Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT

Many years ago, I worked the night shift in a hospital inpatient Psychiatric Unit under the direction of a “Doom and Gloom” physician. I dreaded the weekly staff meetings where the atmosphere was filled with cynicism. From his limited experience, he readily expressed that people do not change, and if you think that they have changed, then wait for the right situation to occur and they will relapse into their previous behaviors.

Change involves stepping out of the darkness into the light.

Because I worked the night shift, it was necessary to use room darkening shades and curtains in my bedroom to mimic night time during daylight hours. Eventually I changed all of the curtains in my home to block out the light, because I began to feel more comfortable in my “Cocoon of Darkness.” On my days off, I rarely left my home during daylight hours. All of my appointments were scheduled for later in the day, and I waited until evening to run errands.

Over time, I noticed a change in my body: lethargy, mood swings, loss of the desire to be around other individuals, and weight gain. I was evaluated by my physician, who ordered labwork that revealed a severe vitamin D3 and Calcium deficiency, along with the scale reflecting a 20 lb weight gain. His recommendation was for me to open the curtains, get outside for a daily dose of sunshine, take a walk, spend time with my friends and take my new medications as prescribed.

After following my physician’s advice to step out of the darkness, I decided to eliminate the Doom and Gloom from my life, by looking for a daytime job with a positive environment.

For one year, I was exposed to the dark side of life (no pun intended). The negative work atmosphere along with literally isolating myself to function only during evening and night hours led to critical changes in my physical body and emotional state of mind.

From a spiritual perspective, we also place ourselves in darkness when we fail to have a personal relationship with God. We place ourselves in darkness when we are not interested in studying the Word of God on a daily basis, when we have an inconsistent prayer life, and when we forsake the assembling of ourselves with fellow believers by not attending church and having social interactions with one another.

As our greatest Physician recommends: We can only stay in the light by staying in the Word of God. We are to walk with the Lamp–the Word of God–toward God who is the Light.

The Lord is my light and my salvation (first part) Psalm 27:1; God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. (last part) 1 John 1:5; therefore, we are “to walk in the light of the LORD.” Isaiah 2:5

When God commanded, “Let there be light”; that light extended beyond the cosmic atmosphere; God desires for us to view Him as the Light that is always present and ever-shining.

If by faith, we carry the lamp and keep our focus on God, the darkness of life subsides, and we continue our journey–to walk toward God the Light–one step at a time.

Challenge for day: Increase your time with God, and enjoy a face-to-face visit with friends.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please help us to step out of the darkness by having a personal relationship with you. We realize the only way to know that you are the Light is to pray and carry the lamp. As we prepare to change our lives, we ask for your strength to continue our journey toward eternal life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Chapter for today: Psalm 27

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path… your Word is my source of Hope. Psalm 119:105,114 (last part) NLT

Recently, my husband had extensive oral surgery which impacted the food choices that he is able to make during his post-operative recovery.

Food is one of the most gratifying pleasures of life, especially when we make choices based on our preferences. The downside to giving in to our tastebuds is that a growing number of us are unhealthy! Obesity, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Heart Disease, and Gout has increased to epidemic proportions in our society.

Diabetes and High Cholesterol are also on the rise at a phenomenal rate in children. Most Pediatricians have included HgA1c (Diabetes) and Lipid testing in the annual physicals for their young patients. Food-based childhood diseases lead to an adult life full of ongoing health issues.

Most Baby Boomers have multiple disease processes related to poor nutritional choices. Our physical bodies require certain nutrients to sustain an optimal level of health. When we consistently make unhealthy food choices, we are faced with the severe consequences of having Poor Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health.

Even so, we do have a choice to love ourselves by praying for and practicing Self-Control. The body responds well to healthy food: Weight loss, the stabilization of your medical diagnoses, and an overall change in your outlook and disposition.

It is quite interesting that we are so willing to feed our physical bodies, yet we starve ourselves spiritually, by not studying the Word of God. The promises, precepts, and commands in God’s Word are food for our souls.

Perform a self-evaluation: Is your spiritual diet a healthy diet? What are you feeding your mind with? How much time do you spend studying the Bible? Are you applying the Word to your lifestyle? If so, what changes or goals have you presented to God for His blessing and approval?

The Bible provides the highest level of nutrients for our spiritual lives. We can never sustain any negative consequences from eating (studying) God’s Word. Begin to feast on the Book that contains, “…every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (last part) NLT

The Bible is the only book that feeds our mind, changes our heart, pricks our conscience, defines God’s will, and ultimately leads to a complete makeover for our lives.

