Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5.

By the time Noah lived, the human race had rapidly increased in number, along with evil thoughts that produced corruption and abject wickedness. Their choice of sin prevailed over truth and righteousness, and with regret, God made the decision to destroy every living thing by a flood. Genesis 6:7, 17

We have a natural inclination toward sin, it is easier for the winds of strife to enter our minds than it is for us to possess pure and wholesome thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as a man thinketh, so is he.” Our thoughts come to fruition by our behaviors and our actions. You are what you think.

Under normal circumstances, we are entirely predictable. It is not difficult to listen to the words and observe the actions and behaviors of another person. Our habits, our choices, our strengths, and our weaknesses reveal our real character.  The secret thoughts that only God knows about define who we are, and it is those weaknesses that provide the leeway for temptation. So, isn’t is Satan’s fault that we desire to do evil based on sinful thoughts?

Satan is a fallen being and does not possess the powers of the Trinity Godhead. Satan is not Omniscient; therefore, God has not given him the supernatural ability to read our minds or to control our thoughts. He uses a process to manipulate us based on observation, he watches us closely.  Do our negative words, facial expressions, or actions reveal our innermost thoughts? Yes, we are 100% responsible for our thoughts and the fall into the temptations of sin. We cannot be compelled by Satan to think evil thoughts or to do evil actions.

Sinful thoughts lead to evil actions. Is there a way to effectively control our thoughts? We must do our part by practicing conscious awareness of ungodly thoughts and halt them immediately. Even so, it is through constant prayer, that we will gain the victory over sinful thoughts and the evil actions that follow. By asking God to help us to focus on His righteousness, we will overcome evil.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2, first part

A tea-drinker is one who enjoys endless flavors that are relatively free of calories. From the flowery explosions of White Jasmine & Rose to the spicy and robust Ginger root teas, there are so many choices, that make it difficult to choose just one. Herbal teas are the best option because they have the dual purpose of providing natural remedies for minor ailments, and do not contain the drug-caffeine.

For those who are newbies to the full-flavors of tea, avoid the boxed teabags by any means necessary. Teabags contain the dust and fannings, the tasteless leftovers from the rich, fragrant tea leaves. Look the other way and use your time to find a retailer that sells loose leaf tea. As the term implies, it is the cut leaves that pack a powerful and delicious experience that is well worth the price. Consider purchasing organic tea leaves to have the option of avoiding toxic pesticides.

If only our lives were as easy as pouring out and discarding the leftovers of sin; our teapot of daily living would never contain sin’s harmful pesticides. When we seek after worldly pleasures, we drink from the cup that contains the dust and fannings of disobedience, and our relationship with God becomes tainted.

Obediently studying and following godly instructions does not guarantee a pot filled with flavorful tea. We cannot sweeten our spiritual journey! Just when we are ready to take it easy, the boiling waters of strife and the bitter waters of trials and tribulations impact our lives by leaving their sour taste. It is with certainty that we will endure many bitter flavors in life. Do not despair! It is during the times when the tea has the most pungent taste that we will discover that God is with us.

As tea leaves must steep to extract their full-flavor, we must do our part to achieve spiritual growth by dedicating sufficient time to pray and diligently study the Bible. Even so, God will never ask us, “How do you take your tea?” Through His grace and mercies, He keeps us from drowning in the bitter waters of life by providing us with the perfect pot of tea brewed from the choice leaves of blessings and the sweet waters of peace.

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

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we love God the truth will not stand down!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2

If there were two roads: The Road of Suffering and the Road to a Peaceful Life, would you willingly choose the option to suffer? For those of us who would immediately want the peaceful life would be distressed to find out that the Road to a Peaceful Life merges into the Road to Suffering.

I have often pondered as to why there are so many levels of suffering. I am unable to remember a time in my life when I was not facing some type of hardship. So, I began to pray for comfort and for much-needed answers. The scriptures provided sound reasons for staying on the Road to Suffering. Because God is with us!

1. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
2. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…Psalm 46:1-3
3. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
4. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”…2 Corinthians 12:9

There are definitive purposes for every trial and hardship that we endure. Our journey is all about strengthening our relationship with Christ. Living devoid of suffering prevents spiritual growth. We must experience whatever is required of us to live every day on bended knees. Suffering ensures that we maintain a connection with God based on absolute dependency throughout our lifespan.

