Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Every day there is breaking news of the tsunami-like wave of the COVID-19 virus, and the political battles, along with a pending economic depression, and the attempt to repair the great divide based on race, religion, economic and social status. Many countries are fighting internal and external wars with the civil unrest that escalates moment by moment.

Amidst the turbulence we are experiencing; still, it is possible to have complete peace of mind. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. Serving God has perks beyond what we can possibly imagine. We are nurtured and protected from the instability of mental and emotional highs and lows. Peace is a gift! It is up to us whether or not we seek God and place ourselves in His hands.

Although I desired the gift of peace, I still felt discontent from within. What additional actions did I need to take to receive complete peace of mind? Striving to build a stronger relationship with God led me to study the Bible, searching for its treasures, and obediently following the spiritual course pre-planned by God for His people. The Word of God provided the reassurance that God is in control and has every intention of taking care of those who are faithful. So why didn’t I possess the peace that the Apostle Paul spoke about in Philippians?

I must admit that my communication with God was minimal and limited to daily ritualistic morning and evening prayers. Deciding to improve my relationship with God required that I reflect on the amount of time I spend worshiping every day. When I calculated the time that I spent in praise and worship, believe me, it was an eye-opening experience. How was it possible that outside of studying the Bible and writing inspirational messages that my prayer time did not even add up to 30 minutes?

Throughout the years, I have heard many reasons for not placing God first by giving Him the time and praise that He is worthy of receiving: “It’s Quality versus Quantity,” “God understands that we have busy lives,” “He knows that we are doing the best we can,” “My job, my family,” etc. None of these reasons are biblically based, nor can we substantiate our lack of commitment to our Heavenly Father, who is full of grace and mercy.

If you are ready for a life-changing experience with God, align yourself with the instructions on praying given by Jesus in Matthew 6. 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. 

Today, I decided to obey Jesus’ words and place myself in a quiet room without distractions. At the beginning of my prayer, the usual words left my mouth; but as I tried to speak, my words turned into praises for God as never before. My experience is one that I share because it left me determined to prepare for Eternal life. I was rewarded with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who has demonstrated to me that when we are obedient and faithful to God, our hearts become in sync with God’s purpose for us. 

The Holy Spirit has revealed to me how I must think, speak, and live according to God’s plan of Righteousness by Faith. I have recommitted myself to God and will let Him guide my steps. The powerful blessing that I received is available to everyone that diligently seeks His will. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. It was only a simple act of obedience that led to a complete transformation, and now I will forever proclaim that with God, “All is Well!”

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Bible Readings: Matthew 6, Acts 2

God, thank you for the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who diligently seek you. We are living in terrible times, yet you give us the gift of peace if we desire to receive it. Thank you for loving us and giving us the reassurance that with you, “All is Well!” 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.

 

If you are feeling overwhelmed and are unable to move forward, reaching out to God is the only action that promises a favorable outcome. God always takes care of His children despite our circumstances. 

We often lose our optimism when rough times come and stay for a while despite our efforts. Have you ever thought, “Well, if God cared then…?” Although God is invisible, the Bible reveals everything that humanity needs to know about God. God is loving and kind; His power, grace, mercies, and patience are visible attributes of His character. He is nurturing and longsuffering, always ready to relieve us of the burdens that we insist on trying to take care of alone. 

1. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all of the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26. From the beginning, God gave us the ability to think, walk upright, have a purpose-driven life, and enjoy the companionship of others. 
2. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3. We receive a continuous blessing of grace and mercy every day because of God’s love. We have the free will to embrace our Heavenly Father or walk away and struggle.
3. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. When we accept God with faith and obedience, He reveals His perfect plan that is designed for each of us according to our needs.
4. “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. Jesus forewarned us that we would have many obstacles that involve emotional pain and physical loss. Even so, we are to put our trust in God. He has promised to heal the brokenhearted. 
5. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. The answer to having peace is to accept our limitations and acknowledge God’s greatness. We were created with the desire to have a spiritual connection with the source of our existence and to seek Him through prayer.

Talking to God is easy. Take a moment to calm down and then speak to God as if He was your best friend. Thank God for the grace and mercies of a new day, and tell Him about your challenges, and ask for help. If you have never prayed before, begin with “The Lord’s Prayer,” found in Matthew 6. As our prayers increase, we become comfortable speaking to God at any time of the day or night. The more we pray, the stronger our faith grows, and we live with the reassurance that “God is always here.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Bible Reading: Matthew 6

God, we pray for your Divine Intervention on our lives. We desire to have an up-close and personal relationship with you. We have a lot of stuff going on in our lives that seem impossible to resolve. We thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

What are the things that you consider simply amazing?

The birth of a baby is in second place on my list of things that are simply amazing. From the moment their lungs expand to take the first breath to the maturation of healthy growth and development into an adult, the structure and function of the human body are unprecedented. This phenomenal life-cycle is not possible without God, our Creator, who is first and foremost on my list of simply amazing!

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. … Genesis 1:26

Within the creation story is a concept that most individuals fail to recognize: God knew that humanity would give in to their desires and eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Because God is Omniscient, He was fully aware of the transgressions that every human being would commit against their Creator. From Adam and Eve to the present human race, we consciously and willfully sin against our Heavenly Father.

For a moment, let’s imagine the conversation between God and Jesus?

“You know, Son, if I create humans, they will disobey, sin against us, and seek to satisfy their sinful desires. Since all will sin, it will take someone sinless to redeem them, and that means someone has to die?” Yes, Father, I am aware of what they will do; still, I am willing to die for them because many will accept our Plan of Salvation and strive to live holy and sinless lives.” (Please note this is only a writer’s rendition.)

The concept of God agreeing to give His Son, Jesus Christ, who has always been sinless, to become subservient, suffer, and die on a cross used for criminals is simply amazing. Even so, there is more that is required to bring “The Plan” into fruition. Let us think about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who surrendered His Divinity and was born a babe in a manger among animals.

Do you think that you are experiencing severe trials and tribulations? But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. The Son of God had no home and depended on others’ kindness and generosity to provide food and shelter. Many times Jesus slept outside and did not have the convenience of a sleeping bag or tent. He also was required to flee for His life many times during the 33 years of His experience on earth. Who of us can say that we have followed in the footsteps of Jesus?

Why did the Religious Leaders want Jesus Dead?

1. The claims that He made including that He was the Son of God.
2. The deeds that He did to heal physical illnesses and minister messages of hope and eternal life. 
3. His threat to their religious system that was focused on outward achievements. 
4. His threat to their way of life which included segregation based on ethnicity and social and economic status.
5. The undesirable and oppressed individuals with whom He socialized and taught that all things are possible with faith in God.  
6. The lack of respect He had for their legalistic and hypocritical religious traditions.
7. The exposure of their religious leader’s secret sins and immoral practices.

Yes, these are only a few things mentioned in the New Testament that outraged the religious rulers. Consequently, they wanted to see Jesus dead. History is repeating itself. Many are angry at God because of our current situation, the loss of income, shattered future dreams and goals, division based on race and ethnicity, and the increasing number of restrictions to keep humanity safe from disease.

Regardless of the diseases, the political, and civil unrests that dominate our global environment, we must defer to David’s question in the Book of Psalms:

What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:4

Without merit, we received the blessing of a new day, complete with God’s Grace and Mercy. We can pray at any moment throughout the day or night to our God, who promises to take care of us even unto the end of the world. The Bible fully reveals God’s character and the future plans He has for those who serve Him.

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

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you?… John 14:1-2

For the Lord, himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Our tribulations will only last for a little while longer. But until then, determine to always look at your life as a blessing. Live with a spirit of gratitude and depend on the Godhead–God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit, It is then that you will view life through spiritual eyes and proclaim that our Spiritual Team is “Simply Amazing!”

Bible Readings: Isaiah 42, Revelation 21-22

God, we thank you for being simply amazing! We pray for forgiveness for not appreciating your gifts of grace and mercy. Thank you for the Plan of Salvation and thank you for giving us the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. Please provide us with your help to make it through until your Son, Jesus comes again. 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.

 

The United States in Prophecy, July 4

Happy Sabbath!

Enjoy the peace and blessings of the next 24 hours that God created for humanity. Complete Mental and physical rest…thank you God!

The perfect relationship is possible when we seek God. Everyday we are given the opportunity to gain strength by praying and studying the Bible. God is here and is waiting for you and for me.

