Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

May you receive God’s blessings and be filled with love, joy, and peace.

“Behold I am coming quickly…” Revelation 22:7 NKJV

Testimonial

Nothing excites me more than traveling to places that offer beautiful landscapes. If there are multiple options to reach my destination, it is my preference to take the peaceful scenic routes as opposed to enduring the stress of driving in the chaos of bustling highways.

I have learned from experience that traveling the scenic route requires additional preparation beforehand: Vehicle supplies include printed directions with text and maps; plenty of drinking water; a cooler with healthy edibles–sandwiches, fruit, and snacks; paper towels and sanitizing hand wipes; comfortable clothing and walking shoes; and glass cleaner for the windshield. Most importantly, never let your gas tank go below half, and pay with cash.

The main highways offer constant cellular signals, well-known eateries with clean restrooms every few miles, the joy of walking within a few steps from the asphalt parking lot to the entrance of stores, malls, and gas stations where you readily use your debit/credit cards without hesitation.

So you may ask, why would you give up the modern day conveniences or choose to take the longest route which offers so little? What I value is seeing the roadrunner dart quickly, or an eagle soaring with its mighty wingspan; the breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains; wildflowers that compete with the beauty of long-stemmed roses; and the dry desert with an abundance of green plants and trees, although rain has not fallen in months.

It is the story of Creation along with the ability to enjoy a beautiful earth that silently reiterates to me that–God is love! Although I have seen nature in its magnificence, my imagination is still severely limited when I read about the New Heaven and the New Earth with a crystal clear river and a tree of life on each side, Revelation 22.

Even so, I am making preparation everyday by consecrating my life to God, by studying his Word, and by praying; because I believe in faith that Jesus is coming soon to bring my reward, and to bring the reward to all who are faithful to the end.

He which testifies these things saith, “Surely I come quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Prayer for today: Dear God, We bring our weaknesses before you today and ask you to give us the strength to faithfully prepare for the Second Coming of your Son–Jesus Christ. Thank you for loving us so much that you gave your Son, and you created a beautiful earth for our enrichment and enjoyment. Please help us, as we continue to make preparation for eternal life, no matter the cost, to look forward to living with you forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

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We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1

Face value is the superficial appearance or implications of something.

To the untrained eye and mind, it is quite interesting that what is seen visually has a great influence on the perception of the person or situation.

It was quite an interesting and humorous experience last week when my husband was in the emergency room for severe leg pain. The physician inquired of the nurse as to what was going on with the old man in room 6. The old man he was referring to was my husband who has premature silvery hair and a beard with more salt than pepper colouring.

When the Doctor came into the room for the initial evaluation, he addressed my husband as young man. I can only imagine that he realized after reviewing his date of birth that he was quite mistaken in assuming that he was an old man. We were not offended and enjoyed a good laugh; because in reality, he was the older man who learned that what you see is often not the truth of the matter.

There are times when our knowledge is limited to face value, and as a result, we make decisions that create negative outcomes and undesired consequences.

When you reflect on your life, do you have a great sense of accomplishment or are you filled with regrets? It is natural for us to count our many past mistakes and wish that we had done things differently. We often identify our lack of good decision-making skills and how it has affected our lives, and perhaps the lives of others; but we become fixated on the past and become unable to rid ourselves of the stagnation of guilt.

Yes, we must acknowledge that the consequences of misaligned decisions are painful; however, consider what you have learned and how the outcome has shaped the individual that you are today. Surely the experience of those mistakes have provided an increased level of knowledge and the wisdom to develop suitable resolutions to present and future life events.

If not, do not harbor feelings of regret! We have a reason to possess joy and happiness: Jesus Christ is our greatest Advocate and Intercessor. When we confess and repent of our past mistakes, God always forgives.

Through God’s grace and mercy, we can accept His loving-kindness and move forward with the determination to become a new and improved person.

Let go of regret and defeat! Do not accept the remembrance of past transgressions from yourself or other individuals.

We are given new mercies everyday: Embrace the godly person you are maturing into, and move forward in the strength of our Savior, and Lord–Jesus Christ.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for your grace and mercy. We ask for forgiveness of our sins. We ask you to help us to forgive ourselves for our past and present mistakes. We ask you for wisdom as we seek after knowledge. We ask you for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that influences us to align our solutions according to your will. Thank you for the ability to obtain spiritual growth and the blessing to become new and improved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Yesterday in my blog entitled, “Have the talk with God”, I recommended praying every (waking) hour, everyday, for the rest of your life.

Truthfully, I must admit that it was a struggle for me to remember my commitment to pray every hour. Yes, I could have easily utilized a daily planner as a reminder; however, I desired to make a conscientious effort to acquire a new habit of praying more without the use of assistive reminders. Although, I failed to pray hourly due to forgetfulness or busyness, my desire for a deeper and stronger relationship with God still exists and is still possible.

Today God gifted me with a new opportunity to talk with him. My heart is revived, and I awakened feeling refreshed; the joy, peace, and strength that I possess this morning proves that when we do our part, God is always faithful.

“…I will honor those who honor me…” 2 Samuel 2:30

I am imperfect, born in sin, and shaped by iniquity. Even so, I will remain committed to do whatever it takes to serve God.

At any time, day or night, have a little talk with Jesus…your life will never be the same again.

Prayer for today: Dear God: We admit our weaknesses and our inability to be faithful. Our need for you is much greater than we realize. We need to increase the times that we talk to you. As we commit to approach you in prayer more often, we ask for your blessings upon our lives. We pray for comfort, for strength, and for a deeper relationship with you. God we love you and we thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 40:2-3

When we contemplate on the gifts that God gave to human beings, the power to communicate is second only to the ability to love. Our innate abilities include speech, hearing, and gross and fine motor skills. Anyone who has witnessed the growth of a baby from birth to the age of 12 months can attest to the miracle of development from crying to cooing, and from the sounds of incoherent baby talk to the amazing ability to speak their first word. What about the progression of the tiny hands that reach out to take a rattle, grasp a milk bottle, and eventually pick up objects with their thumb and forefinger?

The ability to speak, hear, and write are skills that most of us take for granted. However, it is impossible to initiate, form strong bonds, or maintain a healthy relationship without positive and ongoing communication with others or with God-our Creator.

Effective communication is an interpersonal skill; a skill that requires consistency and effort that must be utilized to establish and facilitate growth in human relationships. Although we do our best, we must remember there are variables in communicating with others; our intention and their perception or understanding may lead to misunderstandings which can be overwhelming.

Human frailty will always be a factor that we must accept. If we are mindful that all are endowed with weaknesses, then we maintain a higher level of tolerance to verbal slips of the tongue. If we grudgingly hold onto every unkind word that is spoken, then we lose our desire to communicate and connect with others, which results in a spirit of unforgiveness and leads us down the path of a solitary and miserable life.

It is the times when we feel so fragile and broken that God is waiting to strengthen us. When the vicissitudes of life becomes overwhelming, we are to establish our connection with God.

Prayer is the most powerful form of communication given to human beings. It is through prayer that we are able to empty ourselves before God and be forthcoming with all of our brokenness and burdens. We do not have to be concerned with God’s perception or struggle to find the right words to avoid a slip of the tongue when we pray.

Increase your daily time communicating with God through prayer. Pray a prayer, every hour, everyday, for the remainder of your life.

God knows every aspect of our lives– past, present, and future. It is the times when we are so fragile and broken that he is waiting to strengthen our weary souls. Through prayer we can receive Deliverance, Healing, and the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Regardless of how hopeless our situation appears, God has not left us to fend for ourselves. Yes, troubles will continue to occur in our lives; however, if we are faithful, and learn to trust in God, and most importantly continue to Pray without ceasing, we will gain the victory!

Prayer for today: Dear God, We come to you today to give you our burdens, to confess our sins, and to ask for forgiveness, and for healing. We acknowledge that our relationship with you is weak, because we have failed to communicate with you. Hear our prayer, O Lord. We love you and we worship your Holy name. Thank you for giving us the ability to communicate. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17 NLT

One of the characteristics of living on the East Coast is the terrible noise pollution. Due to the constant exposure of loud sounds, eventually you become desensitized, and actually contribute your fair share by blowing your car horn in disgust on a daily basis. In addition, you habitually talk to the other driver (who is unable to hear your one-sided conversation) and ask them questions such as, “What are you doing?” or tell them to “Hurry up, get out of the way.” As I reflect on the thoughtless behaviors that I once cherished, I ask myself, “How did I acquire these bad habits?”

Even when no one is watching, God knows. The habits we possess are a testimonial of our relationship with God. If we are obedient and hide God’s Word in our hearts, then through the Holy Spirit we become changed and possess the character traits that are Christ-like.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

We cannot live in a state of pretense by attempting to portray Christian characteristics to others; eventually, the truth of who we really are, is revealed by the “right situation” and we are Exposed.

There is a remedy for ridding ourselves of ungodly character traits: the remedy is to Hide God’s Word in Your Heart. In our life, it means that we must take our time and study the Bible by memorizing and meditating daily on God’s Word. The intention of Bible reading plans are to create the discipline, and structure that it takes to form a daily habit of reading the Bible. Even so, the purpose of studying the Word of God is to know who God is and to show us how we are to live and think.

Studying is a process and learning is progressive. It is imperative that we take our time to read, re-read, memorize and meditate–by deep reflection. We learn by repetition! It is not necessary to race through God’s Word by completing a “Read the Bible in one year or less” plan. Whatever it takes for us to apply the Word to facilitate spiritual growth and riddance of our carnal behaviors, then we must do it.

Galatians 5:16-26 teaches us how to live by the Holy Spirit’s Power. We learn of the Fruit of the Spirit in verses 22-23: The challenge remains for us to commit to God and relinquish our ungodly habits by fervently praying, studying and learning what God requires of us. When we do our part–transformation will occur–and we will no longer have the inclination to follow the desires of our sinful natures.

1. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

2. Study to show thyself approved unto God…first part. 2 Timothy 2:15

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Jesus is coming again; we can prepare ourselves by fostering spiritual growth which requires prayer, studying, and obedience to God.

Prayer for today: Dear God, It is our sinful desires that separate us from you. We ask for your power and your strength as we prepare to study your Word and apply it to our lives. We desire the Fruit of the Spirit; therefore, we ask for wisdom as we acquire knowledge of who you are. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

“The Lord will fight for you, and all you have to do is keep still.” Exodus 14:14 GNT

Read Exodus 14

Yesterday, I received an Explanation of Benefits statement from my Dental Insurance which contained a code that indicated I was also covered by a secondary Dental insurance company. I felt annoyed because I had provided written proof two months ago which verified the secondary insurance had ceased in 2017. In addition, one of the charges from the Dental provider’s office had been billed twice and payment was denied. So, now I had to make two calls in the morning to address the errors on the part of the provider and the insurer.

It is not an easy task when a patient/subscriber is calling for a correction of a processed insurance claim; the Customer Service Rep (CSR) is not the individual who is employed as the Claims Adjuster, and the call involves research on the part of the CSR.

Prior to calling the provider’s office and the insurance company, I prayed for God’s intervention to resolve the issue, and to help me remain calm, and maintain a gentle tone in my voice. Imagine my surprise when the Billing Manager answered my call at the Dental office–she never takes on the duty of answering incoming calls. Within five minutes of explaining the double billing for the same procedure, I received a callback and my account now has a zero balance.

The call to the insurance company resulted in verification that my correspondence was received; however, it was not documented in my account that I no longer had secondary dental insurance. I was placed on hold because the issue required escalation to a supervisor; I received an apology and my account now reflects that I only have one dental insurance in which they are the primary insurer. I offered a sincere thank you to the CSR for the resolution of the error. Yes, it was their mistake but I asked God to help me to remain focused on the goal of correcting the error, not on how it occurred.

In reading Exodus 14, we learn of the deliverance of the Israelites from their life of enslavement from the Egyptians. Although God had given them freedom, they were full of complaints. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he deeply regretted that he had set the Israelites free. He sent his mighty army of soldiers armed with swords, riding in their chariots pulled by the fastest and strongest horses. When the Israelites became aware of the pursuit by Pharoah’s army, they remained faithless; filled with fear and blame, they accused Moses of taking them out of Egypt only for the purpose of dying. Even so, we know how the story ends; not one of Pharoah’s soldiers or horses survived the tumultuous Red Sea.

Whether our challenges are great or small, when we ask for Divine intervention and exercise our faith–by fully depending on God–our outcome will be victorious, because God can never fail.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We place our challenges of life in your hands. Please give us the knowledge we need to do our part and the wisdom to stay still while you do your part. Thank you for your Divine intervention. May we always praise your Holy name by living a life filled with gratitude. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3 NIV

The most beautiful and precious aspect of life is the ability to love. We were created in the image of God so we are living proof that God is love. And when God created us, He did not clone us; our bodies contain DNA–the carrier of genetic information which results in the uniqueness of every human being. Our features replicate those of our parents, grandparents, or extended family members; yet, our fingerprints are not a shared feature, and those prints are able to distinguish us from every other living individual.

When we experience grief through the loss of those that we love, we lose a vital part of what makes us complete. Think about a puzzle that has many parts that are uniquely shaped, but they interconnect to make the puzzle complete. If there is a missing piece, we must either locate it or discard the puzzle because it will never fulfill its purpose.

Even so, we are not like the puzzle with the missing piece that can never be complete. Yes, goodbyes hurt, we feel powerless, and the void from our loss appears to be an abyss that plunges us deeper and deeper into despondency. However, there is a divine plan for healing and restoration from the impact of our loss.

God was fully aware that separation by death, divorce, and the brokenness of family ties or friendships would bring hurt to our fragile hearts. He has provided a solution to our brokenness: We are able to mourn our loss, even so, we have the ability to move forward through His healing power. It is God who fills the void of the missing piece of our hearts with love, hope, and divine comfort from the Holy Spirit.

After his resurrection, Jesus was fully aware that his disciples would grieve when He would ascend and return to His heavenly home. Before His crucifixion and death, He took the time to lovingly prepare them (read John, chapters 14-17) for the time of their separation; although they did not fully understand.

And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter [the Holy Spirit], that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

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. You heard me say, I am going away and I am coming back to you. John 14:27 NIV

I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. John 16:28

John 17:6-19 records Jesus’ prayer for the protection and sanctification of his disciples. Because of His love, Jesus also prayed for all Believers:

…Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:24

God sent His only begotten Son–Jesus Christ to die for us. While on this earth as a human, Jesus experienced loss from death, and separation from His family and friends. The sadness and expression from Lazarus’ sister Martha: “Lord, Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” may cause us to believe that Jesus did not care when the two sisters sent the message that their brother was sick. But that was not the case; Jesus delayed his intervention to give glory to God by staying where he was for two additional days.

When we read the scriptures, we realize that Jesus was close to the family of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and as He approached the tomb of Lazarus, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:1-44). God desires for us to know that when Jesus lived on this earth that He was human and felt the grief of death; the Son of God knows from personal experience the devastating feelings of brokenness and separation of loss. And remember that Jesus died for the remission of our sins, and was resurrected on the third day–He Arose!

Oh yes, we have hope!

O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:12-14

Dear God: I pray for the healing and comfort that only you can provide for those of us who are experiencing the pain of loss from the death of loved ones, from the brokenness of severed marriages, family ties, and friendships. I humbly ask you to send your Holy Spirit to provide the balm to soothe our grieving hearts. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ©

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

We live in north Texas where April showers and storms are prevalent and bring harsh flooding to our area. The rain oftentimes lasts for 24-48 hours, resulting in our yard reaching its saturation point. Because the geography is flat, we must endure standing water with rapidly growing grass that cannot be mowed until the ground dries. Although the conditions are viewed as undesirable, my rosebush has new blooms, and the outdoor plants and shrubs have an abundance of new growth.

The storms and heavy rains of our trials and tribulations are often harsh and we may feel as if we have reached our saturation point; yet, when we endure the standing waters of our tests, we also experience spiritual new growth. We must not allow our feelings to become grievous or ask for God to remove the trials. God alone knows what each of us requires to receive the crown of life that He has promised. It is during the time of flooding that we must pray for the strength to endure.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 ESV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

Our Texas weather forecast predicts two days of sunshine to be followed by more rain. Even though we are able to plan accordingly for our changes in weather conditions, we are unable to foresee when our next tribulation will occur.

By consistently praying and studying the Bible during the sunny periods of our lives, we are able to deepen our relationship with God. When we establish dutiful habits of prayer and study, we are able to faithfully trust in God during the seasons of storms with heavy rains.

Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey…Hymnal

Prayer for today: Dear God, I want to experience a deeper and meaningful relationship with you; a relationship based on faith, trust, and obedience. I know that you have promised that if I endure to the end that I will receive a crown of life. I ask for your strength to see me through my storms with heavy rains. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz