Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

When I worked as a Home Health Nurse, my first responsibility was to determine if the referral to admit the patient to services met the criteria of Medicare’s definition of being homebound. “Medicare considers you homebound if: You need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave your home, or your doctor believes that your health or illness could get worse if you leave your home.”

If the patient did not meet the homebound status, I was required to notify the physician that the admitting diagnosis and/or the condition of the patient did not qualify for Home Health Skilled Nursing services. And that is when the tug-of-war began. For patients who walked with a cane, yet, continued to drive an automobile as one of their daily activities did not meet the standards for receiving nursing care in the home and would not qualify for Medicare financial reimbursement. Those cases were easy to determine; however, it was the patients that were self-care and had a minor change in their condition, that did not require the services of a Registered Nurse that we often received referrals for.

It was rare that the referring physician actually completed the Referral form. The tedious paperwork required to prove eligibility was usually assigned to an employee who possessed excellent clerical skills but lacked the knowledge of selecting documentation to substantiate the referral to Home Health services. During the admission visit, if the patient did not meet Medicare’s stringent guidelines, much time was devoted to numerous follow-up phone calls to request additional medical history or proof of present homebound status.

The responsibility on my shoulders was great, Medicare and the Agency held the Home Health Admission Nurse accountable for an accurate assessment, and the written documentation that the patient met their guidelines. Eligibility to admit a patient to home services will always be based on the evaluation and judgment of the Clinical nursing staff. Even so, Home Health agencies now employ Referral Coordinators with a background in medical records or nursing to alleviate the burdens of the Admission nurse.

Can you imagine needing referral and evaluation from another individual to receive Eternal life? I tremble at the thought of another person possessing the responsibility to intervene or to make a recommendation on my behalf. Who would have the opportunity to claim God’s promises of living in a New Heaven and a New Earth if our Salvation was dependent upon another human being?

Where would we be without Jesus? Without Jesus, I’d be lost and in a hopeless situation.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:5-6

Thankfully, we never have to consider the thought of human intervention regarding our Salvation. Because Jesus Christ is the only way that we can be saved, it is a 1:1 relationship based only on your acceptance and faithfulness to follow Him. Jesus’ commitment to die for all of humanity has entitled Him to be our only Advocate and Intercessor, whereby we can be saved. The Son of Man, who is perfect in all His ways, relinquished His Divinity to suffer for you and I. Yes, this is a reason to tremble, we are recipients of a gift that we will never deserve.

There are two scriptures that will keep our spiritual eyes focused on the reward that Christ has for those who are faithful. The Apostle Peter admonishes us to live by these standards: 7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8.

With the chaos and devastation of the coronavirus still sweeping throughout the world, you may ask yourself, “How much more can we take?” We will experience even more tribulation until Jesus comes again. Still, we can and should live without worries, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33.

Believers acknowledge and accept the power of our Spiritual team. We can always depend on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Have private talks with God throughout the day, evening, and night. Jesus’ Second Coming is closer with each passing day. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

Stay encouraged. Read Revelation chapters 21-22. We are nearing home! Jesus is Coming! On that day, the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the Salvation he brings!” Isaiah 25:9

Soon and very soon, we will be able to shout, “Hallelujah, we are home!”

The Hope of Eternal Life
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this Salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad.

There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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 1:3-7

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

Dear God,
Whom do we have but you? We are your creation that you breathed the breath of life into. The earth that you gave us as our temporary homes is crumbling before our eyes. We come to you as broken vessels with fragile hearts asking you to hear our prayer. We ask forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings from our past and present. Please send the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to impart peace. We desire minds that are free from worry and distress. You are great, and You are mighty; yet, you still extend your love, grace, and mercies to us every day.

We are not asking for you to heal our land, we ask you to heal our minds and our bodies. We pray for your help so that we will rise above our circumstances, and gain knowledge and wisdom as we study your Word. O God, speak to us, as only you can. We pray that you will, “Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right and loving spirit within us.” We thank you, and we receive the blessing of a new day. Please give us a spiritual boost of hope.  As we await the Second Coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, may we continue to faithfully dedicate ourselves to you. It is in the Worthy name of Jesus that we ask this prayer. 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 Blue pools of New Zealand. Yes, the water really is this color — And unbelievably clear. The glacial water you find in much of the South Island of New Zealand has fine silt in it that gives the water its fantastic color. Pinterest.com

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This is the writer’s opinion. Just found it interesting and decided to share.

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3081378/post-covid-19-world-facing-hunger-pandemic-and-other-disasters

Sabbath Devotional

Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” John 5:5-7

The caption read, “Paralyzed by Pandemic Uncertainty?” A prominent psychologist has offered assistance to those who are unable to cope with the current pandemic through a written article. It is probable that the strategies mentioned could be achieved by those who function well under normal circumstances, but now are at a crossroads in their lives. The reactions to the threat by the coronavirus have paralyzed many individuals who can no longer reason as evidenced by the level of chaotic behaviors on a national level.

It is unfortunate that during this major life-changing event that some Believers in Christ are also troubled. Yes, they have attended church faithfully, performed good deeds, and have not willfully disobeyed God. They believe in the Bible, and pray when life presents hardships, yet during this pandemic, they are confused and worried, unable to sleep, and are just praying for a miracle that COVID-19 will go away so they can return to our routine lifestyles. It takes more than doing just enough to get by to achieve spiritual growth and live a faith-based life.

Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days, which was on the Sabbath. On his way to the synagogue, He made a stop; Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. John 5:2-3. 

Healing the infirmed man was not a random miracle, Jesus’ visit to the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda was intentional. The Bible provides us with the knowledge that Jesus was with at least one of His disciples, John, who recorded in verse 5 that the man had an infirmity for 38 years. Only Jesus, who is Omniscient, would have known the exact years that the man was unable to walk.

Note that Jesus did not ask the man how many years he was infirmed, which should have given the disciples more in-depth insight, but like many of us, they were also spiritually blinded. The disciples wavered in their faith because they had a hidden agenda; they  desired for Jesus to become King and deliver them from the bondage of governmental rule. Depsite countless miracles, powerful sermons, avoidance of capture by the officials, and never succumbing to the trickery of the Pharisees and Sadducees to which the disciples were eye-witnesses, they still failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Throughout Jesus’ time with his disciples, who were appointed to witness and anointed to perform miracles, they required many reminders that Jesus was not just a man who possessed a gift of healing, He was the Divine Son of God.

Imagine that you are the man at the pool, and someone approaches you and asks if you want to be made well, the majority of us would have answered, “yes,” but the man gave Jesus an explanation of why he was not able to get into the pool. And that is the road block to growing closer to God, we create excuses to justify why we cannot study the Bible, or maintain communication with God through prayer which are the spiritual building blocks to living a faith-based life.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

The man at the pool, the disciples, and many of us are diagnosed with the same fatal condition of “Wavering faith in Jesus Christ.” We know about Jesus, but we do not have an up-close and personal relationship with Him, so our minds are restless, and we are confused. Spiritual growth requires more than attending church, hearing virtual sermons, or returning tithes and offerings. Our Bibles, if we have one, cannot have the status of being a shelf decoration, nor can we only pray when we are facing stormy trials and tribulations.

We must, “Get up and Walk.” Sincerely seeking God requires active participation. Faith-building cannot happen from yesterday’s worship. Every day, we must talk to God, dutifully search the scriptures, and give God the praise that He deserves. Faith is always believing, trusting, and patiently waiting for our Heavenly Father to resolve our problems. 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

Why should there be any doubt or confusion during this pandemic? God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

These are dangerous and troubled times that have been prophesied in the Word of God. Even so, the promises of God stand firm. The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

So, to the well-meaning Psychologist, I respectfully decline your therapeutic interventions. I am not paralyzed by fear, anxiety, nor am I confused; in fact, I am sleeping like a newborn in a crib because I am a Believer in the Most High God. “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” Job 19:25

Thank you, God, for your love, your grace, and your mercies. Most of all, thank you for taking care of us and giving us peace in the time of trouble. Amen.

Now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;… Isaiah 43:1-3

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

Fear Not!

https://fox4kc.com/tracking-coronavirus/cdc-reveals-six-more-symptoms-to-look-for-if-you-suspect-you-have-covid-19/

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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 1:6-7

The emotions of many are vacillating like a roller coaster ride without the thrills that produce joyful laughter. Will there be an endpoint to our current situation? Are we involved in World War III with the most potent virus to impact humanity in the earth’s history? The reaction to helplessness has resulted in protests, increased hatred, bankruptcy, fear, and disregard for the medical expertise that has pioneered many advancements in the treatment of disease processes. Even the men elected to lead are sending out mixed messages which have incited total chaos in the United States of America.

Where are the quiet times that give us the time to meditate with God? When we are overwhelmed and feeling stressed, still, we are admonished to pray and possess unwavering faith in God. Where do you stand in your relationship with God? The coronavirus is the deal-breaker. It separates the true believers in God from the double-minded. The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. Isaiah 29:13

Are we making the best of our Stay-at-Home time? It is in the quiet times that we purposefully set aside to worship God that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us who God is. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10. The duties of our lives must continue; even so, it is our responsibility to put God first and foremost. Make your Bible Study a personal experience, take your time, and read aloud. The scriptures portray God’s true character, the invisible God becomes visible as we learn of His love and mercies that He faithfully gives to humanity.

Knowledge of God’s precepts and promises provide strength in the times of adversity.

Of all of the things that are truly amazing and wonderful, prayer ranks at the top of the list. We have been given the privilege to talk to God at any hour of the day or night. Sweet Hour of prayer that calls me from a world of care and bids me to my Father’s throne, where I can make all my wants and wishes known (paraphrased). If you are feeling emotionally unstable, take the time to pray, and have a real talk with God. Bare your soul to Him and pray for peace. My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me… Hosea 4:6, the first part

When we are spiritually refreshed, we should encourage those who do not understand that a personal relationship with God is available. God has commissioned us to witness to the broken-hearted. Using social media is a powerful form of communication that can be used to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many individuals bare their most intimate feelings expressing hopelessness, fear, anxieties, or confusion to strangers who belittle them for being afraid. It is the perfect opportunity to provide a loving answer based on hope and compassion and to incorporate a scripture with God’s promises. Jesus always met people where they were in their lives and fully restored them according to their individual needs.

We usually desire Quiet time because we assume that being alone always provides a positive experience. However, Satan uses isolation as a method of persuasion to misinterpret the truth, to present false beliefs, and to plant the seeds of hopelessness and loneliness. God is aware of the devious plots that we are presented with, especially the concept that when we sin, He abandons us.

Using our quiet time to connect with God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our faith and perseverance to get through the tough times of life. Time with God is priceless! We receive guidance, knowledge, and the wisdom to discern the snares of temptation.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

God desires that we set aside quiet time to commune with Him every day. In doing so, we gain spiritual strength that enables us to rise above our circumstances. The Holy Spirit enables our spiritual eyesight to improve and we are able to see the visible power of an Invisible God.

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020