Challenge for today: Purchase a hardcopy of the Bible and begin your intake of unlimited spiritual food.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We are spiritually malnourished because we simply do not study your Word. We are ready for a makeover in our lives. Please help us to take the time to know you for ourselves by studying and applying your Word to our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Chapter for today: Psalm 119

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them…Romans 12:9

An active imagination, pretending, and imaginary friends which really do not exist are essential to a child’s growth and development. In fact, pretense leads to a child having a broader perspective on life’s possibilities and a higher level of creativity.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT

However, the act of pretending is very detrimental beyond the stage of childhood. Pretense in adults is a precursor to dishonest and deceitful thought processes. Leading others to believe that you are fully in agreement with the individual(s) or the situation provides a breeding ground for feelings of bitterness and hatred to grow within. As time passes, the pretender gets fed up and much to everyone’s surprise he or she overreacts to something that is usually insignificant or unrelated to the present situation.

For Believers it is that same pretense that causes us to stray from God. We cannot serve God and love the things of the world. We become weary from losing the battle of pretending to be a Saint when we love the pleasures of being a Sinner. Eventually the worldly pleasures cause us to throw in the towel, and we are exposed for who we truly are.

… but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Romans 12:2,17 NLT

When (by faith) we really love God, we experience a transformation from the inside; our hearts, our minds, and our lives become renewed. As all pretense fades away, we become transparent and we begin to reflect the character of Christ. God desires for us to come to Him through prayer and honestly express our faulty character traits.

“Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Ephesians 3:17-18 NLT

Challenge for today: Pray a “Prayer of Confession” and expose your hidden sins to God.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We ask you to forgive us for pretentious sins; the sins of being double-minded and for acting one way in front of others, but harboring the sinful thoughts that reveal our true character. We are ready to change and grow spiritually. We ask you to empower us with inner strength by filling us with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Bible Reading: Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength–Ephesians 3:14-21

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed
day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.

For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Many of us are dealing with illness, loss of family members, financial challenges, marital issues, loneliness, wayward children, the government shutdown, etc.

The circumstances of life can weigh heavily on our minds and as a result we feel that our lives are in a constant turmoil. We perceive the future as uncertain when we focus on the problem instead of believing that God will deliver us, as He has promised in His Holy Word.

I would like to encourage you to start praying the moment you begin to feel anxious or worried. God loves us and in the time of our personal turbulence, He is Steadfast and Immovable.

Always keep your FOCUS on Jesus by Living a Faith-based life.

So don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of Unbelievers. But your heavenly FATHER already knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Challenge for today: Upgrade your level of faith…start believing in God regardless of the circumstances!

Prayer for today: Dear God, I know that you have always been in Control and always will be in Control of all things. Please forgive me for my doubt and unbelief in your Power. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

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. Isaiah 43:2 NLT

For all of us who are suffering for Jesus Christ:

We PROCLAIM that the WINDOWS of HEAVEN can Never and will Never Be Shutdown!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Sonya Johnson-Ruiz

Today I am sharing an excerpt from the 10 days of Prayer currently being recognized by the Seventh Day Adventist World Church.

“Promises for Strength to Do God’s Will”

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed
day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phillipians 2:13

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

*There are so many times that we feel grieved and overwhelmed by our situations or circumstances. Even so, God is here-He is the source of our strength. When we approach Him with our heartfelt prayers, God extends His loving arms to embrace us with love and steadfast promises that He will always take care of us.

*Written by Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Challenge for today: Memorize Psalm 27:14.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I feel overwhelmed by my current circumstances. I am asking you to help me to increase my faith and trust in you. I know that you love and care for me, and will see me through. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is Holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT

I can remember riding the roller coasters at the amusement park; looking at the curves and the height of the tracks, feeling butterflies in my stomach as I stood in line, anticipating the excitement of the fast speed of the car. During the ride, I vowed to never ride again, only to get back in line for a second experience as soon as the ride ended.

There are many of us who are vascillating between living for God and enjoying the pleasures of the world. We love God, we study the Bible, pray daily, attend church, and yet our spiritual lives compare to a roller coaster ride.

When we commit sins, we ask for forgiveness, even so, we still desire the excitement of doing things outside of the realm of holiness.

There is “A Call to Holy Living”:

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control…So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is Holy. For the Scriptures say, You must be holy because I am Holy. 1 Peter 1:13,14-16

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors…It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, Spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:18-19

It is time for us to get off of the roller coaster. It is time to cast all of our worldly desires and behaviors aside.

What more can God do for us? There is no greater price paid than the blood of Jesus that was shed for the remission of our sins. We cannot forget the shame, the suffering, and the spilling of His most precious blood; His blood was for us; His blood prevents the second and final death; His blood offers us Eternal life, if we choose so through faith and obedience.

All that He asks of us, is to Live Holy. It takes Faith, Self-control and definitive Action on our part to live as obedient children. Whatever we need to cast aside to stop the highs and lows of an unstable spiritual life, we must commit to Holiness, because Jesus Christ will return again as King of King and Lord of Lords.

And Jesus said to him, “If you can? All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 ESV

It is possible to live holy; yes, we will fail in our human state, even so the Holy Spirit makes us aware when we are getting ready to plummet into a spiritual low. It is our choice to serve God and there is only one way: Do not get on the Roller Coaster!

Challenge for today: Ask God to reveal the behaviors and desires that are preventing you from living Holy.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I have not been obedient to you for so long that I am unable to to get off of the roller coaster. I know that I am sinning against you by seeking after the things that I desire. Please forgive me for not using my time and my talents for your honor and your glory. I commit my life to you right now. I want to live Holy and I want Eternal Life. Thank you for giving your Son for me. Please allow me to have the faith that is necessary to get off of the roller coaster. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with Fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. Daniel 3:19 ESV

As a believer, we usually have less than the world’s standards for material possessions. We have our share of mountain highs and valley lows. It appears to others that we are always experiencing some type of trial and tribulation, although we serve God. And yes, there are plenty of biblical accounts which reflect the sufferings and hardships of those who are faithful to God.

From experience, if the journey involves a rugged path, why do we continue to travel on this path? Surely there is an easier road that leads to a less tedious journey and a brighter future.

There are certain changes that occur in our lives when we travel the path paved with hardships:

1. We experience change; our character must align with Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.”

2. We live with hope. We believe that our current earthly journey is temporary, and that Jesus will come again to give us a new home and eternal life.

Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

3. We believe that we are never alone.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalms 91:11

The Lord himself goes before you, he will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

4. We accept that God’s standards for happiness are very different from the worldly standards for happiness.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2

…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God has given unto thee…Deuteronomy 26:11

Even so, we must distinguish the difference between sufferings for God and sufferings due to a continuous pattern of making the wrong choices, backsliding into the same situation once we have been delivered, or simply because we did not wait for God’s answers and solutions.

How can we avoid self-inflicted suffering? By staying rooted and grounded in a closer relationship with God through continuous prayer, and study of His Word.

God is with us…our challenge is to stay with God.

Challenge for today: Only suffer for God! Pray for guidance if you are unable to discern the difference.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have endured many hardships in our lives. We ask you for the spiritual discernment to know the difference between self-inflicted suffering and suffering for you. We believe that you will give us strength to keep moving forward. In your Holy name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Pray without ceasing!

Never stop praying!

Pray constantly!

1 Thessalonians 5:17

I listened to a song this morning that included the words, “I live life walking on my knees.” What a powerful way to express an ongoing relationship with God! What a powerful way to live!

In December, I committed to making changes in my life for the new year; not resolutions that would change based on my feelings or situations but developing achievable goals within set time frames.

There are Christians who believe that we should never set goals, or make plans for our lives. However, that mindset is not supported by biblical teaching. We are not to wander through life aimlessly.

Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:14 NLT

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT

Because God tells us in Isaiah 55:8 (NLT):

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

First, we must present our desires, plans, and goals to God in prayer for approval; even so, our prayer must include the question: God what would you have me to do in my life?

I am happy to say that although God approved my goals, He rearranged and prioritized them according to His will. In our walk with God, we must pray for the abilities to recognize and correctly discern when the Holy Spirit speaks to us in that “quiet and still voice.”

It was only after I prayed a heartfelt prayer that God revealed His priority for my life: To walk on my knees.”

I share God’s answer because it is applicable to all believers. God requires us to maintain a humble spirit and a contrite heart to serve and honor Him. We are unable to perform good deeds to achieve the changes that are pleasing to God. We must walk through life on our knees!

Challenge for today: Make known to God the changes that you desire in your life and wait for His answer.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We thank you for always hearing and answering our prayers. Please help us to walk through life on our knees by constantly communicating with you through prayer over every aspect of our lives. We desire a closer relationship with you; we desire you to prioritize what really matters in our day-to-day lives; and we desire most of all to be able to hear the still and quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. We ask these blessings upon our lives in your Son’s name, Jesus. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz