Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Jeff Scoggins

As Believers, we are one family in Christ. Just sharing the information that I received regarding a global effort to come together for the healing of our land.

http://revivalandreformation.org/100days

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

Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh… Genesis 6:3 NLT

With the current pandemic, chaos and confusion are running rampant, the comments on social media reflect many reactions, including fear, greed, anger, and disbelief. Two comments prevail which reveal the current doubt in our society: “I am going to live my life just like I was before this virus happened.” and “People need to stop acting like this is the end of the world.”

What compels an individual to doubt that our world is in serious trouble? What drives an individual to ignore the death and devastation from COVID-19? Fear is powerful, it controls and compels us, but most importantly, it exposes our character and our beliefs. Fear causes us to disregard rational options in life and produces self-destructive tendencies.

Even more powerful than fear is disbelief because it leads to abject disregard and disobedience. As a result, the coronavirus continues to spread because physical symptoms are ignored, quarantine measures are scoffed at, and many are planning parties and celebrations as if the pandemic does not exist.

Disbelief in God is fatal! When we make the decision to follow the sinful pleasures of life, we make a choice that determines our final destination. Unbelief is the only reason for dispelling biblical history and God’s promises that our world, as we know it, is coming to an end. And that unbelief places us on the path of destruction from which we will continue to travel on unless we accept the true and living God.

We are not unique with our mindsets, our actions, or our sins. Our behaviors and way of life have existed for a very long time. Remember, in the time of Noah, the wickedness of antediluvian humanity was so great that God regretted creating humanity. The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. Genesis 6:5-6. The floodwaters that remained for 150 days destroyed every living organism, human, animal, and plant.

But Noah found favor with God; he and his family, along with the animals that God instructed him to put on the ark, were saved. After the waters receded, Noah offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. Genesis 8:21

We are forewarned that the day of the Lord is upon us. Jesus Christ will come again, and this time, as King of King and Lord of Lords. Oh yes, that day, although unknown to humanity, is coming soon. 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 everything done in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

The choice to serve God is a freewill choice. Do not be surprised by the separation of Believers and Unbelievers, which is occurring because of this world crisis.

He that is unjust let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

It is time for us to wholeheartedly believe in God and to proclaim the Word of God. Only then can we witness and share our testimonies on social media.

In three short months, just like He did with the plagues of Egypt, God has taken away everything we worship. God said, “you want to worship athletes, I will shut down the stadiums. You want to worship musicians, I will shut down Civic Centers. You want to worship actors, I will shut down theaters. You want to worship money, I will shut down the economy and collapse the stock market. You don’t want to go to church and worship Me, I will make it where you can’t go to church.

“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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. Maybe we don’t need a vaccine, Maybe we need to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival, where we focus on the ONLY thing in the world that really matters, Jesus.

Start the revival in your home…Spread the Love of Jesus. Reposted with the permission of Oliver James.

https://www.aol.com/article/news/2020/03/23/this-week-its-going-to-get-bad-surgeon-general-says-people-need-to-take-coronavirus-seriously/23958969/

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NLT

In lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are becoming bitter. The loss of income, along with the protocols to contain this disease have resulted in dysfunctional feelings of anger and resentment. The coronavirus has exposed the helplessness of humanity as we have watched a previously unknown disease reach pandemic levels on a global basis.

If we perform a thorough self-examination then we come to realize that we have overdeveloped the counterproductive habit of self-reliance. Our normal lifestyle usually includes more plans and commitments than a 24-hour day would allow. The push to accomplish too much eventually leads to stress and we end up exhausted mentally and physically. Because we are already at a burned-out stage the present circumstances are just too much to cope with.

Did you know that God never intended for us to fully rely on ourselves nor to bear the burdens of life alone?

1. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
2. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
3. Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

During this difficult time, we can take steps to make our lives better. When adversity hits hard, our response reflects our belief system. Acknowledging that a higher power, God our Creator, is in control allows us to see beyond our present circumstances. We can make a positive choice to put our unbelief and self-reliance aside. It is a simple act to possess complete faith and trust in God. All we have to do is believe. 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

Our reward from faithfully believing in God is to possess the peace that quiets and refreshes the soul. It is the peace that only God can provide, the peace that He freely gives to us when we trust Him to care for us. The same God who was fully aware of this deadly disease tells us to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

All of God’s promises are conditional, we must do our part to possess faith, trust, and obedience in the One who has our lives in His hands. Pray for protection, pray for others who are living in quarantine, pray for those who are in a high-risk category, pray for the workers who are providing services every day, pray for those who live alone, pray for those who have financial difficulties due to loss of their employment, pray, pray, pray for everyone.

We become a better person when we possess compassion for others. Share your overabundance, donate food, paper products, and hand sanitizer. Social media has many posts that indicate where help is needed.

Above all, maintain a joyful spirit. The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Proverbs 18:14 NLT

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

 

 

 

 

The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121: 5-8

As our level of knowledge, life experience, and spiritual maturity differ, so will our reactions and coping skills differ to the stormy trials and tribulations that we face daily. Within three months, the coronavirus has hit our world like an unstoppable tsunami. Without our prior consent, we made immediate changes to comply with the guidelines of the “new normal” restrictive lifestyle to keep us from harm’s way.

Deciding to choose a relationship with God has given us the assurance that God will provide. We do not live in a panic mode as unbelievers, nor do we fear or fail to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves.

1. By eating a healthy diet of nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables, our Immune System is nourished and will function to protect us with ongoing strength.
2. By possessing unwavering faith in God, we boost our spiritual health to a level where we readily depend on God to keep us safe from all pestilence and disease.
3. By studying the Bible and praying, we believe the promises of our Heavenly Father to protect and provide for us at all times. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We are covered physically, financially, and emotionally by God. It is in times like these that we can remember that God, our Creator, the “I Am,” will lovingly care for us. After all, we belong to God, and we give all praise, glory, and honor to God, who is our Jehovah Jireh–our provider.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

God, we thank you for the new mercies we received as we awakened to a new day. Thank you for being our provider and for caring for us. We thank you for keeping us from all danger seen and unseen. As we prepare for Eternal life, please manifest your lovingkindness to those who are suffering from physical illness, financial devastation, and brokenness. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we enter the blessed and Holy hours of the Sabbath, reflect on the love and the power of Jesus Christ. If He calmed the stormy sea, raised the dead, made a lame man walk, cleansed 10 lepers, and joined the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, died, and arose from death on the third day…then He will keep us from all bodily harm.

We can have peace when we believe.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Our Disbelief in God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy have led to Disobedience. Many of us feel comfortable living by our interpretation of God’s commands. When we add or take away from the truth that is revealed to us from the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Holy Spirit, then we commit sin against God.

Two issues are permeating the homes of believing Christians:

1. Unholy habits and worldly practices that exist among the children living at home.
2. The lower-based passion for animal-based foods and foods that are filled with sugar, fats, and high calories, which contain little to no nutrients.

I have researched for scriptures from the Bible and readings from the Spirit of Prophecy that support the acceptance of worldly behaviors among minor and adult children who continue to reside in their parent’s house. The parents have turned a blind eye to God’s commands, and have justified that they are no longer spiritually responsible for their children. Yes, children of age will have to answer for their sins; however, all godly principles must be enforced in our homes to reflect righteous and holy living.

I recently listened to a Christian mother state that her adult son smokes cigarettes, and as long as he smokes outside of the house, then it is alright. God does not have separate categories for sin. If the adult child who resides in your home is not adhering to the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy, it is not alright. Joshua stated, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Serving the Lord and adhering to God’s commands includes every member that resides in your household.

The secondary sin that we have readily embraced is the indulgence of appetite. The following excerpts are taken from Counsels on Diet and Food, and Counsels on Health, Ellen G. White.

• “The time will come when we may have to discard some of the articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs…”
• “Cheese Unfit for Food…Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach.”
• “Flesh Meats, butter, cheese, rich pastry, spicy foods, and condiments are freely partaken of by both old and young. These things do their work and arranged in the stomach, exciting the nerves, and enfeebling the intellect. The blood-making organs cannot convert such things into good blood.”
• Cravings interfere with spiritual worship.
• Satan sees that he cannot have so great power over Minds when the appetite is kept under control as to when it is indulged, and he is constantly working to lead us to indulgence. Under the influence of unhealthful food, the conscience becomes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and its susceptibility to Impressions is impaired.
• There is a conflict between Truth and Self Indulgence.
• The effects of wrong habits lower the standard of physical health, enfeeble mental and moral strength. The indulgence of unnatural appetites and passions has a controlling influence upon the nerves of the brain. It is impossible for an intemperate man (or woman) to be a Christian, for its higher powers are brought into slavery to the passions. Testimonies for the Church 3:51 (1871)
• Life is a gift of God. Our bodies have been given us to use in God’s service, and he desires that we shall care for and appreciate them. A misuse of the body shortens that period of time, which God designs shall be used in his service. Ellen G. White

God desires for us to have a healthy body and a desire for real and faithful obedience. When we fail to adhere to His principles, we are no different from Cain, who refused to slaughter the lamb and offered his firstfruits instead.

And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

It is our commission to witness to those who do not know who Jesus is. We place ourselves outside of God’s will when our Disbelief leads to willful Disobedience.

We are the remnant who is living in the last days! We cannot afford to compromise and live outside of “Righteousness by Faith.” The signs are evident, Satan is working overtime to distract us, so we do not dutifully study our Health Message which was designed by God to prepare us for Eternal life. Yes, physical exercise is essential, but what we eat must reflect the original wholesome diet that God has blessed us with. The resources that we have should be utilized to produce strict obedience to our Creator.

Preparing for Eternal Life one day at a time. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 12:17

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, Ephesians 6:12-14

Yesterday, on a neighborhood app, I read a husband’s heartwrenching story that his wife is in a nursing home. With the “No Visitors” restriction, he is no longer able to see her or to provide the care beyond the basics that she receives from the staff. In addition, there were many comments not related to the husband’s story that indicated the innermost feelings of many individuals who are in this crisis, and I must express that the level of callousness toward human life was genuinely amazing.

According to the latest statistics, “To date, more than 204,000 individuals are infected with the virus, and over 8200 people have died.” The Centers for Disease Control, whose website, cdc.gov is updated at 12 noon, Monday-Fridays provide the stats for the United States…(see below).

“The world is at war with a hidden enemy. WE WILL WIN!” Donald Trump

Satan is not a hidden enemy, and his powers are indeed visible to the Believers in God. Certainly, God is not our enemy, so who is this “hidden enemy?” Even so, this is not the time to look at the current world crisis from an analytical perspective. There can be no agreement concerning spiritual things between the two classifications of people. Now is the time for the separation of Believers and Unbelievers, who will remain unequally yoked on the last day events.

What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:16-17

This is Jesus’ message for those who remain faithful:

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. Revelation 3:10-11

Our God, who created this world, has always been in control, and He will forever remain in power, has promised to take care of us. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The time is now to open your Bible and study as if your life depends on it…because it does. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed. Ephesians 6:14

Communicate with God, morning, noon, and at night. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

You need to persevere so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”…Hebrews 10:36-38

The time is now!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020