Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 BLB

But as for me, I trust in You O Lord. Psalm 31:4

When I was 5 years old, I learned a beautiful song: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

At such a tender age, I somehow knew that I was unable to literally see Jesus; nonetheless, I had unwavering faith that Jesus would answer my prayers and protect me from hurt, harm, and danger. Of course, now I realize that it was the Holy Spirit who enabled my young mind to comprehend the spiritual meaning of the song.

For 8 years (1964-1972), as a young girl, I traveled on the crosstown public busses twice daily–to the Seventh Day Adventist elementary school in Newark, NJ, without incident. I did not possess fear nor was I ever distracted by the activities surrounding me. I simply believed that Jesus and my guardian angels would always be present.

Until a child reaches a certain stage of maturity, they are very impressionable and believe what they see and hear. In order to fully abide in Christ, we must become as children and allow the naivete of innocence to permeate our mind. It is a simple concept to have faith and believe in Jesus Christ.

As we mature and endure the harsh realities of life, we begin to lose our faith and fixate on our circumstances instead of our faith in God. However, it is imperative that we stop focusing on our circumstances. We must look the other way!

If God protected me through the Civil Rights Movement, the Newark Riots, and the tumultuous times of protest in the 1970s; I am living proof that He is able to do above and beyond all that we can ever ask for or even think of.

Just turn and through faith–look into His wonderful face.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I want to turn and look into your face and just believe and trust in you with child-like faith.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)…In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1 NIV

One of the most devastating conditions of our society is the isolation of loneliness. There are various situations that lead to an individual feeling alone; most of us have experienced this dilemma at some point in our lives.

Even God recognized that it was not good for Adam to be alone; therefore, he created Eve as his wife and helper.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV

God’s word never changes nor does his word ever fail. The reality is that when God created this earth, it was according to His perfect plan which did not include sin. It was the Fall of Adam and Eve that altered Gods plan for His created beings and brought the consequences of sin that we are still experiencing in our present lives.

There are many biblical examples of individuals who experienced a solo walk in life: Elijah, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, and Jesus Christ. Even so, we can read about their lives, and we know that God ordained their purpose.

I have witnessed many individuals express if only they were married or in a relationship, they would never feel alone. King David was surrounded by wives, family, children, advisors; yet, throughout the Psalms, he pleads with God not to abandon him. David suffered from constant feelings of loneliness and fear of his enemies.

Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in Anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation. Psalm 27:9 NLT

The key to avoiding loneliness is to pray for God to reveal His purpose for your life. Our purpose is always one that glorifies God; it is never based on our selfish desires.

God was fully aware that the enemy of loneliness would infiltrate our lives and create despondency. As Christian believers, there are commands that we must obey:

1. Attend Church often:

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 NLT

2. Help others continually:

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

3. Develop your spiritual gifts and talents:

Acts 16 tells us that Lydia of Thyatira was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth. “Ability, enthusiasm, singleness of purpose and mental acumen were hers, and she prospered greatly in an honorable and extensive calling of ‘selling purple’.”

4. Believe, Ask, and Fulfill:

God is always here! He desires that our lives are filled with peace, contentment, and happiness.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: For the LORD thy God, it is he that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

Prayer for today: Dear God, We rebuke the feelings of loneliness that has a stronghold in our minds. We acknowledge and accept that marriage may not be part of your Divine plan and purpose for our lives. Please reveal our spiritual gifts and talents and may we always use them for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but 3 days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:31 NLT

Yesterday my cousin said to me, “I am going to serve God till the day I die.” What a powerful testimony that expresses her love for God.

As I reflected on her words, I realized that this is a commitment to God; a rock-solid commitment that she will faithfully follow him by obedience, prayer, and study of His Word, no matter the circumstances.

I pray on this Easter Sunday that we not think of a holiday; but, we reflect on the life that Jesus gave for us and the Eternal life He is preparing for us.

Yes, He suffered, bled, and died; but, He Arose, and is Alive. Hallelujah!

All Hail King Jesus! Embrace His gift of Life!

Sonya Johnson-Ruiz

What has God done for you? Remember and continually praise Him!

“Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15

When we remember what God has done for us, it prevents the sin of INGRATITUDE.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. Psalm 71:15 NLT

I can recall my 1st semester Nursing Professor in her introductory speech, warning us that becoming a nurse involved continuous and never-ending learning. She eagerly attempted to weed out the students that did not have a passion for the profession by encouraging us to withdraw from the program before it was too late. As students, we thought that she was a cruel and heartless individual; however, reflecting on my career, I came to realize that she was preparing us for our future responsibilities.

David was aged in years when he wrote Psalm 71; the psalmist reflects on his life as he views himself as being vulnerable and in a state of helplessness against his enemies. Remember that this is the same David who as a shepherd boy was responsible for taking care of his father’s sheep and goats, and relayed to King Saul that the same God who rescued him from the lions and bears would also allow him to overtake Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:32-37

Ecclesiastes 12:1 admonishes us to: Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble comes and the years approach, when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”

Yes it is a definite advantage to have served God from a young child and have God order your steps through the progressive stages of life. Even so, we are able to begin at any stage in our lives to faithfully serve God.

It takes dutiful preparation on our part to deepen our relationship with God. Although we have natural tendencies to focus on our circumstances instead of focusing on God our Deliverer, we must not succumb to feelings of helplessness based on our stage in life, social or financial status. We must utilize each day to prepare for eternal life by continually studying the Word of God and praying to deepen our relationship with God.

Spiritually, we will always be on a continuous learning curve; the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is required to prepare us for the greatest event of the future: The Second Coming of our Lord and Savior–Jesus Christ.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

Chapter for today: 1 Samuel 17

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask you to give us strength as we prepare everyday to build a stronger and deeper relationship with you. We thank you for your love, your mercy, and your grace. We ask you for wisdom to make the right decisions in our lives as we prepare for your Second Coming. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:3-5 NIV

Then if anyone tells you, “Look, here is the Messiah,” or “There he is,” do not believe it. For False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible even the elect.
Matthew 24:23-24 NIV

The time has come for us to search the scriptures by diligently studying the Bible. We must utilize our time to educate our minds with God’s Word so that we are able to recognize false teachings.

Chapter for today: Matthew 24

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for the Bible–your Holy Word. We ask you to forgive us of our sins and to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Lord, we ask for wisdom and we ask for understanding, as we study your Word, that we may not be deceived by false teachings and false prophets. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

News Article from Huff Post

Then the Lord said to Elijah, Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. 1 Kings 17:2-4, 7 NLT

Read 1 Kings 17

There are times when we will have an abundance and times when we will have little resources; even so, God has promised to always provide when we place our faith and trust in him. Yes, it is disappointing when our plans fail or when change occurs and we are faced with insurmountable problems. We may experience fear and even feel that God is not aware of what we are going through.

Just know that you are never forgotten! God is still the same God that sent birds to bring food for the prophet Elijah.

Our heartfelt prayers to God must be honest. God is already aware of your wavering faith, your fears, and your level of trust in Him. If you are afraid, then confess your fears to God in prayer. When we approach God with our brokenness, it is then that He unleashes his power and proves that He is faithful and just.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

In the midst of constant change, we can be assured that Jehovah-jireh, our provider, is steadfast in His promises to always take care of us.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour…Isaiah 43:2-3 NLT

Prayer for today: Dear God, I know that you are aware of the challenges that I am facing in my life. I realize that I never should have relied on myself. I come to you confessing that I am afraid. Please forgive me for my doubt and unbelief. I desire for my faith and trust in you to grow and reach the level of steadfast and immovable. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

So often we focus on the disappointments of yesterday or the uncertainties of tomorrow and miss God’s matchless gift to us: TODAY !!!!

Welcome each day as a gift from God.

*Dana Johnson Puller

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have been thinking about the challenges in my life instead of your wonderful blessings. I want to thank you for the breath in my body and allowing me to be alive, yet another day. You are great and I thank you for loving me, just as I am. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

*Introducing our newest Contributing Writer: Dana Johnson Puller, a Prayer Warrior, and devout Woman of God who faithfully studies the Word of God. She is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as she witnesses to others about God’s love and the plan of salvation. Dana loves to laugh; her hobbies include photography, crocheting, embroidery, and traveling.

Harper’s Ferry, West Va. Rail Station