Another benefit to suffering is the Refinement and Perfection of our Character. We become one with Christ when we surrender our total selves to Him as we become transformed into His likeness. Our character must align with God’s character. The first attribute we must possess is “Unconditional love” for God and others. This characteristic alone may be the one that has extended your journey on the Road to Suffering.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

Prayer: Dear God, Please help us to be faithful and joyful as we travel the Road of Suffering. Thank you for also traveling this Road, which led to your death for us that we may be redeemed. We ask you for the strength to grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 NLT

I was recently at an estate sale and overheard a conversation that began with “How are you?” In response, the person stated in an upbeat manner, “Living the dream.” It was as if time had stopped. We waited for further clarification of the dream; was it an abundance of money, a great job, good health? However, he never said another word as all eyes watched this stranger jubilantly walk away.

Living the dream is a subjective state of mind. No two individuals will replicate the meaning of what the dream is to them. My interpretation of living the dream may be tied to significant interaction with my family, enough money to pay the bills, the enjoyment of being retired, or experiencing a pain-free day.

From a spiritual perspective, Eternal Life should be our dream and every thought and action should reflect this desire. Even though we are told in John 14 and Revelation 21 that Christ is preparing a new home for us, many have lost hope in this promise. We are putting most of our time and energy in the pursuit of secular dreams–tangible things that will eventually be destroyed. Do we really understand God’s promise of “a new heaven and a new earth?” If yes, then we live for God and strive for Eternal life, which is through sanctification, wholly committing ourselves daily to God.

The thought-provoking statement of “living the dream” has me seriously thinking about the changes I need to make in my spiritual journey. Unlike working to obtain “the dream” from a worldly perspective, I am unable to do good works to receive Eternal Life. It was not a coincidence that I heard the stranger’s response. There are changes that I need to make in my life if I desire to hear Jesus say, “Well done.” Thank you, God, for getting my attention-my commitment to you needs major improvement.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Praise God for another week that He has brought us safely through. Amen.

When we realize the greatness of what God has done for us we look for ways to express our love for Him. He has been so good and faithful to us.

We should remind ourselves when we pray what a magnificent privilege it is to be able to draw close to God in prayer.

We were in the deep mire of sin, but God raised us up so that we could stand in His holy presence. Do not just take this mercy for granted.

Today ask the Lord to teach you to serve Him with your whole heart so that your life will be a song of praise to Him. Debra Bailey

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

“You can’t go through life wearing catcher’s mitts on both hands; you have to throwback also.” Maya Angelou 

How can I help? Before asking this question, we must be aware that this is an open-ended request to hear the answer and make a personal commitment to provide our intervention. Only a heart filled with genuine care and compassion would ask, “What can I do to alleviate your suffering or your burdens?”

When we accept God and the Plan of Salvation, we become Christian believers whose roles are pre-determined and defined by God. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17. God never asks more of us than is humanly possible.

1 Kings 17:7-24 tells us of the story of the Widow of Zarephath, who only had enough food for one last meal. By her faith and obedience, God provided a never-ending supply of food for her and her son. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

What qualities are required to serve others?
1. Helping others encompasses giving of one’s time, talent, and financial resources.
2. Helping others requires a definitive mindset of selflessness, humility, and the ability to set boundaries.
3. Helping others stipulates that the receiver has no obligation to the giver.
4. Helping others requires a Vow of Silence. Whatever you are doing is between you, the person, and God.

So what are the benefits of giving to others? Our character becomes more like Christ.
1. Giving melts away a cold, stony heart, and in its place, genuine love grows.
2. Giving destroys selfishness and enables the fruit of the spirit to flourish.
3. Giving provides you with the inner joy that comes from improving someone else’s life.

Finally, giving of ourselves increases our faith in God and in humanity. Remember, someone else wishes that they were in your situation.

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

Prayer: Dear God, I am my brother’s keeper. Please remove all selfishness from our hearts, and may we have the desire to always assist those in need. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

One of the most enjoyable toys is a balloon filled with air, bringing laughter and joy to many children and some adults. Still, we realize that the inevitable has happened when we hear the loud pop from our object of fun–our balloon has burst. When that occurs, children will react in one of two ways, either they will cry from fear, or they will laugh from the loud noise. A simple solution to allay fear or disappointment is the reassurance of a replacement balloon and to continue the playtime.

I can remember when a Quality position that I really loved and was highly skilled in came to an abrupt end. One of my clients reported that the current monthly report for the statistics representing “Met and Unmet goals” were inaccurate. She produced an inhouse report that documented the electronic submission and receipt of the successful transfer of the data to our organization.

The research revealed the worst-case scenario: Although a team of three persons, including myself, were devoted to the process of reviewing the data, we were not responsible for monitoring the timely submission of said data. The team member assigned to submit the data had failed to meet the deadline, and the date for further submission had passed. As I reviewed and documented the increasing numbers of the non-submission of pertinent data, I immediately notified the administration of the findings.

Following the investigation, which revealed a manager and the employee were directly responsible for the failure of submission, the executive decision of nondisclosure to the client prompted my decision to tender my resignation. I experienced many emotions during the two weeks that followed the end of my career. My tenure with the company that I envisioned, leaving with the status of a retiree, would never happen. I went through the stages of grief, including shock and disbelief. The level of disappointment that I experienced was immeasurable. How could this have possibly happened after all of my hard work?

As I share this experience, I can emphatically say that my decision to stand by God’s standards for the life of a Believer was one that I have never regretted. I refused to compromise with Satan’s plan for deception. At the time of my disappointment, I failed to recognize that God had other plans for my life. We must remember, that God is Omniscient, He is already aware of the grave disappointments that deflate our balloons of hope, leaving us depleted of faith and trust in Him.

There are no easy methods for overcoming disappointment. Often we are encouraged to move on as if nothing has happened, which is not beneficial for our spiritual growth. Prayerfully, express your disappointment: “God, I am disappointed and feeling despondent that things did not work out as I anticipated. However, I know that you are working things out for my good and that you have better things for me. Amen.”

Acknowledging to God that you do not understand his will for your life; yet, you are still willing to put your life in His hands, is that simple act of faith that initiates the healing process and brings restoration. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. God has another balloon filled with hope and future plans that He is waiting to give to you.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

In reading the Book of Leviticus, we become aware that God gave specific instructions to the Nation of Israel on every aspect of their lives. There was nothing left to chance or up to the imagination on the requirements for serving God. The people received instructions on their entire lifestyles that were easy to understand. From the beginning, God established strict guidelines that include boundaries for all Believers.

“I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Malachi 3:6

Fast forward to the era that we live in, and many of us have disregarded the biblical instructions for our behaviors, our activities, the food we should eat, and the seventh-day Sabbath. We view the Old Testament scriptures as obsolete and non-applicable to the 21st Century. In fact, many churches proclaim that they are under the New Covenant and the New Testament. The significant change is that animal sacrifices are no longer required because of the sacrificial offering of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who died for the remission of our sins, and is alive, serving as our Intercessor in the heavenly courts.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

The Word of God is not ambiguous–open to more than one interpretation or having a double meaning. God is clear in His instructions; yet, our modern lifestyles reflect that God left us with an uncertain path to follow. As believers, we face many issues that challenge the godly standards in the scriptures. In response, we have developed a mysterious gray area in the middle somewhere to satisfy our sinful desires. Our actions indicate that God did not leave us with scriptural guidelines to address modern-day dilemmas.

Currently, one of the most challenging dilemmas that we face is the loneliness of one. The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18. The original plan for humanity was the holy institution of marriage, children, and strong family ties. Sin entered, leaving brokenness of the heart from the destruction of marriages and families. The desire to remedy our loneliness, along with the desperation for a relationship, places us on the path of disobedience and Satan unleashes his diabolical plan.

Seeking a relationship falls into the gray area–the area that we have established. Yes, we acknowledge that God is aware of our circumstances; but, He has not answered our prayers for a husband or wife. So, we begin to help God by searching for the right one on dating sites, on chat lines, on social media, under the guise of “Christian dating sites.” Or we are motivated to join the gym, single clubs, or even begin to attend church with the ulterior motive to meet that particular person.

When we are weakened by our feelings, and begin to doubt God, Satan uses the tactics of Deception to give us quick and easy solutions. Remember Eve in the Garden of Eden! God loves us and will provide us with warnings that this is not His plan before we fall into temptation. It is our free will choice to obey and choose His way of escape or to compromise and make excuses to continue self-seeking pleasures of the world.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. James 1:17

The Omniscient God is always aware of what we need and when we need it. If marriage is in His perfect will for our lives, we do not have to compromise the boundaries that He has established. We do not have to search for a husband or wife. Our perfect gifts come down from a Holy and unchanging God who does not use unholy avenues such as dating sites to bless us with who He has for us. Rely upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11,12

Prayer: Dear God, We ask forgiveness for doubting you and using ungodly methods to remedy our problems. You know our situations, and we will obediently rely on your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020