Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

There are many benefits to putting aside all secular activities for 24 hours, to give 1/7th of our busy lives to focus on God, rest, and relaxation. Personally, to look forward to the weekly 7th-day spiritual sabbatical lifts my spirits, and enables me to have a stronger relationship with God. Since one 24-hr day is devoted to cease all activities that are not spiritual, it keeps me on a procrastination-free schedule during the other six days.

Nike had a slogan to “Just do it!” I can promise you that there are many benefits to keeping the Sabbath. It has enhanced my relationship with God, my medical diagnoses have stabilized due to no stress, the aging process of my body has decreased (still no wrinkles), my mood is consistent, enjoying a peaceful REM sleep, and my knowledge of the Word of God has become deeper due to an increased desire to study.

Friday is our time for preparation; we cook our meals, clean, and complete all secular activities prior to sunset. When I was employed, part of my preparation was completed on Thursday night. Once I made the decision to commit to Sabbath keeping, my daily strength to prepare for the Sabbath increased, all because I made the decision to honor Exodus 20:8-11.

I have been asked, “How do you know that you are honoring the Sabbath as God requires?” Think about a trip to a Christian Spa: quiet environment, soothing and uplifting music, reading nonsecular materials, no interruptions from ringing phones, or numerous text messaging, forget the electronic techy addiction to laptops, no cooking, healthy choice food, plenty of sleep, and lots of beautiful scenery. Basically, a time of prayer, praise, singing, and lots of joyful laughter. In addition, I commune with God in a church environment with others who share my love for worshipping collectively.

Nature plays an important role in keeping our focus on God and His awesome love. We also take weekly trips to the beautiful Granbury lake when the weather permits, which in itself provides a time to reflect on God and the beauty that still exists.

I am not promoting a religious denomination, that is certainly a personal choice. I am simply pointing out that God knew the damage that the hardships of life would cause to our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical bodies. It is his wonderful gift to us a lifestyle that He tells us to remember–the 7th day Sabbath.

Make the change, it is a win-win situation, and incorporate the Sabbath into your life. God’s plan for our lives always ends in victory.

Prayer for today: Dear God, I desire the lifestyle that you developed for me. Please give me the courage to remember the 7th day Sabbath, and make the decision to just do it and make the change. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Millaa Millaa Falls, Queensland, Australia

Show proper respect to everyone… 1 Peter 2:17

Challenge question: Do you respect only the individuals that deserve respect?

There is a popular standard in our society that “Respect must be earned.” As a believer, if we follow trends, we can be certain those trends are in direct opposition to God’s standards for our lives.

God is the Creator of every living and breathing human being. It is our duty to God and to others to honor what occurred on the sixth day:

And God said, Let us make man in our image after our likeness…And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold it was very good. Genesis 1:26,31

As I gave some serious thought to this verse, I can recall a discussion in my Sociology class where we were required to speak on our biases and prejudices, and identify the ethnicities in which they were directed against. The professor listened until I relayed that I did not have biases or prejudices against any group of people. He confronted me with a barrage of questions to which my answers coincided with Genesis 1. Needless to say, he acquiesced to the Word of God; whether it was due to his belief in God or fear of offending those who believed in God, I cannot say. However, it was my opportunity to witness and give honor and glory to God-given diversity.

The next time you are tempted to speak against an individual, contemplate on Genesis 1:26: “All human beings are made in God’s image.” If you are a believer and love God, then you are required to respect what God has created. God has not given us the option to like or dislike what He has made with His own hands.

Imagine a sculptor, shaping a piece of clay, ensuring that every curve and groove will represent perfection. Then try to imagine God who is and always will be perfect, creating human life. Adam and Eve were created with beauty, stature, and immortality. Due to sin, we are imperfect-especially our mindset and thought processes. Even so, we must accept that God lovingly created a diverse population, and “God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good.” If God was pleased, then we are to accept His standards in accepting others.

“For there is no respecter of persons with God.” Romans 2:11

In order to have respect for God, we must rid ourselves of dislikes, prejudices and biases. God created diversity in every aspect of life, and if He was pleased, then we only have one option: Respect all who are created in His image.

R-Revere

E-Every

S-Single

P-Person

E-Every

C-Chance

T-Today and every day

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please forgive us for disrespecting the diversity that you have given to us. We have sinned against you by our dislikes, biases, and prejudices of others. Help us to love you as indicated by our love for others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT

There was an actual story of how we are to move forward while traveling through the storms of life.

A young woman and her father were traveling on a return trip to the university where she attended. Before they realized it, a sudden storm involving a torrential downpour of rain with gusty winds, halted traffic to a slow-paced gridlock condition on the highway. The young woman begins to tell her father that she could not drive in the storm. She expressed fear which escalated into anxiety as she asks her father for help. The father reassured her by emphasizing that he taught her expert driving skills and that she possessed the ability to drive through the storm. When her lack of confidence begins to overshadow her faith, she expressed that it would be better if she pulled over on the shoulder of the road until the storm was over. However, her father expressed that she should continue to keep driving at a slow pace. As they rode in silence for another 10 minutes, the sun begins to shine. The young woman sighed with relief when the warm rays of sunlight fell on her face. With her father’s guidance, she made it through the storm. At that point, her father instructed her to pull over, she stated, “But, the storm is over.” He asked her to look in her rearview mirror and asked, “Where are the cars that pulled over?” “Dad, of course, they are still in the storm.”

When the storms of life cause you to lose your focus and your faith, just remember that our Heavenly Father is always present and that He will guide us safely through.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Please help me to rely on your strength and your love to guide me safely through the storms of life. My faith is weak. I am asking for your comfort, as I continue to put my trust in you. God, I know that I can depend on you. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Pic reflects storm in Santa Fe, New Mexico

You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

It takes a conscious effort to faithfully serve God. With the many distractions that bombard us on a daily basis, we often place God last on our “to do” list. Every morning that we are granted another day of life, we determine how we will give gratitude and thanksgiving to God. Personally, I thought that when I retired, I would naturally spend more time with God. On the contrary, it was a struggle to get myself together spiritually. With all the free time on my hands, I was even more distracted and focused on my own desires which escalated into little idols.

If you work everyday, and request PTO, think about your agenda; sleeping in, relaxation, taking it easy, or doing something pleasurable would probably be among your top priorities. How many times have you said, I want to spend more time with God during my time off from work? To be honest, never did I place God as a top priority during my 40-year career on my days off, my little idols took precedence over God.

I am taking a short get-a-way this weekend and have prepared a checklist of what I need to do: Check the weather forecast; pack the appropriate clothing; ensure the vehicle has gas, proper fluid levels, and tire pressures; and searched the internet for some fun things to do while away. I would never think of traveling without advance planning and preparation.

As a believer, I have the responsibility of preparing for eternal life. My daily list of things to do should have my spiritual commitment to worshipping God as a top priority. Studying the Word of God, praying, singing and praising should not take a concerted effort when I think about the bountiful blessings that I receive and do not deserve.

Little idols are the ordinary things in life that we place above God. Time spent on activities will help you determine if they are a distraction. The great news is that the little idols can be discarded. Remember that God desires for us to use our talents, develop our creativity, and have a joyous life. Even so, He requires that we put Him first above all others and activities.

Now that we are aware of the problem–the solution is simple. Develop an action plan of always placing God first, and your mindset will change. As soon as my eyes open, I say a prayer of thanksgiving to honor our most loving God. It has taken time for the transition to rid myself of the little idols, and God has patiently waited for me to put Him first in my life.

What is on your agenda for today?

Prayer for today: Dear God, We acknowledge that we have placed and served little idols above you. Please forgive us and guide us, as we make the necessary changes to reflect that you are above all else in our lives. Thank you for your loving kindness, your grace, and your mercy. We love and honor you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

But, the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5: 22-23

There are many dilemmas that occur in our lives which force us to make a decision as to where we stand for right or wrong. However, many factors influence what we view as acceptable or unacceptable thoughts, behaviors. and actions. Individualized life experience plays a major role in shaping our character. For example, children who did not have enough food and figured out how to utilize stealing to meet this necessity, may not honor the commandment of “Thou shalt not steal” or the societal laws regarding “larceny or embezzlement” as adults.

There are differences in an individual’s Character vs Personality:

“Personality refers to the combination of qualities, attitude and behavior, that makes a person distinct from others. Character refers to a set of moral and mental qualities and beliefs, that makes a person different from others. … At the same time, character indicates the traits of a person which are hidden from sight.”

It is the hidden traits of a person that make it almost impossible to find out who they really are. I can remember a co-worker commenting on the ineffectiveness of pre-employment psychological evaluations as a waste of time for those with enough intelligence to beat the test. There are certain facial grimaces that may expose the possibility of hateful or uncontrolled anger tendencies; but what about the individuals who have been trained to keep a stoic or flat expression? No, it is impossible for human beings to know what is hidden inside of others; and often we may not be aware of what our hidden traits are until “the right situation exposes who we really are.”

Galatians 5:16-21 tells us we are in a spiritual battle involving our selfish desires:

If you are Guided by the spirit, you will not obey your selfish desires. The spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should. But if you obey the spirit, the law of Moses has no control over you.

People’s desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful Deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are in this. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God’s Kingdom. (Contemporary English Version)

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul in a time where wickedness had infiltrated the church, as it has today. Sin never fails in standing strong, it is always present. The law of Moses-The Ten Commandments-provides God’s standards for relationships with him and others. Because we are sinful, God could not leave it up to us to define His expectations in our daily lives. Hidden traits are not hidden with God; we may deceive others and even ourselves, however, before God we are totally exposed.

If you are ready to know your hidden traits, ask God to reveal them through His Holy Spirit. The challenge of accepting and asking God to implement change is always a personal choice. God is waiting for us to possess the Fruit of the Spirit; He is always the Victor in the spiritual battle of life.

…You have not, because you ask not. You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss…James 4:2-3

Prayer for today: Dear God, I am asking you to reveal my hidden traits. Once they are revealed, I am asking for the strength to accept the truth, and the humbleness to invite the Holy Spirit into my life that I may be transformed according to your standards. Hear my prayer, O Lord that I may do your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 NIV

Our Condolences to the families of the Pittsburgh victims who were martyrs for their faith in God.

The tragedies occurring on a daily basis reflect our human limitations in the systematic plan of life. In spite of our diligent efforts, we are unable to make any society or nation great. We are unable to prevent biblical prophecies from being fulfilled which speak of a progressive escalation of violence and death. It grieves our hearts to learn of our brothers and sisters losing their lives on a global scale. The question is asked, “Will there ever be a time of peace again?”

Historically, since the inception of sin, there has never been peace or a time without death.

“The LORD God made garments of skin and clothed Adam and his wife.” Genesis 3:21 BSB

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field that Cain rose up against Abel and killed him.” Genesis 3:8

When God forewarned Adam and Eve that disobedience would lead to death; animal death was required to clothe Adam and Eve, and even the sting of death infiltrated the heavenly realm:

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might Deliver Us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” Galatians 1:3-4

Even Jesus, the Son of God was required to give up divinity to take on humanity, and give His life for the remission of sin. It took blood to cleanse and redeem us from the terrible tragedy of sin. The outcome appears bleak; so, what are we to do when death and destruction are inevitable?

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God, because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” Romans 12:1 NIV

God’s divine plan provides hope and comfort for those who commit themselves by faith. Never forget that Jesus was resurrected and has all glory and power in His hands!

Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. John:14 1-3 CEV

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4 16-17

“He who testifies to these things says, Yes, I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

Prayer for today: Dear God, We pray for the comfort of the bereaved families of those who were killed in Pittsburgh. We pray for your Divine intervention and peace as we prepare ourselves daily for your Second Coming. We give you all the honor and the glory as we ask you to forgive us for our sins. We look forward to a New Heaven and a New Earth. In your Holy name, we pray. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2

Today, I am devoting my blog to my favorite season. As the earth prepares to take a rest and hibernate, the transition from Summer to Autumn is simply breathtaking.

I invite you to explore your creative side and bring some of the beautiful fall colors into your home. Using cinnamon sticks, twine, and inexpensive candles, I plan to make a centerpiece with cinnamon wrapped candles for my fun project today. Pics to follow completion.

Enjoy your day! Be blessed and in all things, give thanksgiving to God.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

This morning, as I was reading a Devotional from Morris L. Venden on Surrender to God, I found out that we experience a crisis (a time of intense difficulty) when it is time to surrender to God. My definition of a crisis is when an uncontrollable event causes havoc in one’s life. Now I realize that I am the one responsible for my Spiritual Crisis.

” Absolute surrender will be a crisis in your life that you will be aware of. *Steps to Christ, page 43, says that “the warfare against self is the greatest battle ever fought.’ Such a battle will not go by unnoticed.”

Surrender causes conflict within, because of our inherent tendency to willfully sin against God. David tells us in Psalm 51:5, “…I have done wrong since the day I was born.” We must acknowledge our desire to oppose God if we are to survive the crisis. Now that we are aware of the reason for the ongoing battle of Self vs God; we come to the realization that victory is only possible by the willful surrender of self to the Holy Spirit.

Never feel that God has placed us in a hopeless situation. It is possible to overcome the crisis through self-opposition. Do not follow your own inclinations which are always unreliable. Remember that God’s will and way leads us from being a Victim of Crisis to a Victorious Overcomer.

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

“My soul says, yes, yes, yes Lord yes, my soul says yes, yes to your will.”

Prayer for the Sabbath: Dear God, Thank you for revealing the source of my ongoing spiritual crisis. I am choosing to willfully go against you when I refuse to surrender and follow my own desires. Please forgive me. I need you in my life. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to be an overcomer. By faith, I accept your will for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

*Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Come to me, all you who are weary, and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Autumn in New Hampshire!