The Sisterhood of Doubt, Disorder, and Disobedience

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

I can recall an Elder in our church, who is in his 80s, telling his story of how he learned to count. It was in Genesis 1, where he learned to count from 1-7 based on the days of Creation. Because of his faith and desire to serve God, as he studied the Bible, the Holy Spirit taught him that the numbers in front of the verses were the counting system. This is truly a miraculous testimony of what God will do for us when we willingly and wholeheartedly give ourselves to him.

As I recall his story, my eyes are filled with tears of joy because there is nothing that God will withhold from us when we commit to serve Him. And that is the key to opening the door for Divine intervention to enter our lives. If we say yes, God will give us a spiritual upgrade. Our relationship with Him will deepen, and His perfect peace will permeate our souls like a cool breeze on a hot and humid day.  It is possible to receive the best that God gifts to humanity if we just give in and give up our self-determination.

King David, who wrote the Psalms, finally came to a conclusion in his aged years that he needed God to take over and order his steps — to provide peace and the direction that would prevent sin from overtaking him.

New International Version
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

New Living Translation
Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

English Standard Version
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

Berean Study Bible
Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.

New American Standard Bible
Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.

There is no bridge between the humility of obedience and the sin of disobedience. The sisters of Doubt, Disobedience, and Disorder work as a team to destroy our desire to entirely rely on God. We do not have to be our own worst enemies. Acknowledging that we can never provide the peaceful and productive lives that God can give us releases us from the imprisonment of self-reliance. When we make the decision, we must stand firm and live a life of no compromise.

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

Dedication to God is the only way to enjoy a peaceful life in a world filled with total chaos. Serving God impacts every aspect of our existence. Can you imagine a life free of no worries? Just ask those of us who threw in the towel of self-reliance, we are sleeping like newborn babies.

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:129-144

Prayer: God, we ask you to direct, guide, keep steady, and order our steps. From this moment forward, we place our lives in your hands. We want to do your will. Please forgive us for the sin of self-reliance. We ask these things in the Worthy 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.

Simply Living By Faith

 

Your wait time is_________

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

About 10 years ago, we were in church on a beautiful Sabbath morning and really enjoying the service because we made it through the rainy season in Florida. When it was time for the Pastor’s remarks, he announced that he needed to make a confession to the church. The soft background music from the organ that usually accompanied his comments came to an abrupt end, and there was a hush of silence from the congregation.

I can remember saying a quick prayer for his confession not to be one from engaging in an adulterous liaison. Our Pastor proceeded to explain that he was a sole proprietor and owned a business as a Financial Investor. My mind was racing ahead of his confession, “Did he mismanage the funds from those who trusted him to make prudent investments?” Further, in the story, he confessed that he had lost $250,000 of his own money in an investment that was presented to him as lucrative with high yield returns. The lesson learned; he failed to present the financial opportunity to God and wait for His guidance.

Self-reliance is deadly, and the consequences are painful to endure. Many of us can relate to the Pastor’s experience from making an impulsive decision that ended in a financial loss. Self-gratification and acting immediately without thinking about the outcome are acceptable weaknesses of character and is prevalent in our society. We have been influenced by our environment to “get rich quick” or “do it now before someone else seizes the opportunity” mindset. We congratulate ourselves on the ability to pursue our desires by any means necessary. The thrill from Instant gratification is addicting and causes us to feel empowered, but in the end, this habit leads us to travel down a sorrowful path.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter, the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. Proverbs 14:12-13

We are living in perilous times, times that require the intervention of a power higher than ourselves. There is nothing that we can eat, drink, or buy that will provide the peace that God freely gives to those who love and serve Him. This is not the time in earth’s history to learn from experience, mistakes can cost us our lives.

Do not let the opinions of others lead you astray. Even if you have never attended church, read the Bible, or acknowledged that the invisible God is approachable. Today is a new day, and you can begin a new life through Jesus Christ. All it takes is a simple and honest prayer, “God, I really don’t know who you are, but I need to know you, and I repent of my sins and accept you as my personal Savior. Amen.”

The newborn baby begins life helpless on its back, entirely dependent on its caregivers. Within one year, the baby progresses to the toddler stage, can hold their bottle, feed themselves finger foods, walks with or without assistance, and has a vocabulary of 3-4 words. The focus is not on how many words they can speak, healthy growth and development is assessed by the ability to understand spoken words.

At some point, the baby has the knowledge to get up off of the floor, stands to its feet and takes the first step to walk upright. And then, a new phase of development begins, and they discover that they can run. Yes, they will continue to fall throughout the stages of their physical and mental development. But eventually, they learn to avoid the pitfalls that prevent them from standing tall.

The transition to becoming a believer is not an easy one. It is one that involves tests and trials, and we must endure suffering.

Now the benefits: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.… Jeremiah 29:11-12

1. We gain a Spiritual team, God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Angels who are available for us 24/7. John 14:1

2. A measure of faith is given to every believer. Our faith will achieve endless growth and development when we are wholly dependent on God by believing, trusting, and obeying Him under all circumstances. Hebrews 11

3. We never have to make another mistake with any of our life decisions. Pray and wait. Psalm 40:1

3. We experience a worry-free life complete with peace, joy, and happiness. Our focus is on the blessing of a new day, and we know that God is our provider. Matthew 6:19-34

4. We can look forward to immortality in a New Heaven and New Earth when Jesus comes again. Revelation 22

When we pray, Jesus intercedes for us, and all of the heavenly beings are waiting to assist in our earthly journey. Always pray, in good times, and in perilous times; Our prayers with pleas for help are never unheard or unanswered. 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

Stay at Home, Shelter-in-Place, the pandemic, civil unrest, limited money, hunger, or thirst; God is still here!

No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.… Romans 8:37-39

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