Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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

“Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you.” Psalm 50:15

Crisis-a time of intense difficulty which produces overwhelming feelings and a sense of helplessness.

If you cannot think of one reason to commit and turn your life over to God then reflect on this fact:

Christian Believers do not experience Crises (the plural form)!

Yes, we suffer, we experience burdensome problems and endure ongoing heartwrenching storms in our lives. Even so, it is because of our faith that we believe that our faithful God hears and answers our every prayer.

With God, our circumstances which are above and beyond our human capacity to resolve are easily taken care of; if we only ask in prayer, and believe in the power and promises of God: wait patiently, God has promised deliverance.

Remember: God will always see us through!

And Jesus awakened and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

Bible Reading: Mark 4

Prayer for today: Dear God: Thank you for being our Deliverer! We come to you asking for your Divine intervention upon our lives. We admit that our faith is weak and wavering and for doubting your omnipotence, we ask forgiveness. We thank you for giving us the privilege to come to you at any hour of the day or night. We love you, and we worship you. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Many people believe that money would resolve the difficulties in their lives. It is God who resolves the vicissitudes of life; get to know who He really is by studying the Bible and praying.

Your doubt will turn into belief.

Your faithlessness will grow into faithfulness.

If you keep trying to achieve success and it seems to be out of your reach, then pray this heartfelt prayer daily: Dear God, What would you have me do for today?

It is time for us to follow where God leads us. Be blessed on this Sabbath day!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Are you still keeping baggage-anxieties, worries, sadness, or pain-because of fear or doubt?

Let go!!!

Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

A familiar trend on New Year’s Day is to make resolutions for the new year. We excitedly make promises to ourselves concerning things that we have attempted to accomplish year after year. There is one weakness that all humanity shares: No matter what we do or how hard we try, our excitement doesn’t last. In fact, for many, it does not take much for us to become discouraged.

Last year, I made the decision to lose weight for the billionth time and following my physician’s advice, I explored the option of having a gastric sleeve. However, there was something that I did not realize; the preparation for the surgery involved eating teeny-tiny amounts of food for 3-4 weeks prior to the surgery. As I continued to read the post-operative precautions and guidelines, I made the decision to opt-out.

I was discouraged and just tired of fighting the battle with little to no results. As the tears flowed like a river, I began to pray for help; God immediately answered my prayer. I received a call from my best friend and as I sadly explained my dilemma, she said, “Sonya we have the ability to retrain our tastebuds.” The light began to shine through into the darkness of my despair. My hopelessness changed into hopefulness; I had a viable option that I could utilize to accomplish a permanent lifestyle change.

One year later, I am 50 lbs lighter and yes, my tastebuds have acquiesced-they now enjoy the flavors of my homemade fruit popsicles, the bittersweetness of my leafy greens, and the aromatics of brown basmati rice along with my well-seasoned legumes.

Like the Apostle Paul conveyed to us, he could boast–tell others of his weaknesses and how the power of Christ gives us the ability to grow into Overcomers. We can do nothing of ourselves without failing over and over again. Many of us have taken on burdens that God never intended for us to have.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. Psalm 37:5 NIV

It is God and God alone who is the source of power!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Bible Verse: I can (and will) do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have taken on too many responsibilities and have failed to remember that you are great and full of mercy and loving-kindness. We give our lives and it’s difficulties to you and we ask you to help us according to your will. We also ask you to forgive us of our many sins and shortcomings. Thank you for the blessings of life, health, and strength. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

From studying the Bible, I truly believe that God loves praise and adoration through heartfelt prayers. Certainly there are other ways of worshipping God; even so, the highest form of reverence that we can give is to form a deep relationship, by constantly communicating with God through prayer.

Our relationship with God is high maintenance which means we must do our part every day, all-day-long for spiritual growth. We are unable to sustain a meaningful relationship based on our prayers from yesterday. God says, “If you do your part, then I will do mine.”

Nothing comes as a surprise to God! Prayer enables us to have peace, and the strength to overcome all of life’s stressors.

Do you remember the biblical story of the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were thrown in the fiery furnace? They did not beg for the King’s mercy; in fact, they remained calm and firm in their faith, believing that God would save them from the fiery furnace. However, they boldly told King Nebuchadnezzar even if God did not save them, that they would never bow to his golden image-the idol.

If only our faith strengthened to the point where we are steadfast and immovable regardless of stressors, situations, or tribulations. We can reach that point in our spiritual lives! Our challenge is to start talking to God as if He is your best friend sitting in front of you or beside you.

Pray as if your life depends on it. We may never face a literal fiery furnace; however, we will eventually come to a crossroads in our lives where we must choose God or else. We must be aware that it takes our everything to serve God!

Begin today by increasing your talk time with God and when you are faced with the decision to lose–even if it is your life, you will be able to boldly say, ” My God will deliver me, but even if He does not, I will never go against Him.”

Bible Reading: Daniel 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, We worship You and we praise your Holy name. We ask you to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. O God, we desire to draw closer to you, to have the immovable faith of the Hebrew boys, that when we are faced with our fiery furnaces in life, that we never bow down as we boldly proclaim, “Our God will deliver us!” We trust you God and we will remain faithful even if it means loss of our lives. We believe and ask this prayer in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed him. Mark 10:13-16 NLT

Most of us can recall our childhood: As we differ, so do our childhood experiences; for some, it will be sweet, bittersweet, or traumatic. Although we were helpless in choosing how we started in life, we have a choice in how we can live our lives right now.

For those who experienced a less than desirable childhood, God will take away the pain, if you only ask Him to heal you.

He heals the Brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

This is a wonderful promise from our most loving God, that He will not leave you scarred as the trending school of thought from psychological analysis wants us to believe.

Childhood trait #1- Belief without a doubt.

Young children possess concrete thought processes; they focus on the facts, physical objects, and literal definitions of the here and now.

Never doubt that the Omnipotent God who created our brains and minds can and will heal us without leaving residual scars.

Childhood trait #2-Joyful Excitement

As children hear and focus on the promises made to them, they are filled with bubbly excitement; their smiles and laughter are often combined with physically jumping up and down which is priceless.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. Jeremiah 29:11, 12

Childhood trait #3- Forgiveness

Childhood spats are usually little disagreements that work themselves out because children are loyal and readily forgive. They cherish their friendships and usually do not hold onto grudges unless adult interference escalates the situation. Please note: A spat is not bullying, physical violence, name-calling, or forcefully taking from others which requires immediate adult intervention.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

Stop holding onto anger which God gave us that particular emotion to become irate over social injustices such as murder, pedophilia, human trafficking, violence, domestic violence, and other heinous crimes. So, if your anger is over something less than these offenses then you are involved in self-destruction. Anger, when cultivated, leads to ungodly and unrighteous thoughts and behaviors.

Childhood trait #4-Humility

The natural unadulterated spirit of a child is humble with a compassionate heart. Children are touched deeply by the hurt and tears of others. We cannot let the actions of bitter individuals or the trendy belief system destroy what God has given to us–love, the extending of grace, and mercy in the form of forgiveness toward our fellow brothers and sisters.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

We are unable to toss away the blinders of carnality-seeing through sinful eyes unless we become as children from a spiritual perspective. Go ahead and become child-like and possess love, faith, trust, humility, joy, excitement, compassion, and forgiveness.

Childhood trait #5-Laughter

Just thinking about children laughing brings warm fuzzies to my heart. Wasn’t God pleased when He created the world and humanity? If you are a stoic Believer, then you must delve deeper into the Word of God.

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

In spite of trials, tribulations, heartache, and suffering; pray and trust in God, He never fails. We have every reason and opportunity to possess the same bubbly joy as little children. We have an Omnipresent God who will deliver us and bring victory according to his will. There is not one friend, husband, wife, or family member that can make the promises that our Heavenly Father makes to us.

Smile and laugh often…break free from the chains of despair, disgruntled mindsets, depression, and bad attitudes. Always speak positive and encouraging words and with time your mind and body will sync and you will be able to say:

“It is still a wonderful world!”

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for the ability to love, laugh, smile and enjoy the beautiful life that you have given to us. We acknowledge that we often forget your grace and mercies by easily complaining about the insignificant things that we have become fixated with. We desire to become like children and possess the character traits that are pleasing to you. We pray for the blinders to be removed from our eyes that we may grow spiritually and live according to Your Word. Thank you again for creating us with the ability to have never-ending joy. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

I can recall having a very interesting conversation with my cousin regarding life’s problems and using logical solutions that bring positive outcomes to resolve the issues. I further expressed that I could not understand how people keep making choices that further complicate their lives and add to their problems. His answer is one that I will always remember, “You must understand something, that’s how you and I would think, but that’s not how they think.”

What are some of the factors that cause individuals to choose solutions that produce chaos?

1. Lack of knowledge and wisdom

2. Familial traits and learned behavior

3. Pride and Stubbornness

4. Nonproductive relationships

5. No interest in learning beyond what they currently know

6. Lack of ambition or motivation

We must acknowledge that as human beings we are incomplete without others. Remember the quip, “No man is an island?” We stunt our growth and fullest potential when we refuse to step outside of our comfort zone to explore what we currently know. We can and should learn from those who can share their knowledge and life experiences.

God has equipped us with a neurological system which supersedes any technological advancements that we can possibly develop on this earth. The normal brain has the unlimited potential to expand beyond our wildest imaginations. We can learn new skills, languages, hobbies, pursue degrees, use our creativity, develop talents, and the list goes on and on.

Even with limited income, we are able to visit the library, read newspapers, visit museums, take free online classes, etc. Get up and get out of your home! There is an abundant life outdoors available for us to explore. One of my favorite paths to education is the enjoyment of nature; the wildflowers, trees, birds, the breathtaking landscapes and my cherished plants.

I was gifted with a houseplant that lost most of its leaves in spite of the loving care it received. The instructions recommended a low light environment with a warning against direct sunlight. With despair, I set her outside on the porch with two pale leaves, watered her sparingly and prepared myself for loss. Much to my surprise, one week later there were four leaves; the rays of sunlight that peaked through the tree branches provided strength and nourishment and now she has grown and produced many leaves, she was given the necessary elements to thrive.

God has given us all that we need!

When we place our lives in his hands, we have unlimited potential for growth in all aspects of our lives. Through prayer and studying of the Bible, we gain knowledge of who He is, which results in Spiritual growth. We are able to ask for wisdom to apply His Word to our daily lives. There is no need for a Believer to make wayward decisions based on inexperience.

Read of the behaviors of ants, homing pigeons, eagles, the hibernation of bears, and the fish and mammals in the sea which speak of God’s love for humanity. Identify your interest in growing plants, herbs, or a container garden; start out simple and do research to learn the proper care and nurturing of the foliage; buy a packet of seeds, or a plant and learn from nature.

Enhance your social circle, including the motivators, the movers and the shakers who can provide a broader perspective on life. As we prepare for Eternal life, God does not intend for us to live in a gloom and doom atmosphere. We are not to live in seclusion or fear of what is or what is to come. Make the commitment to enjoy the wonderful life that God has given to us to learn, grow, and thrive!.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

Prayer for Today: Dear God, This is a Prayer of Thanksgiving for creating us in your image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and our bodies are simply amazing. We ask you to enable us to step outside of our comfort zones to learn, grow, thrive and enjoy our lives that you have blessed us with. We ask forgiveness of our sins and shortcomings, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. We ask this in the Worthy name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019