Sharing this encouraging Devotional. Be blessed. Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Seek The Lord And Find Him • Devotional

https://bible.com/reading-plans/534/day/1?segment=0

Please guard the safety of yourself and your family!

https://patch.com/texas/houston/more-300-children-texas-day-cares-have-caught-covid-19-numbers-are-rising

In the yarn circle, WIP is the acronym for a Work in Progress. In fact, the average number of WIP’s is always 3-4 projects waiting for completion. We buy yarn for no other purpose than to store it for future use. Due to the loss of employment and income, many “yarners” have reached a point where they never thought possible and have depleted their yarn stash. Inevitably someone feels courageous and reaches out to the other members of our group to post their dilemma, asking for yarn donations. That one post initiates a domino effect with a minimum of 100 to 200 responses, revealing many who are in the same predicament.

Members of the yarn community are aware that it is risky to ask for yarn donations. We do not share our yarn! When it rains, it pours, and the responses to the post for help can easily reach 500-600 answers. The typical responses are usually minimal, one to two words; “Wow!” or “That’s too bad.” There are many suggestions to find cheaper options for purchasing yarn, search the Marketplace for yarn sellers, use your coffee money, sell unwanted items, etc. But the #1 suggestion that most agreed with was from a veteran yarner. She recommended they use their WIPs that have been unfinished for months and FROG them. In this sense, “to FROG” means “to take out stitches.” Hence, the solution is to utilize the yarn that you already have.

Although this is a light-hearted story of desiring crafting materials, many individuals struggle financially and are unable to purchase essential items. During this pandemic, there is a great divide and separation of those who have and those who need help. Community churches and food banks are overwhelmed by the long lines of individuals without the basic needs of food, water, and toiletries. The reality is that most of us have an over-abundance of resources. But many have the “I” concept that consists of focusing on self. How did we reach this point?

When we love God, we live ‘With the Intent and Purpose” to share our resources. We do not ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Our intent and purpose of emulating Christ who lived to help others happens naturally and becomes our mission. Having values built on the “We” concept enables us to share our over-abundance and keeps us from adopting the unbeliever’s attitude of “every person for themselves.” A heart filled with the love of God is forever concerned with giving to those in need.

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there, the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21

In reading the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us the life story of Jesus Christ and his compassion for others. Four individuals are in agreement that Jesus lived with the intent and purpose to alleviate the burdens of others. What has caused us to deviate and disregard Christ’s example? It is not our duty to share tips on how to become financially savvy or to advise others to sell their unneeded items, Jesus left the example and the mindset we must possess if we say we love God. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

The miraculous blessing of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand is in Matthew 14:13-21. Even His disciples required a wake-up call because they also possessed the selfish spirit of the “I” concept. It is hard to imagine that the men called and anointed to help those in need, to heal the sick, and preach the plan of Salvation possessed hard-hearts. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Matthew 14:15

Jesus was fully aware of the self-centeredness that infiltrated His disciple’s hearts. His directive reminded them of their responsibility to provide. Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat!” Matthew 14:16. But wait! Along with the big reveal of selfishness, the disciples also exposed their spiritual state of faithlessness, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. Matthew 14:17

Many of us are in the same predicament, we have relied on our abilities for so long that we have forgotten who God is. We place limitations on ourselves and our Heavenly Father because self-reliance nurtures self-centeredness and destroys our faith in God. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 6:24

Yes, Jesus’ primary purpose was to die for the redemption of humanity; even so, the Son of God feeding the 5,000 plus multitude sets the godly standard for using our financial resources. If we say, “But God, I only have…” then we are not living faithfully or obediently, and our values are in stark contrast with those found in the Word of God. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33

We must never forget that God blesses us with New Mercies and always gives us His Amazing Grace every day. Pray for guidance and direction to “Bless Somebody Else.” During this pandemic, reach out to your family and friends to find out if they need assistance. Then contact your community churches and non-profit organizations to donate financially or volunteer to assist with their Outreach programs. Help is desperately needed in all areas without the need to have person-to-person contact.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? …Matthew 25:34-40.

Our goal is to hear, “Well done!” A loving heart is always full of care and compassion for others. Lighten someone else’s burden by sharing your resources, and you can live every day “With Intent and Purpose.”

Bible Readings: Matthew 6, 14, and 25

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