Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! Phillippians 4:4

Prior to attending nursing school, I was required to take three academic science courses: Biology, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Although a letter grade of “C” was considered passing, the School of Nursing required a “B” or above for entry into their program.

The college offered regular science courses and pre-nursing science courses that were limited to applicants who received conditional acceptance to the nursing program based on the pass criteria. There were many individuals who missed the mark by 1-2 points to which their response was that the nursing school enforced an unfair acceptance policy. Regardless of the many complaints, 25 years later, the policy remains steadfast.

Recently we received an unexpected blessing. The surgeon who performed my husband’s initial dental procedure conveyed that a second surgery was required due to the inability to predict the healing of the bones in our bodies. As we listened, my thoughts wandered on our dental insurance and the cap on the allowable annual benefits; the second surgical procedure would utilize all of the remaining benefits, and we would have out of pocket expenses.

During the appointment, in spite of the letdown, we chatted about leaving the Northeast to get away from the bitter winters and the fact that we were expecting temperatures in the 20s for the weekend. At that point, the Doctor shared his history of relocating to Texas for similar reasons. We laughed and admitted that we had grown accustomed to the warm climate that living in Texas offers.

The blessing is that my husband’s second surgery was performed “free of charge.” I will not analyze the “how or why” of the gift that God blessed us with.

After reading the 4th chapter of Philippians, I have a much clearer understanding of the pre-requisites that God has for those of us who desire Eternal life.

1. Be Full of joy!

2. Possess Gentleness aka Kindness.

3. Have thoughts which are true, honorable, pure, and worthy of praise.

As Christian believers, we represent the human aspect of the love of Jesus Christ. When we are faced with disappointments, and the challenges of life, God still expects us to possess joy, and exhibit a kind and gentle disposition at all times.

Challenge for today: Rate yourself on the Gentleness Scale: Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent.

Verse for today: Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Philippians 4:5 Good News Translation

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have failed the pre-requisites that I must possess in my character. I ask forgiveness for the times that I have mistreated others. I am asking for your help as I do my part in becoming a gentle and loving Christian. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NLT

You are never alone! We cannot deny that the struggles of life are real…and the impact is often harsh. Nonetheless we have a compassionate Savior who loves us and His promises never fail.

Are you aware of the comforting promises that are in the Word of God?
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God has verified that He is the Author of the Bible, and He is the one who inspired individuals to convey his purpose and his promises.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

Our Spiritual growth is stunted when we fail to study the Bible. In order to have a healthy relationship, you must get to know the other person. The Bible consists of 66 books with many chapters that reveal who God is.

Believing in God is a wonderful beginning; it takes love as a foundation to build a relationship, and when we love God, we are eager to know everything about Him.

There are many self-help books available that can be utilized as adjunct reading material to assist us in overcoming our daily hardships of life. However, all books are to be secondary to studying the Holy Bible.

Believe and receive the comfort that only God can provide. Start the love relationship with our Savior today–He is the Alpha and Omega–the beginning and the end, there is none like Him!

Prayer for today: Dear God, I desire to have a faithful relationship with you. I am willing to do my part in getting to know you by studying your Word. I need you in my life. Thank you for providing the Bible. I ask for your grace and mercy as I begin the journey of knowing who you are. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 NIV

I just read a good-bye letter from an individual who has decided to eliminate social media (Facebook) from his life. He has the desire to reflect on his own thoughts, identify his beliefs, and perform a deep evaluation of who he really is as a person. There was also the mention of the need for companionship which led him to make the decision to buy a cat.

There are a vast number of individuals who live without familial support or close friendships. We live in a virtual world where face to face contact and communication has rapidly declined. It is easier to send text messages or FaceTime with friends or family than to interrupt our hurried lives with the inconvenience of a face-to-face visit.

As popular as the virtual world has become, we have become desensitized to the needs of others; the loving bonds that humans require for stability, strength, and validation have been weakened to the point that we use social media to post death notifications as if it were of no great importance.

What is your present Quality of Life?

There are additional drawbacks to following the popular behaviors of mainstream society. We begin to lose our individuality: Reflection on one’s life can bring the feelings of satisfaction or remorse. If you are feeling lost or invisible and your present lifestyle is nonproductive or has you thinking, “there has to be a better way”, then identify the areas that you can change. Often the behaviors or habits that lead to dissatisfaction can be modified with a realistic plan and perseverance.

In 2007, I lived in New Jersey, working on a job which required 12 hours of actual work as opposed to the 8 hour day that was supposed to be a benefit of the position. As soon as I qualified for PTO, I took a few days off and started mailing resumes to facilities in Upstate New York. Within two months, I relocated to an area that had a slower pace of life along with a job that had a realistic work schedule.

There are times when your life only requires minor adjustments to achieve a healthy and productive status, and there are times when your life needs a major change.

My decision to relocate to Upstate NY was based on a real talk with God through prayer. When all of the pieces of the puzzle came together, I knew that God had blessed my prospective plans.

Reflection of your present life should bring joy and satisfaction; if not, then it is time to say good-bye, whether it is people, places, or things. God desires to always give us hope.

Verse for today: “For I know the plans that I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Prayer for today: Dear God, I am feeling change is necessary in my life to eliminate the emptiness that I possess. Please help me to identify the people, places, and things that I must say good-bye to. Thank you for providing a future full of hope for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

As it is written, The righteous shall live by faith. (last part) Romans 1:17

Although we possess unique talents, personalities, physical features, and life experiences, we share a common factor, which is the ability to learn.

We can change our method of thinking and doing by learning organizational skills. Time management, planning, structure, and discipline are essential components of a productive lifestyle aka having great organizational skills.

1. Purchase a journal…yes we live in the world of digital and electronic communications; however, there is a benefit to using a writing instrument to document on (hard copy) paper, your task becomes a concerted effort as opposed to the mindless repetition of using keystrokes.

2. Plan for tomorrow…planning is very different than worrying about tomorrow. Do a walk through in your home to identify cleaning tasks, look in your closet to declutter the excess, review your bank account, these are areas that are often neglected in our busy lives.

3. Identify areas for improvement! This is one of the most overwhelming phases of organizing your life. Where is the journal? Divide your lists into Mini-tasks that can be completed in 20 minutes or less.

4. Label all of your tasks as Short-term goals: For example, cleaning your refrigerator does not have to be an all-day task that you have relentlessly avoided for a very long time; divide it up into three or four mini sessions, over a period of 1-2 weeks and remember to progress from the easiest task to the hardest task.

5. Grab a Calendar: Place yourself on a schedule by identifying the day and time slots for performing the tasks. This is the onset of Discipline and Structure becoming actions; in fact, this is the beginning of Change in your habits–you are on a learning curve– embrace the remolding of your mind!

6. Implement your plan! Check your journal and begin cleaning, decluttering, and reorganizing.

7. Evaluate your plan. There are times when we have misjudged the magnitude of the task; set your timer to 20 minutes and begin anyway.

8. Modify your original plan: If you require hangers or storage totes then work around that aspect of closet reorganization. Grab some bags, identify give-away clothing and declutter instead of hanging up the clothing that is laying on your chair.

I just completed a couple of tasks which I have avoided for quite some time. I am feeling on top of the world as if I had received a free gift.

Organization has a soothing effect on our minds: Structure and Discipline removes the chaos of clutter and empowers us to function at a deeper level; mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Challenge for today: Make it happen today–take 20 minutes to identify the areas which need organization.

Verse for today: I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

Prayer for today: Dear God, My life is full of chaos and clutter. I need your strength to embrace and implement an action plan to eliminate the things which prevent me from living a disciplined life. Please show me how to begin. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

I can recall our Quality team excitely waiting for our initial meeting with the Vice President to share our accomplishments and challenges from performing our jobs as Provider Educators. In preparation we had a team meeting to discuss our concerns and subsequently submitted a report which included possible solutions to work smarter.

On the day of the meeting, we received a copy of our job descriptions and the agenda which did not allow for feedback from our team. As our VP acknowledged receipt of our report, she began to review our job description and the expectations of the company.

We were told in no uncertain terms that our job description did not include the modification of the company’s current processes and that we were hired to fulfill the role as outlined. In addition, we were required to commit to fulfill our roles as defined by signing the current job description or submitting our resignation.

The Believer’s Job Description is “The Great Commission”

Go, ye therefore, and teach All Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:19

We have received the command to “Go” which indicates active participation. Our job description is pre-defined by God and is not to be altered or modified according to our temperaments, busy schedules or other priorities that we have placed above witnessing to others.

Yesterday I went to the last day of an estate sale that was filled to capacity. Soon the room emptied of buyers with the exception of myself, and one other individual. As we spoke about the uncertainty of life, we both agreed on the certainty of death while looking at items in the huge walk-in closet of a person who no longer existed.

When I heard the words, “I lost my only daughter last year, she was only 25, and although she isn’t suffering any longer, I really miss her”, I immediately stopped looking for items to purchase, prayed a silent prayer, and gave my full attention to an individual that took the risk of sharing her grief with a complete stranger.

I am thankful that I was able to provide hope as I explained God’s promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 regarding the dead in Christ and those who are alive when Jesus comes again. When she began to cry, I reached out and placed my hand on her shoulder to acknowledge and validate her right to grieve. I asked if she would like for me to pray and when she agreed, I prayed a simple prayer for comfort. Following the prayer, she reached out to hug and thank me for just being there. I thanked her in return for sharing the memories of her beautiful daughter.

In 15 minutes, I witnessed an individual filled with hopelessness receive comfort from the Holy Spirit. I have come to realize that if I fulfill the job that God has given to me, then God will use His power to bring honor and glory to His name. I will also receive benefits: A deeper relationship with God, a greater sense of the time constraints of life, an urgency to witness, and a personal transformation of my character.

Challenge for today: Begin everyday by acknowledging that, “My life is not my own…and it is only what I do for Christ that will count in the end!”

