in a perfect and beautiful New Heaven and New Earth.

Do you think about the journey more than you think about the reward?

Now let’s do some real talk about the process of getting rid of our sins and undesirable traits. “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. Yes, Jesus told us that we would suffer many trials and sorrows, but to “take heart” because He overcame every burden, all suffering, and difficulties through His earthly journey. 

Jesus’ death was for you and me. Now that He is fulfilling the role of our Heavenly Intercessor remember these words: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

What is the meaning of “take heart?” It means to “Be courageous!” So, in one scripture, we are forewarned that we will have many trials and sorrows, but to have peace and courage because Jesus, our Lord, has promised to see us through. I will be the first to testify that suffering does not feel good. I often wish that I had a delete option to get rid of the impurities in my character. When I feel down, God reminds me that He is fulfilling His plans for my spiritual makeover. 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 BSB

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.… Romans 5:3-5 BSB

Through constant prayer, praise, and worship, I am slowly beginning to have an in-depth understanding and acceptance of “the why of suffering.” I pray for each of us that we will focus on the triumph of our faith when we embrace God’s plan for our spiritual perfection.

One of my very dear Sisters-in-Christ, Lori Fish, shared this testimony in 2017:

After lunch today, several of us were sitting in the living room talking, and the conversation steered to Salvation, Bible study, and how crazy our world is.

I was reminded of one of my Bible Teachers at Maplewood Academy. It was my junior year. His name was Dale Rhodes, I believe, and he and his wife had been missionaries for years in Singapore if I remember correctly. During class one day, he made a statement that has stuck with me to this day. Our senses are the five avenues to the soul. We won’t make it to heaven by making decisions based on our feelings.

We cannot make spiritual decisions without studying for ourselves and make sure we ask the Holy Spirit to show us the facts. So often, we make decisions because “it seems right.” Our sinful human nature takes in all that worldly knowledge through the five avenues, and we try to choose things based on all that rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through the truth – God’s Word. My prayer is that I won’t let my senses get in the way of my salvation. How about you? Lori Fish

This beautiful prayer of thanksgiving was posted on Facebook:

Heavenly Father, thank you for anticipating my needs and knowing what is best for me. Being Your child has been my happiness, and I can’t wait to see Your loving face and spend eternity with You! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen! (Name deleted)

Our perspective of suffering will either propel us to gain the victory or lose out on our eternal reward. It is my prayer that each of us embraces God’s promises:

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 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. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Bible Reading: Isaiah 43

God, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for loving us. Thank you for your grace and mercies of patiently taking the time to reveal our character defects and guiding us through our suffering. Please give us the wisdom to recognize that you are performing a mighty work within that we may be ready when Jesus comes again to gather the faithful and the obedient. We ask for forgiveness for not accepting your plans for our lives. We trust you to take us through the deep waters and to come out as victorious overcomers. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

In my distress, I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple, he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. Psalm 18:6

Good Morning, Thank you, God, for the new mercies of a new day. Amen.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness on social media. Understanding that I am simply a messenger, before I responded to the comment, I prayed and asked for the Holy Spirit’s Divine intervention. But before sharing the story, I would like to provide just a snippet of my background. Although I pursued Nursing and Business Management pathways, for a reason unknown to me at the time, I chose Eastern and Western religions as elective courses. God revealed the answer to His guidance in choosing my electives a decade later.

The author of the post asked this question, “How often do you think about heaven?” to which most of the responses affirmed that thoughts of heaven were always on their minds, except one individual. She stated, “Heaven is not a place, it is a state of mind, and starvation, homelessness, and other conditions are hell on earth.” Usually it is a natural response to use the Holy Bible as the authority and basis for our beliefs. However, the individual stated her views according to the “Bible” used in their denomination. (Disclaimer: I do not judge the religious beliefs of others.) 

So what do you think happened next? The intent to persuade others, mostly on the part of the person who believes that “Heaven is not a place…” actually made several follow-up posts with the concepts that she believed in. But I was surprised when the comments included racist remarks. The words were too harsh and projected an angry tone. I decided to keep scrolling, but then the Holy Spirit told me to write. I felt like Moses when he asked God, “Who shall I say sent me?” I sat and reread the comments but did not move my fingers. I said, “God, do you want me to get involved in this online debate?” Not only was this a religion that I was very familiar with, but I also did not wish to be part of a biblical debate, which involved “two different Bibles from two separate religious systems.”

Again, I heard, “Write!” So, I prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and began to type. The answer given to me was as follows:

(Name intentionally deleted) What if you are wrong? Then what? You see, the thing that I have learned about humanity is that when one rejects the truth, according to God, is that they never really think about the consequences. We were created with free will that always gives us a choice. But our spiritual choices determine whether we will receive eternal life or destruction. I have studied many religions and denominations. But I decided to accept the Plan of Salvation because it guarantees eternal life in a perfect New Heaven and New Earth, and I am willing to stake my life on it, that I am not wrong with my decision.

It is not our role to convince others of the truth. Even so, there are times that God directs us to be His mouthpiece. But He does it in a manner where He always receives the glory.

We must understand that Satan has the upper hand when we participate in religious debates. If the response of non-acceptance is verbalized or the tone of the conversation becomes hostile, retreat immediately. When we share the truth, and it is not accepted, how does God expect us to respond? Whoever does not receive you or does not listen to what you say, as you leave that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 10:14. 

We live in a time where we are bombarded with misinformation. Reflect on your current beliefs. Are they biblically based? Since there are numerous bibles and various doctrinal beliefs, you may ask which Bible are you referring to? And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14.

 1. The Holy Bible that contains both the Old and New Testaments and is written under the inspiration of God.
2. The Holy Bible that validates all 10 commandments, including the Seventh-day Sabbath.
3. The Holy Bible that identifies The Trinity as God the Father, Jesus, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, which are 3-in- 1.
4. The Holy Bible that reflects Jesus Christ is the Son of God that He was crucified and died for the redemption of our sins, that He arose, and is currently in heaven fulfilling the role as our Heavenly Intercessor.
5. The Holy Bible that explains the Plan of Salvation is only available through Jesus and reiterates that confessions, repentance, and forgiveness of our sins are only granted through God.
6. The Bible that documents baptism by immersion (if physically possible), the Communion service, and foot washing–the Ordinance of Humility are part of our worship to God.
7. The Bible that promises the anointing of the Holy Spirit when we ask in prayer.
8. The Bible that refutes human beings receive immortality immediately following death and are presently in heaven looking down on us.
For the Lord, himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV. The Bible does not support the concept of disembodied spirits, which is a pagan practice. The scriptures provide proof of only three men who did not see physical death and were translated: Enoch, Elijah, and Moses who are the only human beings currently in heaven.
9. The Bible proclaims, Yes, the Second Coming of Jesus is the most significant event for humanity where the faithful will receive their reward of immortality and life in the presence of God in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

This list is not all-inclusive of the fundamental beliefs that God has provided for us through His Holy Word, the Bible. However, it is what I have been directed to identify as truths that Satan has interjected false teachings into like he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.” Genesis 3:4

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 NLT.

When God tells us to turn away from all immoral, sinful things and activities, He has a valid reason. Our five senses gather information, and once we are exposed, our brain processes the information and stores it as memory. Yes, you can try to disregard what you saw, read, heard, ate, or touched, but it is too late. We cannot take back our actions. Strive to make wise and godly choices because we cannot erase our experiences.

Please reflect on your current belief system. It is easy to follow traditions, doctrines, cultural guidelines, and accept trendy information such as the prosperity message. God has never promised that we would be wealthy. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Galatians 3:2.

If there is a fundamental belief that you are confused about, or you cannot accept it because it does not appear to be rational. Pray for revelation. Even so, we must accept that there are mysteries in the Bible that God will explain to us when we received immortality and life in the New Heaven and New Earth. 

The Apostle Paul explains: Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Please do not let anything become a stumbling-block that causes you to lose out on Eternal life. Pray and fast for the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth about any belief that has you bound. The same Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost who enabled those present to speak other tongues (languages) to witness to the multitude gathered outside is the Holy Spirit that will guide you to discard the beliefs that are not from God. (Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded because every man heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:6 KJV)

God, we pray for Divine intervention and blessings upon your people who are striving to serve you. We are in the valley of decision and turmoil because we have heard many different and conflicting doctrines. Therefore, we humbly call on you Father God to anoint us with your Holy Spirit. We ask for you to reveal all truth whereby we must be saved. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer in the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14 BSB

Good Morning! We have received the gift of another day. Great is God’s faithfulness. He is always proving that His love is unconditional and has no boundaries. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Yes, the year 2020 has brought the most challenges that many of us have ever endured. Even so, God has allowed the distractions that would prevent us from receiving our reward of Eternal life to be removed. When feeling overwhelmed, make Jesus’ great sacrifice personal, verbalize: “Jesus died for me.” Have you considered the suffering that Jesus went through for the redemption of our sins? Great athletes do not achieve their abilities overnight. They have the mindset that they are willing to overcome every obstacle in their journey to receive the reward of being the best.

The Apostle Paul, who endured stoning, beaten with whips, ship-wrecked, bitten by a poisonous snake, and imprisoned with heavy chains, still used every opportunity to rejoice and praise God. How did Paul get through his severe trials and suffering? He possessed the only mindset that all who believe in God should have: 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 3:3-5 ESV

Peter, Jesus’ disciple, proclaims:

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT

James defines suffering as joy:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.… James 1:2-4 BSB

Without trials, we would fall into the abyss of self-reliance. It is our faith in God that keeps us spiritually grounded. We live a purpose-driven life to serve God! To receive our reward of Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth, we must be holy and acceptable to God. Not judging ourselves by our standards, but possessing and reflecting the character of Jesus Christ. 

