Tag: Obedience

Stop! Do Not Cut the Cord!

In 1999, I was a student nurse preparing for a four-week clinical rotation in Labor and Delivery. The hospital recently incorporated two birthing rooms to which I was assigned under my nurse preceptor. My first patient was a young woman who was a runner and in peak condition. Her labor was under two hours, which caused expedited action from the nursing staff.

As I witnessed the birth of a baby, I felt like falling to my knees and praising God. But reality kept me from performing an action that would have expelled me from the nursing program. The infant cried loudly without any human assistance, and the umbilical cord was tied and cut. The life-line that provided oxygen, nutrients, and the removal of waste was no longer required. The baby’s internal organs immediately kick-started as she continued to exercise her lungs by crying loudly.

The expectation from my preceptor was that I would ask many questions regarding the labor and delivery process. But I was quiet. I could not speak. Through intense study, I was fully aware of the theoretical knowledge of pregnancy, labor, and the birthing process. What I was not prepared for was the awe that I felt inside for the mighty power of God. The birth of a baby is still the most supernatural miracle that I have ever witnessed. The beginning of a new life touches humanity deep into the core of our souls. King David proclaimed, “I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14.

Human effort is required to stay connected to God.  Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. …” Genesis 1:26. “To be like us” is often misunderstood. Our Heavenly Father never intended for us to feel alone or to live with a survival instinct. We have an example. Three persons of the Godhead, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who are always unified and connected. The angels, heavenly messengers, know their purpose, and that is to serve God and humanity. It is unfortunate that humans created in the image of God readily cut the spiritual cord that connects us to our source of love, grace, mercies, and power.

How do we place ourselves in the predicament of being cut-off?

We cut off our spiritual source when we fail to pray, study the Bible, and spend time in praise and worship. We sever the cord by seeking to fulfill our selfish desires and ambitions. Without the strength and power from Jesus Christ, we easily fall into temptation. Because of sinful desires hidden deep within our hearts (the desires that we do not share with anyone) we disconnect from our Heavenly Father.

Unlike the infant, whose internal organs kick in to sustain life outside of the mother, our attempt to live outside of God brings anxiety, worry, depression, and hopelessness. Sin leads to complete separation from the Trinity Godhead. Jesus tells us the solution: Stay connected, or else we are empty and powerless!

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing.… John 15:4-5

Never forget: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

God did not speak us into existence. If God, in all of His majesty, bent down and created Adam from the dust of the ground, then we should praise, worship, and never cut our spiritual cords to God, the source of life. Only God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit can provide us with the spiritual nutrients that flow continuously to keep us connected. Claim your victorious life by never cutting the cord!

Bible Study: John 15

God, we desire to connect to You, our source who loves and cares for us. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

 

Running in Times of Distress?

Living Victoriously!

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have. 1 Samuel 8:4-5

Samuel presented the demands of the people to God and prayed for guidance. In verses 10-18, God spoke through Samuel to tell the Nation of Israel the consequences of having a king. They still insisted on doing things their way. But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel 8:19-20

We know how the story ends. Saul was a ruthless, disobedient, and jealous king. He desired to kill David even after God used him to kill Goliath, their worst enemy.

As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?”…1 Samuel 18:6-8

Then David got up and ran that day from Saul. 1 Samuel 21:10. David, the young shepherd boy that God gave strength to kill lions and bears to protect his sheep and kill Goliath, forgot that God was powerful enough to save him from King Saul.

In times of distress, due to disobedience, trials, or facing our enemies, where or who do we run to? God is our only Deliverer! We easily forget when we face our worst situations that God says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.” Malachi 3:6. Our gratitude for God’s infinite grace and mercies is not expressed enough through our prayers, praise, and worship. Run to God!

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Having complete faith and trust in God enables us to run to God. Never run from the enemy! Have you been confronted by a person who is ready to argue? Are you being victimized in a seemingly hopeless situation? Begin to pray out loud and ask God to reign down His mighty power and take care of your problems. “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14. Stop running from your enemies, and start running to God!

Bible Study: Psalm 18

God, we ask forgiveness for not running to you. We realize that you are the only ones who can fight our battles. Please rescue us from our enemies who desire to harm us. Thank you for fighting for us. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission. 

Loyalty to God

God’s law is a way of living and thinking rather than a list of do’s and don’ts.

A few years ago I had a close friend tell me that being a Christian and serving God is hard. The reality of that thought is true because our desires are always in conflict with God.

Even the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 7:15, I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

When I made the decision to eat nutritional, healthy foods, the junk foods, which led to poor health is what I craved. But then I had a friend who shared with me that my taste buds could be retrained. Did it happen overnight? Certainly not!

Even so, I endured the struggle through giant leaps (the list of never will eat again foods) and the baby steps (still junk, but will eat controlled portions) for one year. In the second year, the transition to fully loving myself became second nature. I have eliminated all refined, processed foods that would cause damage to my body.

My body and mind responded in the most wonderful way. Retrained tastes along with walking every day resulted in increased brain power, and massive weight loss. Was it extremely hard? Yes!

If we can learn to love the fearfully and wonderfully made body that God created, and change our habits and lifestyle to achieve optimal health, then we can put aside the desires that cause conflict and disobedience to God. Never forget the greatest reward of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth is ours if we change and remain loyal to God.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Bible Study: Hebrews 12

God, we pray for the desire and strength to love, and serve you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

How far would you go?

Establishing boundaries is necessary to guard against mistreatment and prevent the seduction of disregarding our morals, values, and ethics. Still, most importantly, we strive to live within the boundaries of righteousness because of our love and commitment to God. We may associate seduction to only things that represent a sexual meaning. But the definition of seduction, to be lured by tempting or attractive things, applies to all desires that cause us to sin against God. We live in a time where going after the people, places, and things that please our desires defines success. Unfortunately, self-gratification causes us to forget our covenant vow and sin against God in many areas of life.

God has given us the free will of choice along with the five senses of vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. And it is our desires, fueled by our senses, that make us yearn for the ungodly and unholy things. Yes, those secret things that we hold inside our hearts, you know the things that only you (and God) are fully aware of. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9.

There is something that believers have in common. We have an arch-enemy, you know, the fallen one, Satan. His desires are for us to commit one or more sins at some level every day. Are you aware that God limits Satan’s power? No? One major limitation is that Satan cannot read our minds, because Omniscience is an attribute of God. But Satan quickly observes our behaviors without difficulty because he does have power!  Are you patient, loving, kind, and generous all of the time? Do we wear the mask of being a wonderful person but hold onto grudges and unforgiveness? How much time do we set aside in the 24 hours every day to honor and worship God? We give Satan the upper hand by failing to be steadfast and committed to serving God, our Heavenly Father.

Thankfully, God was fully aware that humanity would continuously fall and transgress His law. Redemption for the human race was set into place before the fall of Adam and Eve. God placed the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil because He did not create robots. God created us in His image out of love. He did not speak us into existence. He knelt down and took dust and carefully formed us with the most complex minds and bodies that no human will ever fully understand. If we thought about the anatomy and physiology of our bodies, like David, we would proclaim, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV

It is our choice to serve and worship God or make ourselves an idol by giving in to our carnal desires and living without boundaries.

Yes, these are strong words, but we are living in the last days. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy:

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Identifying the character traits and desires that are not in sync with holy and righteous perfection makes us fully aware of how Satan will tempt us. If I choose to live a life of celibacy but watch shows and movies with sexual content, I am setting myself up to fall. Regardless of the trend to be bold, transparent, and seek prosperity, being independent, strong-willed and disobedient are character traits that lead us to sin against God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that. 2 Timothy 3:5

The question is: How do I stay away from myself?

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 3

God, we acknowledge that our desires for worldliness, whether it is striving for financial gain or living according to how we feel, is enmity against you, and for our sins, we ask forgiveness. Please teach us how to walk humbly with you as we await the soon coming of your Son, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Did you know?

Where are the following scriptures found?

  1. “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”
  2. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
  3. “Indeed, God helps those who help themselves.”
  4. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
  5. “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I had a nursing professor who told us, “When you know something you are able to recall those facts every time they are needed. Because that is the ability of the brain’s short-term and long-term memory.” How well do you know the scriptures? You are not alone. Many choose not to study the Bible. Of course, we attempt to justify why we fail to study. Even so, the main reason is that God is not the #1 priority in our lives. We simply do not love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. But the truth of the matter is that the knowledge we require to have a deep understanding of who God is, His character and love for humanity, to possess peace, inner joy, and to live righteously is found in the Bible.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

We do not require a pastor or minister to study the Bible. God has given us the Holy Spirit to provide us with a complete understanding of the scriptures and the ability to live holy. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

How important is studying the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

It is impossible to obtain spiritual growth without studying the Word of God, nor is it possible to know who God truly is. Only diligent seekers can live a faith-based life because they have a deep relationship with the “Almighty God.”

Without a biblical foundation and the Holy Spirit, we cannot determine truth from error. Did you know #3 of the above list of scriptures is not found in the Bible? The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is a motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency (taking action to produce a desired effect).

We are living in the last days. Diligent study along with continuous prayer is essential for us to stand firm in Jesus Christ. Make a total commitment to God by serving Him with love, faith, trust, and obedience. 

Bible Study: 2 Timothy 3:16

God, thank you for the Sabbath. We confess that we not study the Bible as we should, nor do we have a close relationship with you. Please forgive us for not placing you as the #1 priority in our lives. We ask you to fill us with your Holy Spirit as we study, and may we always recognize that you are the Almighty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

The Safest Place

“For I know the plans 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

Anxious, depressed, or worried? Align yourself with the will of God by changing your desires and prayers. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10. Being in the perfect will of God always ends in victory!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Perception, Purpose, Power, and Peace

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

The year 2020 deflated the motivation and zeal that many individuals have always possessed. But they let themselves get distracted by the civil unrest, political strife, and deadly disease that has caused the death of human beings at an unprecedented rate. Now that humanity faces a variant of the original COVID-19, we face a pathogen that our rapid response vaccine may be powerless over. Even so, we must come to our senses and recognize the power of God. He still extends grace and mercy, or else we would not be alive. Yet, many feel even more discouraged because they desire that God destroys the COVID-19 organisms to resume their everyday lifestyles.

This is the message that God conveys to us in 2021:

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
9 “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 NLT

Thankfully, God knows the future. We are instructed to present our requests to Him through prayer. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. And most of us are obedient as we excitedly tell God our lists of desires. But, deep down inside, we are praying, “God, please give me what I am asking you for.” Our desires often stand in the way of accepting God’s answers to our requests, which are: “yes, no, or wait, I have a better plan.”

For this prayer, I received a response of “yes” in December 2020.

I want to share my miracle of healing that happened when I was in the hospital on December 7th-8th. On Sunday, 12/7, I was admitted to the Short Stay Cardiac unit for chest pain. I had a team of three Cardiologists come in to see me on Monday morning. Based on my diagnostic test results in May of 2019, which diagnosed a blockage in the lower left side, they wanted to perform a surgical procedure on Tuesday, 12/9. I refused and told them that I wanted a current non-surgical diagnostic test first, and based on the results, if I had to have the surgical procedure, I would agree to it.

The Doctors told me that it was a waste of time because there was no way that the blockage that showed in my heart in 2019 would not have progressed and worsened. Since 2019, I prayed for control over my appetite, and to lose the desire for junk food. Additional changes included eating a plant-based diet and incorporating exercise into my lifestyle. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. 1 Peter 1:14

Before the test and during the test, I prayed and asked God for healing, and to show His miraculous power to this team of unbelieving Philistines.

Two hours later, three Cardiologists were shocked and surprised that the test results showed no blockage, and I was discharged immediately from the hospital on Monday evening.

I am still praising God. Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24. God is still working miracles for His honor and His glory. Amen. Sonya RN

Currently, I have presented another petition to God, and have been told “no” twice. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Now, I must obey and: Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

God, we place our lives in your hands. You have promised to take care of us, and we ask forgiveness for our disobedience, and unbelief. Help us to realize that your plans are above and beyond what we can do for ourselves. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Making Tough Decisions

At the age of 40, I was one of two applicants accepted for the RN nursing program in Upstate New York. I knew that God intervened because I had applied to several nursing programs in New Jersey that replied with provisional acceptance based on a one-two year waiting list. I received my acceptance letter from the Upstate program within two weeks of sending my application. While reading the terms, I was surprised that the starting date only gave me ten weeks to relocate. How would I accomplish this impossible task? The questions of doubt and disbelief flooded my mind. Was this really a blessing from God?

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:6

Knowing that I had a significant decision to make, I was wavering between excitement and fear. The problem was: At the time, I was involved in a beautiful relationship full of love, nurturing, and happiness. Please believe that my significant other did not share my joy when I explained that I was moving four hours away to pursue my educational goal. He extended the offer to move in with him without the pressure of having any financial responsibilities. Then I could attend a program in New York City as a full-time student. My mind was confused. I had a decision to make, which path would I take?

The Spiritual Dilemma

During this romantic involvement, I was not obedient to the will of God, but I had boundaries, “I did not believe in living together.” Since the age of 15, I worked and provided for myself. During our relationship, I never asked for money. Although we were deeply in love, I always knew that we were unequally yoked. Not because of the lack of respect, love, or his generous spirit, he did not believe in marriage or worshiping God.

According to the world’s standards, he was a good man who worked hard and was financially savvy. He owned a beautiful condo and possessed financial wealth, but God was never as much as an after-thought. I was only told his story from the rise from rags-to-riches one time. Because he gave himself full credit for his accumulation of wealth due to his rational and logical financial strategies, I was unable to mention God to maintain a peaceful existence. 

Yes, I was living the life that many have only dreamed of, but I was caught in the web of compromise. Would I be willing to give up the lifestyle of the rich but not famous? Perplexed by this dilemma, like the prodigal son, “I came to my senses.” Even in my fallen, prodigal stage, there was still a God in heaven that I believed in, and that belief brought me to my knees.

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

God revealed his answer by allowing a smooth transition from being gainfully employed in New Jersey to relocating to Upstate New York and living in my apartment as an unemployed student nurse. God provided scholarships and grants to provide for me financially. Upon graduation, I was hired as one of the first graduate nurses in a pilot program to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I obeyed and followed God’s plan, completed the nursing program, and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years.

Twenty-two years have passed since I was faced with the choice of obeying God’s plan or following selfish desires. When we commit to serve God, we also commit to total obedience. Without love, faith, and trust in God, we fall back to our previous habits of self-reliance. Have you noticed that trials and tribulations regularly test us? God is not trying to destroy us. He desires that we stop making mistakes by trusting in our abilities. 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. 1 Peter 1:14

Facing dilemmas may never end. Even so, life with God provides the blessings of peace despite our circumstances. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Ask yourself, “how do you view God?” Can you put aside your doubt and fears, pray, and wait for God’s divine intervention to resolve your circumstances? Reflect on the impossible situations that you have faced. You did all that you could do, yet, nothing worked out. When you least expected it, God rained down blessings, unleashed His mighty power, and you received a miracle. 

The Amplified Bible: Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

I share this testimony because someone is facing a dilemma. You believe in God, but your mind is wavering between conflicting thoughts and actions. Pray and believe: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Pray and confess:

I need God’s peace to transform the way I view my current situation.

I need God’s peace to remind me that God is always in control.

I need God’s peace to guard my mind against anxious thoughts. 

God, we thank you for being our Jehovah-Jireh (provider). We ask for your Divine Intervention in our lives and the peace that only you can provide. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.