Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he laid. Matthew 28:6

As we prepare for the Sabbath, which is from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, deeply reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus made for everyone: His death, which was for us, was a crucial part of the Plan of Salvation.

The Omniscient God

When Jesus agreed to die for humanity, it was not a last-minute emergency plan that had to be developed after Adam and Eve disobeyed and sinned against God.

The all-knowing God made the decision to create humanity–out of love and in His image–with the ability to choose to rebel by disobeying His commands.

Whatever your perception of God is, you should know that God also had a choice-He did not have to create us; but He did.

God had one son, Jesus Christ, who possesses all of the powers that His Father has. For Divinity to bow down and become human, You made them a little lower than the angels… Hebrews 2:7 (first part), it was the ultimate love sacrifice. With finite minds, we are unable to understand the suffering, the humiliation, and the death on a rugged cross that was used for criminals.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14 BSB

Live life with never-ending praise, gratitude, and obedience to our Great God.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! Psalm 95:6

Bible Readings: Matthew 28, Psalm 95

Prayer for today: Dear God, Your love for humanity is awesome. As we prepare for the Sabbath, please help us to remember the Plan of Salvation and that the death of your only Son, Jesus, was required to redeem us from sin. We ask you to forgive us for taking you for granted, for our disobedience, and for our ingratitude. Lord, as we move forward with a renewed commitment to praise and worship you, we pray for your blessing upon our lives. We ask these things in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Psalm 23:4 NLT

When we are faced with harsh difficulties that leave us feeling that there is no way out, we are exactly in the place where God wants us to be. God wants us to realize that we cannot use human intuition to resolve our problems that always require Divine Intervention.

God is not asking for our help: He is Omnipotent; He is Omnipresent; He is the Problem Solver; He knows the future and has all of the answers, all of the time.

We must diligently study the Word of God in order to know who God is and what God is capable of. Studying the Bible provides spiritual food for our souls and guides our prayers in the right direction. We learn to ask God for the right thing in the right manner when we stay in His Word.

Divine Intervention which is God’s will for our lives requires for us to wait and to:

“Be still and know that I am God!…” Psalm 46:10

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NLT

Believer Alert: God is BIGGER than our problem!

Bible Readings: Psalm 23, 27

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for being our Jehovah Jireh. Thank you for always being available for us to talk to you in prayer. We pray for your Divine Intervention in our lives at all times. Please give us the desire to obey and to wait patiently while you do your will for us. We ask forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask these blessings upon our lives in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV

How many of your character traits do you need to discard? How were your character traits formed? Although genetics has its place in who we are, the environment we are exposed to is largely responsible for our character.

There are certain professions that impact your personal life such as healthcare, law enforcement, military, national security, etc. The successful training and remolding of the individual’s mindset and lifestyle qualify them to commit to the standards of said professions. Or, perhaps you were part of a rigid, authoritarian upbringing where extreme structure and discipline abounded, and logic was not balanced with love. Another scenario is that the lack of structure, and discipline or refusal to abide by rules, produced disorderly and disruptive character traits.

There is a drawback to possessing character traits that are in conflict with the Word of God; you are willfully committing sin against God and subjecting others–families and friends to wayward and ungodly traits. We are not helpless in changing the traits that are displeasing to God; in fact, we should not allow environmental influence or career training to override the character that God requires us to possess.

By studying the Word of God, I am learning that Galatians 5:22,23 and Ephesians 4:32 are the expectations that God has for me as a Christian (Christ-like).

Does your character align with God’s requirements? If not, pray and discard the misaligned habits and traits like you would throw away filthy rags.

Bible Reading: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask forgiveness for character traits that are displeasing in your sight: yet, we continue to hold on to them like precious gold. It is our desire to possess the Fruit of the Spirit, to have unconditional love, and forgiveness, no matter the circumstances that we experience. Thank you for your Holy Word that we are able to study, and gain knowledge of who you are and the expectations for our lives. Please give us the humility to recognize the traits that we need to throw away, the strength to change, and the desire to do your will. These blessings we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12 ESV

Do you believe that God is bigger than your problems?

Take the giant Leap of Faith and give Him every concern, every worry, every situation, and every problem you are facing. It is that simple; we make our lives more complicated when we take on burdens that God never intended for us to have. God desires that we believe in His promises. Remember, He can never fail!

Pray, Believe, and Trust in God!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Readings: Study the Word

Hebrews 13:8
John 16:33
Malachi 3:6
Isaiah 55
Deuteronomy 28:1 36:1
Hebrews 12:1
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 46:3
Philippians 4:6
Joshua 1:9

Prayer for today: Dear Lord and Father of all mankind, We ask you to forgive us for carrying the weight of our burdens instead of calling on your name. O God, we need you more than ever in our lives. We can do nothing and we are nothing without you. Please hear our prayer and we will patiently wait until you answer. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

In the early 1990s, I worked with an MSW-Social Worker for one of New York State’s Division of Parole’s Transitional programs. Joe taught me a lot about the grimy-dirty side of life that I had never been exposed to and the ways to avoid being taken advantage of. He would always explain that the optimism that I possessed left me open as an easy target for “bad people with bad intentions.”

In New York City, many individuals take public transportation or walk to their destinations due to the hustle and bustle of life in an overly populated city. One day, as we returned from lunch, I decided to stop by a bodega and buy a packet of gum. After we left the store, Joe commented on the fact that I did not count my change, and my quick response was that “it was only coins, and that it really didn’t matter.” I knew that Joe would always have a rational explanation, so I sighed and prepared myself to hear yet another reason why I should change my behavior.

My faithful friend explained that if 100 customers enter the store every day and each person is short-changed by 10 cents, then the overage that the store-owner receives in a month adds up to $300 per month and $3600 per year. When I sat down at my desk and counted my change, I realized that I had been short-changed by 18 cents. The owner of the bodega used a technique in which he apologized for giving me nickels and pennies because he had a limited amount of quarters. The lesson was well-learned: Be willing to listen, learn, and remain open to change!

From a spiritual perspective, we have a guidebook-the Bible which addresses every aspect of our daily lives. Often there is a gap between studying the Word of God and the practical application of the Word to our daily lives in order for a complete transformation to occur.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV

We must possess the desire to live by the Word of God. God is awesome in the fact that He did not give us the burden of trying to figure out what is needed in our lives; the gap is filled in by the Holy Spirit who is our Teacher. For the connection to be complete, it is our duty to pray for wisdom and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, or the power of God cannot fully institute the much-needed changes in our lives.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV

Begin today by performing a self-evaluation of your thoughts, behaviors, and habits. Are there discrepancies between God’s definition of righteousness by faith and your current lifestyle?

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; Romans 3:10 NIV

Confession, Repentance, Praying for Forgiveness and Making a Commitment to Serve God requires Obedience and Sacrifice.

God has given us the ability to renounce sin and strive for spiritual perfection. Just a word of caution: If you make the commitment to do the will of God and completely live for Him, you will have to give up and let go of people, places, and things.

Do not be deceived or short-changed by the enemy-Satan! The Word of GOD is TRUTH and we can be transformed through the power of God and our Teacher-the Holy Spirit.

Jesus left us an example of obedience and servitude; He was born lowly, lived to please God his Father, sacrificed his life and suffered a cruel death on the cross. But, we know the story did not end there; Matthew 28 tells us of Jesus Christ rising from the dead and Acts 1:9-11 states:

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Allow the Holy Spirit to fully lead you and guide you from this day forward; God has a great work for each of us to do before His Son, Jesus comes again.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Claim your transformation by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct your life. Jesus’ Second coming is upon us: We can be Victors and have Eternal Life if we so desire.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Reading: Matthew 28 and Acts 1

Prayer for today: Dear God, We confess that we have not lived as you have commanded. We ask forgiveness for not listening, learning, and fulfilling our Commission to witness to others about your love, sacrifice, the plan of Salvation, and your soon return. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit and to transform us from our pitiful state of hearing and not doing as you have commanded. Lord, we are willing to completely submit and obey; we will live according to your will from this day forward. This prayer we ask in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

May you be filled with love, peace, and joy as we celebrate the Sabbath!🙏❤

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Suffering for doing what is Right

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats…Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:14,16 NLT

A couple of years ago, I took a trip to visit family, and what should have been a peaceful time, Satan attempted to create chaos because two individuals disagreed with a decision that was made to do what was right. The disappointment was overwhelming; however, true character traits were revealed by the vicious words that flowed from their mouths.

I contacted my Mother for spiritual advice, and her words were to, “Pray and remain silent.” I must admit that I wanted to speak out and verbalize my inner feelings. In fact, I began to have feelings that led to internal conflict; after all, I was the innocent victim who had been verbally abused. Even so, I was obedient, prayed, studied the Bible, and remained silent without retaliation. Because of my decision to let God handle the situation, my trip was memorable filled with laughter, great food, and quality family time.

We must always stand for what is right according to God’s standards. The problem is Self–we desire to resolve the battles that we face in our lives. If we are humble and remain silent in adversity, there is a godly power and force that will bring resolution in a way that our puny minds cannot begin to comprehend.

When we think, act, and live according to truth and righteousness, God has given us spiritual advice on how to handle conflict:

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1 NLT

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; Psalm 37:1 NIV

The word “Fret” reminds me of unhappy children who continuously whine and moan, usually about something they wanted but did not receive. We must not take opposition personally—do not be offended when the road is bumpy; God has the shocks for us to ride over the obstacles without receiving damage. Let go of the hurt by simply asking God to take away the pain.

Truth and righteousness are never on the side of the majority. So we should not be surprised by those who take a stand against us; in fact, we must prepare ourselves for continuous opposition by staying close to God through prayer and the study of His Word.

“Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

God will always bring a victorious end to the fierce opposition we face–if we only step aside!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Reading: Psalms 27, 37

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please teach us to wait patiently on you when the winds of strife enter our lives. We acknowledge that we are using our own techniques and strategies to resolve conflict, and for this, we ask forgiveness. You did not equip us to fight the battles with our own strength, and we realize that it is only through your power that we can be overcomers and have the victory. Thank you for being our Defender against the wickedness that exists. May we always call on your name in the time of trouble. This prayer we ask in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 ESV

We have received a wonderful gift: A brand new day! How did you respond to your blessing from God? Did you awaken with a smile on your face and praises from your lips or did you begrudge the dawning of the new day with complaints and a bad attitude?

We certainly have much to be thankful for every day! We are alive, breathing in the air with the God calculated ratio of elements required to sustain our bodies, and our magnificent hearts pumping the vital blood throughout, nourishing our cells, tissues, and organs. If you think that you have little to praise God for, then take the time to study how your body functions without any effort from yourself.

God is great! Live with praises flowing from your heart and begin to think and speak about God’s faithfulness; you will experience unspeakable joy and a deeper appreciation of God’s love, grace, and mercies.

Bible Reading: Psalm 34

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you, because of your mercies, we have awakened to a new day. Thank you because we are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. You loved us so much that you gave us the Plan of Salvation, along with a free will to serve you. We ask you to forgive us for our sins and shortcomings, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. O God, we desperately need you in our lives. Thank you again for being our Heavenly Father. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Put on the Whole Armor of God

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in high places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-14 NLT

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:17-18 NLT

Most newly diagnosed patients with chronic diseases are surprised when their symptoms of ongoing headaches or frequent bathroom trips indicate High Blood Pressure or Diabetes. Unfortunately, the body has utilized all of its internal resources and now the individual will require alteration in their food intake along with pharmaceutical medications. Regardless of the prescriptions and change in diet, it takes a lifelong commitment and active participation of the patient to adhere to the recommended medical treatment plan for effective disease management.

On a daily basis, we hear of so much chaos, confusion, and violence. There are many believers who have become distracted by these events and have stopped focusing and preparing for the Second Coming of Christ. Instead of spiritual growth, their faithfulness to God has rapidly plummeted, resulting in a complete turning away from God. Yes, we may console ourselves by attending church on a regular basis; however, we fail to establish a relationship with God by our refusal to study the Bible and pray.

We must realize that praying and studying the Bible are not options. Our survival chances are slim to none without food and water; our spiritual survival depends on a thriving relationship with God, and that can only be accomplished through obedience. In this daily battle of life, we will face adversity; however. we have the recommended spiritual plan from God: Pray continuously, Study the Word of God, Stay Alert, and Stand for Truth as defined by God.

God says, “If you, then I will…”

Faithfulness, Obedience, Trust, and Persistence are the qualities that we must possess because things are only going to get worse. Biblical prophecies will be fulfilled…we must stay spiritually alert and feed our souls daily while we prepare daily for the Second Coming of Christ.

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6

Prayer for today: Dear God, We hear of the many things that occur on a daily basis in our society and on a global level; and we admit that sometimes we become fearful because of these terrible events. We ask you to forgive us for not trusting in you as we should. We have yet to study and pray as you command. O God, we are praying for the faith and the strength to obey your commands at all times. You have promised us that when we commit ourselves to you that you will always be faithful. We thank you because you loved us so much that you did not spare your only Son from death. As we move forward, please help us to be steadfast and immovable. Thank you for your grace and your mercy. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019