I am very thankful that my trials have a purpose, to get rid of the debris from sin. When I compare myself to Galatians 5:22-23 and Hebrews 12:14, I realize that God is giving me time to change. Please know that we are never alone in our spiritual transformation. It is the teamwork of Human Effort + Divine Intervention that produces victorious outcomes. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

God is giving us time to confess, repent, and Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14. Even so, live with the urgency that Jesus is coming soon!

Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.…2 Peter 3:8-10 BSB

Believers in the Most-High God, we have our greatest hope in Jesus Christ. Know that our present lives, which have trials and sorrows, is merely part of our earthly journey. But this is not how the story ends! “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12

God, we thank you for loving us. Your grace and mercies flow freely to us day-after-day. We ask you to forgive us for desiring an easier path to travel as we strive for holiness. We know that your plans are perfect. Please give us your strength today as we begin to view life through spiritual eyes. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

I received a spiritual blessing listening to the ministry of Pastor Dube. Please be blessed and pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to heal your mind, body, and soul. Amen. Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The human effort for living a peaceful and joyful life is to possess unwavering faith in God. Serving God is a dynamic process, always expanding. Spiritual growth and development require that we give our all to God every day. Like worker ants, we busy ourselves by striving to achieve a closer and deeper relationship with God. We have never prayed enough, studied the Bible enough, or praised and worshiped God enough to rely on what we did yesterday.

Jesus is coming soon! Use your time wisely to build a foundation on Christ the Solid Rock. And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrew 11:6

Bible Reading: Hebrews 11

God, we worship you and praise your Holy Name. We thank you for our life, health, and strength. We ask for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit. As we prepare for Eternal life, please give us wisdom as we seek knowledge of your Holy Word. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

Happy Sabbath!

Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Psalm 119:36-37

There is a trend in which many sermons and inspirational writings focus on everything that God will do for those who serve Him. The topics range from deliverance from your circumstances to receiving the prosperity of material wealth. Yes, the Bible is full of stories that portray God’s great love, grace, and mercies for humanity. And who does not feel a soothing and peaceful relief from reading and faithfully believing in God’s promises? We can experience God’s love and receive hope from His declaration that He is our Heavenly Father. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 6:30

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory

The lack of Human Effort is the part that keeps us on the roller-coaster ride of spiritual highs and lows. In addition to God’s promises, the Bible also tells us of God’s commands, which require strict obedience. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. How do we break the cycle of feeling victorious and then defeated? What do we need to do to possess inner peace and joy despite our circumstances? 

King David provides the answer: Devout obedience to God. 

I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. 45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Psalm 119:44-45

In our quest for learning what we need to do to have a stable relationship with Christ, we must look outside of ourselves. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27. Do you know someone that serves God and is always joyful even though they are going through hard times? Have a conversation with them and find out their secret for living a faith-based life. We can also read inspirational books or listen to sermons, and testimonies found on social media.

My answer to living a faith-based life is to have complete trust in God, and to obey. I have two spiritual mentors who are in agreement with faithfully trusting and obeying God for a peaceful and joyful life. Still, I decided to do an online search, and surprisingly, I found this answer:

A Christian is one who accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and baptized for the remission of sins and lives every day, surrendering his life to Jesus. … But a truly devout Christian is someone who is quietly devoted to God in every aspect of their life. They are in constant connection with Him throughout the day. (unknown) http://www.quora.com

A Devout Christian (Christ-like) is one who is quietly devoted to God in every aspect of their life. Devotion to God requires faith, trust, and strict obedience to His precepts and commands.

I will leave you with David’s answer to possessing inner joy: 

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Psalm 119:1-4

During these Sabbath hours, I invite you to perform some extensive soul-searching and identify the areas of your life in which you are not obeying God. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6. 

Be intentional in your preparation to receive the Holy Spirit. Place yourself on a “Do not Disturb” status. Create an atmosphere by maintaining a quiet and humble spirit. “Be still, and know that I am God! “Psalm 46:10. In solitude, listen to inspirational music with your Bible in hand, and pray a prayer of confession and repentance, also asking for God’s blessings upon your life. I have included a link to some excellent piano worship: https://youtu.be/m_1HEYFRqxY

It is time that we experience the full benefits of serving God, our Heavenly Father: Living a Peaceful and Joyful Life!

Bible Reading: Psalm 119

God, we thank you for the gift of the Sabbath. We are on a roller-coaster ride of spiritual highs and lows, and we need a breakthrough from this cycle of being bound. Please forgive us for not doing our part by completely obeying you. We pray for healing and a change of mind to follow faithfully, trust, obey, and believe like never before. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.