Get up and Walk

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.

Quiet Times

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

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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