We are almost there!

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 1 Peter 2:1

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11

Have you ever traveled to a place for rest and relaxation and imagined living there? Many of us desire better things and alternate places to live that we hope will improve the quality of our lives. Last year, after exploring for fun and interesting vacation sites, we decided to take a trip traveling west. Based on our research, which included looking at many pictures posted on Pinterest, we decided to take a leisurely drive from Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The drive was enjoyable. We were not on a time crunch, which allowed us to make several stops and take pictures of the beauty of the desert. As the scenery changed, the surprise was on us. When we arrived in Santa Fe, to a city with bumper to bumper traffic, noise, and the smog of pollution that is common in much larger cities, we wondered if the pictures we viewed represented a past era of Sante Fe. Although the villa was beautiful and provided a comfort zone with minimal noise from sound-proofed walls and windows, we were in one of the busiest districts that reminded us of our Northeastern upbringing.

Even so, we made the best of a less than desirable situation. We awakened early and took the scenic route through the mountains. The stress melted away as a variety of plants and trees revealed an unequivocal beauty of the New Mexico desert. A visit to a local shop that specialized in handmade items from numerous countries throughout the world was the highlight of our vacation. The talent of the crafters was evident. No two things were alike.

One could just imagine the individual sitting in front of a table with raw materials and lovingly creating items with intricate details and beautiful vibrant colors. The owner provided us with valuable information regarding the towns that provide an atmosphere of rest and relaxation. The description of the historical village of Taos with its adobe buildings and local art by Native Americans certainly piqued our interest for a future vacation spot.

Are we living and planning our lives as if we are visitors on a temporary journey? Many have been taken by surprise from the tragedies of this pandemic. Swift devastation is foretold in the Scriptures and indicates that our earthly homes will soon end. Pastor Carlton P. Byrd of Oakwood University Church stated in his most recent sermon, “There is something that you are looking for that will help you make sense of what you are seeing.” So true, unless we are praying and studying the Bible, we cannot discern the true meaning of the last day events.

Spiritual blindness prevents us from fully comprehending the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, Instead of turning to God for wisdom and the revelation of His Word, we begin to make the same mistakes as unbelievers. We focus on the tangible, the things that we can see and touch as opposed to trusting in the invisible God. The number of Pastors and believers demanding that the churches open despite the alarming numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths indicates the lack of guidance from the Holy Spirit. We cannot place our faith and trust in brick and mortar buildings.

A current article from a Christian magazine told of a young woman’s response to the question, “How have you been affected by not being able to attend church?” She informed the journalist that in their village, they do not have a church, and she worshipped God several times a day alone in her home because she was the only Believer in her family. Building a relationship with God involves daily worship on a personal level, not just collectively meeting once or twice a week, to attendrch services.

What does our future look like? Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27

It is time to perform an honest and soul-searching self-evaluation. “Is my life in harmony with what God requires?” To the one who is victorious, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21

Future plans have been in place since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The commitment to God is reflected in our lifestyle, the way we talk, the activities that we focus on, and the amount of time that we spend worshipping God. To be an overcomer, we must live as temporary residents, always ready for relocation. Either we will remain comfortable in our present situation and hope for things to improve, or we are preparing to live forever in the New Heaven and the New Earth. For the victorious, our permanent residency has been established as we anxiously await the Second Coming of Jesus.

“If all you see has you thinking, ‘Is this all there is to life?’ then your eyes are not open, and you are not seeing what God has in store for you.” Pastor Dr. Carlton P. Byrd

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

A Santa Fe, New Mexico Day Trip _ SplurgeFrugal_com

 

 

How will I know?

Spiritual Solutions for Practical Living

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6, first part

Music is a powerful and persuasive medium for building up and validating our relationship with God through praise and worship in song and instruments. Music is a ministry and should be treated as such. From personal experience, we are blessed by music that honors and glorifies God. Even so, we must be fully aware of the words by carefully listening to the message that is being conveyed. Beyond that we should have knowledge of the beliefs and the background of the artist to make certain that they are promoting the Biblical truth through their music.

Since, secular music does not honor God, music as a ministry can only be provided by those Christian and Gospel artists who have a personal relationship with God. What do we really know about others? There is a popular group that believes in the transference of knowledge by the actual laying of one’s body across a religious person’s gravesite. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:5

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.…Matthew 7:15-17. If the words of the song reflect the Word of God then it would stand that the artist has a personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to recognize truth from error or else we would live in a state of confusion and our lives would hold no purpose.

Satan has been highly effective in using the most popular songs to convey false teachings. Many listen to words that speak of immortality upon death and a ghost-like spirit that is transferred to heaven even though the body is buried or cremated. The Bible refutes these concepts which are based on spiritualism. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7. We can blame Satan for the deception of incorporating the pagan beliefs of spiritualism into the state of the dead, who know nothing. Many fail to realize that Satan has been alive since God created the angels. Since he challenged God and failed, he is after us, who are created in God’s image, and are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.

How did the concept of ghosts/spiritualism become an essential part of the theological doctrines on the State of the Dead? Even though we may not possess theology degrees, the proof is in the Bible that spiritualism existed long before modern day society.

  1. but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out. Mark 6:49
  2. “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. Deuteronomy 18:9-12
  3. “You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes. Leviticus 19:26
  4. As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. Acts 16:16

Satan was also created by God, he is a fallen angel, and that status continues as he walks the earth, seeking to destroy humanity. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Job 1:7

Satan has power; he is able to think on a higher level than humanity, and he carefully observes our behaviors which reveal our inner most thoughts and our belief systems. Thankfully, God has placed limitations on his ability to destroy us, or every believer in Jesus Christ would be tortured mentally and physically. Satan will never be able to replicate the creation of humanity, so he presents false beliefs to those who are easily manipulated.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes… Ephesians 6:10-11. The failure to study the Bible has so many living in confusion. And Satan knows that nothing is more powerful than the comforting thought that our loved ones are in heaven looking down on us.

To receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. …Proverbs 1:3-8

While in college, I chose Eastern and Western religions as elective courses because I required a diverse knowledge to provide transcultural nursing care. Now I realize, that my knowledge of opposing religious beliefs have given me the ability to easily recognize error from Biblical truth. False doctrines easily deceive, always appealing to the emotions, and presented in a non-threatening manner. Praise God that His truth always produces transformation. Praise God for the Holy Spirit that when false teachings are compared to the Word of God, they falter.

We can only recognize deceit, false teachings, and false prophets if our spiritual eyes are open, and that is not possible when we do not dutifully study the Word of God. “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

What do you know about paganism, spiritualism and the occult? It is a widely practiced set of beliefs that Satan has incorporated into books, Harry Potter, movies, Lord of the Rings with it’s imaginary creatures, warlocks and witches, seances, imaginary ghosts and monsters, the ability of a spirit that replicates and appears like the deceased body to walk on this earth, vampire legends, voodooism, and many other pagan concepts. Holidays such as Halloween, and the rabbits and eggs introduced into the Easter celebration are based on the pagan beliefs of mythical gods and goddesses and rituals of sacrificial human or animal offerings.

Unless we pray for knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual discernment, then we readily grasp and hold onto false teachings. If the deceased is in heaven because they lived a righteous life, then where are the individuals who lived an ungodly life? If your answer is in purgatory, the spirit world, walking on this earth, or burning in a non-existent hell, then I admonish you to research the Bible. Start a spiritual fast and pray, ask God to reveal the truth that you may come into the knowledge and understanding of His Word. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.… John 14:13-14
Get rid of myths, and misinformation by researching the origin of pagan holidays and the change of Saturday Sabbath to Sunday-the worship of the Sun by Constantine. “Sunday was another work day in the Roman Empire. On March 7, 321, however, Roman Emperor Constantine I issued a civil decree making Sunday a day of rest from labor, stating: All judges and city people and the craftsmen shall rest upon the venerable day of the sun.”

Make certain that your religious beliefs do not contain parts of spiritualism in them. The following is a link that gives a description of spiritualism that is practiced as a religion: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/spiritualism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

There is a misconception that we can live as we choose to live, and God has enabled us with the freedom of choice. However, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12.

Our lives are blessed when we possess humility, a spirit of meekness and a contrite heart. Prepare yourself now by staying in His presence through the Bible and prayer. Jesus is Coming! Use this time to get to know who God is, learn the truth, and get rid of character traits that do not align with Galatians 5:22-23. Our greatest desire must be for a relationship with God. Begin now, one day very soon we are going to see the King, Jesus Christ, the Son of God who suffered, bled, and died for everyone of us.

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. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 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

Stay in His Presence. Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

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Watch, Wait, and Study

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 5:5-8

After 8 weeks of living by a conscious decision to “Stay at Home,” our pet had a post-surgical appointment at the Vet for which I finally had to leave my home and step outside. My feelings of ambivalence were justified in the fact that just as in the days of Noah when people did not heed God’s warning, I witnessed countless individuals not practicing Social Distancing nor wearing face coverings.

From the limited protection of staying in my vehicle with the air conditioning set to recirculate the air, my level of discomfort remained. Even with using the highest precautions, I do not possess an N-95 Respirator Mask. And being fully aware of the Chain of Disease Transmission, and the pathophysiology and virulence of diseases caused by viruses, the necessity of leaving my home went against all of the medical knowledge and nursing training that I possess. This was one of the first non-prudent decisions regarding my health that I have made in many years. It is not fear that caused my discomfort, it is my hereditary diagnosis of being an asthmatic, and my advanced age that necessitates ongoing Stay-at-Home precautions.

Although homemade face coverings or surgical masks do not prevent the spread of COVID-19, with a face covering, at least the respiratory secretions from sneezes or cough are somewhat contained. It is the same concept as if you sneezed or coughed into your sleeve or another area of your clothing. In preparation for the unavoidable trip, I constructed my face covering with 3 layers of cotton fabric, the 2 inner layers (which are removable and are discarded) made from a medical-grade antimicrobial thick cotton that is typically used as a protective layer against bacterial organisms for post-surgical procedures. Notice that the inner layers only protect against bacterial invaders, not viral.

My suspicions of abject disregard for COVID-19 were confirmed yesterday as I witnessed life as usual in 2 rural towns and 1 larger city in our county. Yes, I understand that there are “only 52 cases” in a county with 9 municipalities. However, my outlook is not limited to the county in which I reside.

  • April 17th: 661,712 cases and 33,049 deaths
  • April 20th: 746,625 cases and 39,083 deaths…cdc.gov statistics for the United States

Every aspect of the Word of God should be applied to our practical way of life. The Bible provides us with the knowledge and guidance that we need to make viable choices that lead to positive outcomes. Studying and praying reaffirms that we are actively participating in our spiritual growth.

By possessing knowledge, wisdom, faith, and trust in God, we are empowered and able to live victoriously through Christ Jesus. Remembering that all of God’s promises are conditional, we take action by presenting our dilemmas to God in prayer and obediently wait until He provides His plans for us.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground and having done everything to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

We are living in a time that is comparable to the days of Noah. People are focused on money, loving sinful and pleasurable activities, bored, filled with hatred, possessing total disregard for the truth, and the refusal to comply with safety principles that ensure self-preservation. We are warned by scientists that a “New Normal” of safe guidelines are required to live in the age of an invisible viral enemy but to no avail.

Noah preached for 120 years, and it was only he and his family, and animals that entered the ark of safety. Make no mistake, Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled. God has given those that are faithfully serving Him the time to make their choice to continue to live a life of righteousness by faith.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these, He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8

Stay at home is a blessing for those who are preparing for Eternal life. We do not possess the mindset that we are bored or that our life is mundane. Very soon, our earthly tribulations and troublesome times will increase. Without God, we will join the countless individuals who are now taking antianxiety and antidepressants to cope with their fear and state of hopelessness.

Yes, we knew the climatic and final event of Jesus’ Second Coming was eventually going to happen. But most of us were caught up in our daily routines of achieving personal goals. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

Never has any earthly event impacted our health, shut down our fail-proof economic systems, and produced pandemic level infections and deaths as the COVID-19 virus. Yet, the political focus is on the prevention of a total economic shutdown, and the restrictions have been modified to re-open and attempt to resume a former way of life.

Compared to the number of over 7.5 billion people in the world, very few have chosen the Plan of Salvation, which is living a life based on Righteousness by Faith. Without God, we cannot expect rational and logical mindsets. The coping mechanisms of many have shattered as they rebel against any further interventions to contain this global disease.

For Believers only, “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

Life with God gives us peace as we anticipate the greatest event known to humanity, the Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Scripture Pictures from the Book of 1st Thessalonians _ Amazing Facts