Chapter for today: Matthew 28

Prayer for today: Dear God, From this day forward, I commit myself to fulfill the commission that you have given. Please help me to recognize and take action when I come across those in need. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Yosemite

There are many who do not study because of the KJV wording…it is better to use another translation of the Bible than not to study at all.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Praying that you will be blessed

This is what the LORD Almighty says, “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:16 NIV

Recently, I had an indepth conversation with my cousin regarding the importance of studying the Word of God, and its impact on the Believer’s life.

Our society is filled with an overload of information and it is left up to each of us to decide whether the details are true or false. It is not difficult to manipulate the mind; historically, we can refer to the mass suicide/murder in Jonestown, Guyana that was initiated and orchestrated by Jim Jones.

“James Warren Jones aka Jim Jones was an American religious cult leader, who was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple cult which he began in Indiana during the 1950s.”

Again, it is not difficult to identify the mind that is easily manipulated. Human beings are creatures of habit and those who prefer to be hearers only, are usually the individuals without a foundation of deep roots; therefore, the false concepts are presented in a manner which is non-threatening and beneficial to the recipient.

There is a standard in which all Believers will be held accountable for: We must possess knowledge of the Word of God and apply the Word to our lives.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

Studying the Bible is not an option:

1. It is the only way that we can learn who God is and how He desires for us to live.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, that the man of God can be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2. The Holy Spirit protects us from receiving and assimilating false information.

Beloved, do not believe every Spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 ESV

3. We receive the gift of discernment:

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 ESV

God has provided each of us with an Arsenal to use against our arch enemy-Satan: Prayer, the Bible, Jesus our Intercessor, the Holy Spirit, and the Angels.

Is it really the truth? Pray and utilize God’s Word as your standard, and you will always be certain of what is “Truth” and what is “False”.

Challenge for today: We learn by repetition; take your time and study the Bible verse by verse, ensuring that you fully grasp the present chapter before moving forward to the next chapter.

Chapter for today: 2 Timothy 3

Prayer for today: Dear God, I ask you to forgive me of my sins, to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and to fill me with your Holy Spirit. As I prepare to study your Word, I ask you for understanding, discernment and the ability to apply the truth to my life. It is my desire to have Eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Sedona, Arizona

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on Earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26 NLT

If you have read the Book of Psalms, then it is evident that David had undying love and adoration for God. David’s songs convey that God is always here for us in spite of our circumstances. Although our physical bodies will decline, even unto the point of death, our hearts can remain strong when we abide with God.

Have you recognized and embraced the various roles of our heavenly Father? God is our Light, our Salvation, our Strength, our Provider, our Healer, our Protector, our Comforter, and much more. Who else can we trust with our very lives?

It is a personal decision to include God in your life. Establishing a relationship with our Heavenly Father places us in a win-win situation. We are able to maintain a “No Worries” mindset with God on our side.

Stress is defined as feeling that our circumstances are beyond our control. Most of us can attest that when we face obstacles, we will either fall or rise above. It is human nature to perceive certain situations as daunting. However, when we have embraced the power of God, we should only fall as far as it takes for our knees to touch the floor.

When we place our trust in God we can have a stress-free life!

“Turn it over to Jesus, turn it over to Jesus, and you can smile for the rest of your days”

Challenge for today: As we prepare for the Sabbath, take the time to identify the challenges you are currently facing: God is ready, willing, and able to bring resolution as only He can.

Verse for today: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer for today: Dear God, I acknowledge your great power, and I invite you to come into my life. Thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercy. In faith, I turn over all of my obstacles, my worries, and my stressors to you. Please help me to have the love and adoration that allows me to sing a new song of praise, honor, and glory to your Holy name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:7 NLT

We often wish for things (that we have determined) that would make our lives less burdensome. Unfortunately, it is usually something that is tangible such as money, a higher paying or easier job, a luxury car, a different place to live, etc.

Certainly we are to approach God through prayer for our necessities; even so, a prayer for a reliable vehicle differs from a prayer in which we ask to receive a vehicle which is above and beyond our financial income. Yes, God does provide; however, He would never place us in a situation where our liabilities exceeded our assets.

We must remain aware of our desires; as our sinful desires increase, we become dissatisfied with the blessings that God has gifted to us. Eventually, our mindset changes and we become dominated and controlled by our always present desires for more and more tangible items.

Feeling dissatisfied also prevents peace and contentment which is an important part of spiritual growth. When the Spirit of God dwells within us, we live to please God; pleasing God does not equate to us never pursuing our hopes and dreams or asking God for our necessities, it means that we present our realistic desires for His approval and blessing to move forward.

Challenge for today: Evaluate your desires; are they acceptable to God?

Verse for today: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 NIV

Prayer for today: Dear God, I realize that I do not have your peace and contentment in my life. I desire things that I feel would make my life better. I ask you to help me to get rid of sinful thoughts and my sinful nature. I ask forgiveness for my current spirit of discontent; it is my desire to please you and to be filled with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz