In God we Trust

For those of us who are Baby Boomers and older, we are very familiar with the adage, “In God we Trust,” found on all American currency. For individuals who are younger, examine your money, and you will be surprised to find that even coins contain this phrase. Often, when we use a phrase over and over again, the words become meaningless. When I am asked “how are you,” I realize it is just a polite question. I mechanically reply that “I am doing well.”

The majority of us have also forgotten the true meaning of trusting in God. We readily exclaim to others how good God is all of the time; but, behind closed doors we experience grievous worries and anxieties. Our faces are contorted from the belief that we are all alone in this world. If we really trust God, then why are we always downtrodden or in a valley of indecision? Eventually, total chaos replaces the peace that comes from believing and trusting in God.

The good news is: There is a quick fix for restoring your faith. Acknowledge through prayer that you doubt God, and that you want desperately to believe and trust in Him again. Your prayers may be answered through tests and trials; however, the journey provides the spiritual growth that is required to mature your faith in God.

“Do not worry about tomorrow.” Matthew 6:34

Dear God, I have lost my faith. Please help me to trust you always and in every situation. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Quality of Life

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2

Have you thought about improving the quality of your life? Many individuals feel that possessing an increase in money would result in a higher level of happiness. It is a natural response to lean toward materialism in an effort to enhance one’s life. Capitalism has infiltrated our society; and greed has caused many to pursue meaningless activities which lead to the acquisition of more and more things.

However, there are alternative ways to improve your mind and body. The first and most important action is to incorporate love into your life. Loving God along with loving others allows for the healing of your mind. Love paves the way for replacing a negative mindset with a positive spirit of gratitude. Loving yourself leads to choosing foods and activities that result in a healthy lifestyle.

The next step to improving one’s life is to utilize the process of elimination: Make the decision to remove individuals whose mission in life is to tear down others. Surround yourself with caring and compassionate friends who possess inner peace and appreciate the joy of life.

Above all, maintain a prayerful connection with God, and study His Word. Seek out the beauty in nature, smile, and laugh out loud.

Dear God, please help us to make the necessary changes to improve our life. Thank you for creating us with the ability to possess joy and peace. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

A Chosen Generation

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians16:13-14&version=NLT

We are chosen to be servants; born to serve and take the gospel to all people regardless of race, or ethnicity.

We are to serve humanity. We are to meet the needs of all humans.

Love everyone as Christ commands.

Dear God, please give us the desire to meet human need. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Running Away

Yesterday my cousin shared a logic problem with the correct answer. It proved to be a daunting task for those of us with overdeveloped right sided brains. However, the most amazing phenomenon occurred when the majority of individuals chose to ignore the correct answer, and adamantly defended their incorrect answer with carefully constructed rationale.

In the 12th book of Daniel, we read of the prophecy of the end time. God reveals exactly what is to occur to His servant; but, He instructs Daniel to “shut up the words and seal the book until the end of time…” Daniel 12:4. We are told that knowledge will increase, but, many will be rushing around without purpose. Further into the 12th chapter, God defines who will have understanding, “…But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.”

Studying the Word of God, and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit prepares us to receive wisdom which only comes from God. If we possess the willingness to be obedient, and push our carnal understanding aside, the truth will be revealed. At that point, we are given the opportunity to embrace what is right from God’s perspective. It becomes a personal choice to run toward the truth or to turn and run away.

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

Dear God, thank you for providing us with truth through your Holy Bible. Please give us the desire to possess the knowledge and wisdom we need to serve you, so that we will always stand on the side of truth. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Created to praise

I recently read many overwhelming expressions of depression and despondency from “Christians” on a popular weblog. The despair verbalized by believers equated to the same expressions of hopelessness that one would find commonplace in unbelievers. What has occurred in our mindset that we are just giving God meaningless lipservice? The answers are numerous; varied according to each individual. But, the one answer that resounds is that we have forgotten why God created us.

We were created to worship and praise God. Our communion with God extends beyond attending church service once or twice per week. We are to praise God by serving those in need. It is our duty to alleviate the suffering of the displaced, the underserved, and underprivileged. When we…”Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation”…then we are fulfilling our purpose, and living accordingly to His will.

The next time you are faced with depression, despair, and despondency; pray for God to show you what He wants for you. Being obedient requires great sacrifice by placing yourself in sync with God’s purpose for your life. Your praise will reach the throne of God, and the joy of Christ will overshadow all negative feelings that Satan has thrown your way. Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power: for thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

Sonya Johnson Ruiz