Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Have I not commanded you be strong and of good courage? Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Be Strong! Be courageous!

If we really believed in God’s power and His love for us, we would have unwavering faith. God commands us to stop being afraid of our struggles, of our tests, and our tribulations. He has all the answers, if we only believe.

Do you need a job, money to pay overdue tuition, a new vehicle, wisdom, a deeper relationship with your spouse, or peace in your home? Step aside, our carnal minds are unable to resolve the obstacles that we face when we serve God.

God is with us! He is waiting to deliver us, like he did when Daniel was thrown into the lions den (Daniel 6). Those flesh-eating beasts purred like kittens because God sent an angel to close their mouths. Although the King was tricked into signing the decree, even he acknowledged that the Most High God who Daniel served, would save Daniel from the hungry lion’s roaring mouths.

Believe in the mighty power of God!

He is able, He is ready, and He is willing to do what He promises and that is to be with us, at all times. It is our responsibility to remain steadfast, possess courage, and proclaim, “I know the great ‘I am’ will deliver me from this situation.”

Only believe, that all things are possible with God!

Prayer for today: Dear God, It is me standing in the need of a revival in my heart. I have faltered when the storms have come into my life. I ask forgiveness for not believing that you will deliver me as you promised. I desire to serve you wholeheartedly from this day forward. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer that I ask in the worthy name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

For most of us, we make achievable and attainable goals for our lives; whether we accomplish those goals is not only dependent upon making viable plans but also dependent upon our determination, strength, and perseverance to make it through the struggle to the accomplishment phase.

Let’s look at a shared desire among many: To achieve an optimal level of wellness-health by the loss of excess body weight. Are you drinking protein shakes for days on end or purchasing fruits and vegetables to change your eating habits? The method that we choose will determine if we are looking for a quick fix or a major overhaul in our lifestyle.

If we choose a diet based on the temporary deprivation from the unhealthy foods that we continue to desire, then we may accomplish a temporary weight loss; however, we continue in the cycle of short-term victory with pending defeat just around the corner, also referred to as yo-yo dieting.

“Yo-yo dieting or the yo-yo effect, also known as weight cycling is a term coined by Kelly D. Brownell at Yale University, in reference to the cyclical loss and gain of weight, resembling the up-and-down motion of a yo-yo.”

For the many of us who are active in the struggle of achieving permanent changes in our lifestyle, we must fervently continue by always including God and also determining to make the right choice in the times of temptation.

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

When we are weak in our spiritual relationship with God, our short-term goals can never transition into long-term goals. Staying close to God through prayer and study of His Word imparts His strength to accomplish the changes needed to retrain our tastebuds, to get our bodies in motion by exercising, and to deepen our relationship with Him.

Remember we are unable to achieve a healthier lifestyle without God!

How many individuals are at an ideal weight by eating healthy and exercising; yet, are full of anxiety, depression, and other maladies? If you desire to achieve a complete optimal level of wellness, place Spiritual wellness as your first priority for long-term goals.

Pray at every moment of weakness!

The Bible tells us that God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). How much more does He want for his created beings to have the best level of Health along with a closer and deeper relationship with him?

God + you = Victory

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask you for the strength to make it through the struggle that each of us is facing in our lives. We desire to have a closer relationship with you. We admit that we have failed in accomplishing our long-term goals because our weaknesses have prevented us from making it through the struggle of change. Please help us to be overcomers in every aspect of our lives by fully depending on you. This prayer we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:3 NLT

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

What must I do? Have you taken the opportunity to pray and ask God what you must do in order to serve Him with your entire life?

As with any question, there are varied answers; however, the similar component of the answer to this question is that it takes a great sacrifice for every individual to serve and please God. Because we were created with different talents and capabilities, our sacrifices will differ, even so, all believers must relinquish what is most important to them.

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Mark 10:21

We know the sad ending to the young man’s story, he made the choice to continue to cherish worthlessness as he walked away from Jesus.

“What must I do to have eternal life?”

All who profess their love for God must ask, and then obey when they receive the answer. Will you accept what may be the most difficult decision in your life?

Prayer for today: Dear God, What is my sacrificial offering that I must give away, or start doing in order to follow and serve you with my whole heart? It is my desire to give whatever you ask of me from this day forward. Thank you for the greatest sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ and leaving us the example that you did not withhold anything, in order for us to be saved and have eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. We ask this in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

New Mercies on a New Day
Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Good Morning!

We have been granted a brand new day to praise and thank God for all He has done in our lives. We can never retrieve yesterday nor can we take for granted that we will be a part of tomorrow. Our opportunity to grow spiritually exists for this day. Pray, praise, and study His Word. God loves us unconditionally. Thank you God.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for this brand new day. We lift your name on high because we love you. As we interact with others, help us to be a reflection of your love and character. We ask you to forgive us of our sins, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. These blessings we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Shout Praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Psalm 100:1 CEV

I have noticed that since reading the Word of God on a daily basis that I am thinking and reacting in a different manner. The annoying situations that triggered my emotional thermostat to reach an overload level, no longer have control over my mind. And that isn’t the only change that I have noticed; I have peace, contentment, and joy which has me singing and praising God all day long.

Hmmm, why didn’t someone share this good news with me? I had to go through the struggle and find out on my own; even so, I have decided to share this good, and great news of how to live according to John 14:27:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

We applaud others by clapping our hands, readily showing our approval of their actions.

Our God is so worthy of our consistent praise: pray, sing, clap, move your feet, lift your hands, and most importantly, verbalize and let God know that you are thankful for His love, grace, and mercies.

Whatever sacrifices you are required to make during your busy day, take the time to “Praise God!”

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4

Prayer for today: Dear God, We magnify you, we praise you, and we worship your Holy name. Please accept our praises and our thankfulness for loving us first, for sustaining us, and for giving us the plan of Salvation through your Son, Jesus. As we face our trials and tribulations, help us to never forget your Omnipotence and your never-ending mercies. We ask for strength in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen, Amen, Amen!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT

Recently, I read a post that addressed the reason for the darkness–a time where hopelessness abounds in an individual’s life. It was quite interesting because the writer emphasized that God was the reason for this dark period that most of us experience in our lives.

Satan has always attempted to blame God for every difficulty that we endure by portraying God as arbitrary–unrestrained and autocratic in the use of his authority.

We were created by a loving, Heavenly Father who allowed his only son, Jesus Christ to come to this earth in human form for the specific purpose of dying for our sins; even so, we still take pleasure in committing intentional sins, as if His sacrificial gift was a common occurrence.

Although, we are believers in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, we lack a deep relationship with the very one who loves us unconditionally.

Ask yourself: How do I view God?

According to the Bible, God has planned to provide a perfect life; a life of immortality in the New Heaven and New Earth. Read Revelation chapters 21-22.

“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

If you are living in darkness, pray a prayer of confession, admitting to God that you do not know who He really is. God is aware that the time has not come for us to see Him face-to-face; even so, He has left a comprehensive blueprint, the Bible, His Holy Word that reveals Him as our Heavenly Father, our Creator, our Deliverer, our Provider, our Healer, our Restorer, our Sustainer, our Teacher, and our Comforter!

There is only one way to really know God!

By establishing a relationship through prayer and the daily study of His Word, we can form a strong spiritual bond with God. When we know from a personal perspective that God is the Alpha and Omega, then our mindset changes and we can witness and alleviate the hopelessness of others who believe that God is unjust.

If you become aware of someone living in darkness, remember to ask the question, “Would you like for us to study the Bible together?”

Prayer for Today: Dear God, We pray for those living in darkness who feel that all is hopeless. We ask you to reveal to us who we can help through witnessing and alleviating their burdens. We look forward to the day when your Son will come again. Until then, we ask for the strength to be a beacon of light that reflects your character. We ask this prayer in the worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

Have you ever been caught between a rock and a hard place, and were really clueless as to which decision you should make? The trending advice is to “just do something.”

There are two options that will bring resolution to the decision-making process: Take a risk or Make a faith-based move. Let’s explore the dynamics of both processes for a clearer understanding.

Taking a Risk

Decisions based on emotions, uncertainty, exploration of options that provide a 50/50 chance of a positive or negative outcome or from another individual’s input related to their prior experience or lack of experience.

Making a Faith-based Move

The Decision is based on God’s guidance which always leads to a perfect outcome.

Many of us have plenty of experience with making risk-based decisions; and, as a result, we have suffered many negative consequences. Nonetheless, we are still indecisive when we are faced with taking the best option of trusting God and living a faith-based lifestyle.

In the 12th chapter of Genesis, God instructed Abram to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s family with the promises of blessings not only for his family but also for blessings for other families. Make note of the fact that Abram was 75 years of age when he obeyed God and made his faith-based move to leave everything and everyone that was familiar.

God has no boundaries when He gives his approval and blessings; the things that we perceive as impossible are always possible with his divine intervention.

God’s Promise

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 NIV

Our Responsibilities

Pray without ceasing! 1 Thessalonians 5:17

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

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. Revelation 14:12

God is faithful! Always place your trust in Him! Remember that God’s thoughts, plans, and outcomes are always perfect; there are no reasons that would justify taking risks when we faithfully serve God.

…but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have relied on self, on others, and on our circumstances to take risks and endure terrible consequences. We admit that our faith is weak and our disobedience to you is out-of-control. We ask forgiveness for self-reliance and pride. We desire the patience until we hear your still, small voice saying to us: “No, not now or this is my plan.” We pray that your will be done in our lives from this day forward. This prayer, we ask in the worthy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah, hallelujah, Amen!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Carver Park, Keene, Tx

Focusing on Self-Improvement

You might think you are a very religious person. But if your tongue is out of control, you are fooling yourself. Your careless talk makes your offerings to God worthless. James 1:26 ERV

Do you remember the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?”

It was a child’s attempt to utilize a defensive technique to counteract and prevent showing the devastation from being the receiver of those terrible words. Reflect on your childhood, were you the giver or receiver of vicious words spoken from anger?

Fast forward many years later, we have become aware that misspoken words constitute bullying and emotional abuse. The words that we give and receive from others can build healthy self-esteems or destroy and produce brokenness.

In James, chapter 1, God commands us to listen more than we speak. Our tongue–possessing control or the lack of control–is a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. Anger does not help you live the way God wants. So get rid of everything evil in your lives–every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your heart. This teaching can save you. James 1:19-21 ERV

There is no middle ground, gray area, or justification for disobeying the Word from God. It is a true domino effect when we sin with our spoken words: Anger and Vicious Words are a tag-team that produce wounds to others and reflect the evil characteristics that we possess.

Perform a thorough self-evaluation: Confess, repent, and ask God for victory over disobedience from an out-of-control tongue; it is only by His grace and mercy that we can overcome all of our sinful habits.

If you have wounded someone with angry words, or been the recipient of angry words, then Forgiveness is what God requires. Always remember, that we only have one opportunity to possess the godly character that is required for eternal life, and that is while we are alive and breathing.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Prayer for today: Dear God, We are asking forgiveness for disobedience by possessing an out-of-control tongue and an ungodly character. It is our desire through your grace and mercy that we practice self-control in all aspects of our lives. We desire a character that reflects the Fruit of the Spirit and we know it is only possible by obeying you under all circumstances. We ask for your divine intervention to heal those that we have hurt and to help us to forgive and heal from those who have hurt us. We look forward to the day when we will live on a perfect earth. Until then we ask for the strength to change and to be more like you. We ask this prayer in the name of your worthy son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019

Focus on Self-Improvement

Teach me how to live, oh Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands… Psalm 27:11-12 NLT

Last night, I dreamed that I was on an island and was being pursued by an enemy. As I was walking through the trees, another individual was running toward the clearing, but suddenly stopped, and just stood as if he could not take another step. When I reached the clearing, I realized that both of us were at the edge of a high cliff with the ocean beneath us. We had to make a quick decision, either to jump into the water or to be subdued by the enemy.

As I watched the other individual jump from the cliff, he disappeared into the depths of the watery abyss. I made the decision to be recaptured by the enemy, but then I heard a command to climb down the mountain. I whispered a prayer, fearing that I would fall to my death, even so, I began to climb down until my feet reached the solid foundation of the ground at the foot of the mountain. Immediately, I was met by a rescue team of individuals who were waiting to take me to safety.

I have never dreamed anything that I could recall so vividly the next day. For me, this dream is not a fictional adventure story, my dream reflects my weakness in seeing the circumstances as impossible. With His great love, God has also given the reassurance that when I fully trust in Him, He will always deliver me from the hands of the enemy and bring a resolution to the tumultuous problems that I face.

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 NLT

God knows our problems, our fears, and our concerns, all He asks of us is to come to Him in prayer, and to faithfully trust in his power to relieve us of the heavy burdens that we face.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

We must learn to live by faith and trust God completely in spite of circumstances.

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

Prayer for today: Dear God, you have proven over and over that your love, grace, and mercies extend beyond our limited thoughts. We ask you to forgive us for doubting your power. As we strive to live by faith, please help us to know who you are and how much you love us. This prayer we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2019