Praying The Lord's Prayer

"Our Father which art in heaven,
Yes?"
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying
"But you called me"
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "'Our Father which art in heaven",
"There you did it again"
Did what?
"Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven." Here I am. What's on your mind?"
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done."
All right. Go on.
"Hallowed be Thy name."
Hold it. What do you mean by that?
"By what?"
By "Hallowed be Thy name?"
"It means. It means .... Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?"
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
"Hey that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before." "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Do you really mean that?
" Sure, why not?"
What are you doing about it?
"Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there."
Have I got control of you?
" Well, I go to church."
That isn't what I asked you. What about your temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money - all on yourself. And what about the kinds of books you readand what you watch on TV?
"Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as the rest of those people at church."
Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
"Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others."
So could I!!
"I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I'd really like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free."
Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can be truly won. I'm proud of you.
"Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does ... Give us this day our daily bread."
You could cut out the bread. It would help you lose weight.
"Hey, wait a minute! What is this, 'Criticize, ME day?' Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups."
Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. Keep praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.
(Pause)
Well, go on.
"I'm scared to."Scared?
Of what?
"I know what you'll say."
Try me and see.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
What about Ann?
"See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why Lord she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. Shenever paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!"
But your prayer? What about your prayer?
"I didn't mean it."
Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness inside you, is it?
"No. But, I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood."
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But, I can change all that.
"You can? How?"
Forgive Ann. Then you'll sense better My forgiveness for you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.
"Oh, you're right. You always are. And, more than I want to get revenge against Ann, I want to be right with you. But, (Pause) ... (Sigh) ... All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.
There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
"Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. I feel pretty great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest."
You're not through with your prayers. Go on.
"Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
"What do you mean by that?"
Don't turn the TV on when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also about the time you spend with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things,perhaps you should rethink the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up." And please don't use me as an escape hatch.
"I don't understand that last part."
Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get in trouble and then you come running to me: "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?
"Yes, and I'm ashamed, Lord, I really am."
Which bargain are you remembering?
"Well, there was the night that my husband was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember saying, 'Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."
I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?
"I'm sorry, Lord I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like this."
Go ahead and finish your prayer.
"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen"
Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?
"No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers."
You just answered the question.
"I did?"
Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love Me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, there is no telling what we can do together.
"Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK?"
Yes, let's see.

THE CENTER OF THE BIBLE

What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
answer: Psalms 117

What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
answer: Psalms 119

Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
answer: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188

What is the center verse in the Bible?
answer: Psalms 118:8

Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His Will, just send them to the center of His word!

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalms 118:8 NKJV

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it?)

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

You are cordially invited to A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25 but He's always around, so the date is flexible....

Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway... it cost Him everything He had. But you do need to accept the ticket!! )

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water," followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: Your life. He's one of those people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)! Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will see at the party, share this with someone today!

The "Upward" Christian

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in the book of Jude we can discover the twelve necessary ingredients that we must include in our walk as a new creation in order to become an UPWARD Christian.

1. STAND UP
2. BUILT UP
3. PRAYED UP
4. KEPT UP
5. LOVED UP
6. LOOKED UP
7. STIRRED UP
8. FILLED UP
9. LIFTED UP
10. CLEANED UP
11. HELD UP
12. TAKEN UP

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend (To contend you must “STAND UP”) for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves (BUILT UP) on your most holy faith, praying in (PRAYED UP) the Holy Ghost,

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves (KEPT UP) in the love of God (LOVED UP) looking (LOOKED UP) for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:22 And of some (To be considered as “some”, you have to be “STIRRED UP”) have compassion (To have compassion you must be “FILLED UP”), making a difference:

Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling (LIFTED UP) them out of the fire; hating (CLEANED UP) even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep (HELD UP) you from falling, and to present (TAKEN UP) you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

PS. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

7 REASONS

If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, why not?

Here's 7 possible reasons:

Is it because you are afraid of ridicule and what others will say about you?
"For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26

Is it because of the inconsistencies of people that claim to be believers in Jesus Christ?
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12

Is it because you are not willing to give up all for Jesus Christ?
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

Is it because you are afraid you will not be accepted by Jesus?
"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37

Is it because you fear you are too great a sinner?
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

Is it because you think you are doing the best you can, and God ought to be satisfied with that?
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. " James 2:10

Is it because you think there is time enough yet?
"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

IN JESUS CHRIST...

Our sins are forgiven
Our guilt is removed
Our fear of death is destroyed
Our faith is founded on a personal God
Our search for truth is satisfied
Our security and identity are complete
Our lives are now based on a new hope.

Lord,Lord...

And why call ye me,

Lord, Lord,

and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, if you call Jesus Lord, you are obligated to do exactly what He tells you to do. Not only are you obligated, but by calling Jesus Lord you are saying that He has every right to rule every part of your life. Folks today are not living in truth, if they call Jesus Lord and then do not do what He says. The question I ask is…

Where do you stand?

I am Master. Do you ask of Me?
I am Almighty. Do you honor Me?
I am Righteous. Do you fear Me?
I am Everlasting. Do you seek Me?
I am Merciful. Do you trust Me?
I am Light. Do you see Me?
I am Love. Do you love Me?
I am the Way. Do you follow me?
I am Truth. Do you believe me?
I am Life. Do you live for me?
I am Rich. Do you lack anything?
I am Lord. Do you worship Me?
I am God. Do you acknowledge Me?

Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21- 23

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Happiness keeps you sweet,

Trials keep you strong,

Sorrows keep you human,

Failures keep you humble,

Success keeps you glowing,

But only God keeps you going.

God bless you all!

THERE IS POWER IN PRAYER

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 "pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

For many years, researchers have tried to determine if prayer has any effect on physical healing. An assistant professor at George Washington University School of Medicine says that "trying to scientifically determine prayer's effect on health is nearly impossible."

Even Christians who agree that God heals may differ widely on how, when, and why God does. We struggle to understand why the Lord restores some to health while others suffer and die.

James addressed the matter in a way that's worthy of careful study. He discussed healing in the context of a fellowship of believers and said: "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous humankind avails much" (James 5:16).

James' purpose was not to stir up controversy or to prove a scientific point. Instead, he focused on the privilege and power of prayer. While speaking of physical healing, he also included a call for restoration to spiritual health through repentance and confession.

Science tries to prove cause and effect. Faith directs us to call on the power of our loving God, whose ways we can rarely understand but can always trust.

Faith in God, to whom we pray, is more important than the wording of the prayer. "Let my children ask in faith, with no doubting, for they who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose [they]... will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-8).

Most people are unaware of the tremendous power that is available to us through prayer. The Devil does. The Devil will do anything to get our mind off of our desire to pray because the he knows the power of prayer and the blessings that God wants to give. When you rediscover that the world around you is both natural and supernatural (regarding that which is not from the observable, tangible or measurable universe, especially regarding divine things/beings/actions/realms), then it makes sense that prayer has great value as spiritual communication. You'll begin to want to pray more, and look forward to prayer time.

Whether you are a Christian or not, one thing is for sure. We all have times of uncertainty, fear, loss, illness, loneliness, but those are the time we just need to pray. And each of us face times of barrenness when nothing is satisfying and we fill empty inside about our work, service, relationships, or our life. It is difficult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective and so empty. But as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work" (1 Samuel 1:19, 20). The Spirit moves you to turn to God in prayer and repentance, brings to your mind that there is hope in doing so, and makes you aware of the truth and the need.

The whole of Scripture is to increase our faith in the purpose, need, essence, weapon, reality, purpose, power and reality of prayer. Take time to pray (Luke 22:40; Col 1:9), take time to listen to God speaking to your heart, and take time to hear what God's Plan for your life might be (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139).

A LIST TO LIVE BY

The most destructive habit......................Worry
The greatest Joy...............................Giving
The greatest loss................Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work...............Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.............Selfishness
The most endangered species.........Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource...............Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"..........Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome.................Fear
The most effective sleeping pill........Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease............Excuses
The most powerful force in life..................Love
The most dangerous pariah..................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer........The brain
The worst thing to be without................... Hope
The deadliest weapon.......................The tongue
The two most power-filled words..............."I Can"
The greatest asset..............................Faith
The most worthless emotion..................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire......................SMILE!
The most prized possession................Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication.....Prayer
The most contagious spirit.................Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life..................GOD

I truly believe wholeheartedly that everyone needs this list to live by...

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

THAT'S GOD...

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for...

THAT'S GOD... He talks to you through the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to...

THAT'S GOD... He wants you to talk to Him.

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them...

THAT'S GOD... there is no such thing as coincidence.

Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford...

THAT'S GOD... He knows the desires of your heart...

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it...

THAT'S GOD... He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day...

My fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in all that we do, we should totally give GOD thanks and our blessings will continue to multiply

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." -- Colossians 3:17

MOMENTS

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I agree wholeheartedly with David when he said, "I will bless the LORD at alltimes: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth" Psalms 34:1.

The question is, will you?

In happy moments, praise God

In difficult moments, seek God

In quiet moments, worship God

In painful moments, trust God

In every moment, thank God

"The Lord Is The Strength Of His People" Psalms 28:8

THE DEVIL'S BEATITUDES

Whew...talk about the hot seat!!!

This one will make you stop and shudder.

If the devil were to write his beatitudes, they would probably go something like this:

1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians--they are my best workers.

2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked -- I can use them.

3. Blessed are the touchy that stop going to church because the pastor didn't give a feel good message or the church is too big -- they are my missionaries.

4. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children.

5. Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them.

6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerism and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons.

7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church-- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.

8. Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and division that please me.

9. Blessed are those who are easily offended by the trivial -- for they will soon get angry and quit.

10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work-- for they are my helpers.

11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother , sister and neighbor -- for he shall be with me forever.

12. Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too!

13. Blessed are those who claim to be Christians but don't study God's word or have understanding of what it means to be a Christian--for they'll assist me in misleading others.

IT DEPEND WHOSE HANDS IT’S IN.

A basketball in my hands is worth about $20. A basketball in Lebron James’ hands is worth about $33 million. It depends whose hands it’s in.

A baseball bat in my hands is worth about $20. A baseball bat in Barry Bond’s hands is worth $20 million. It depends whose hands it’s in.

A tennis racket is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Serena Williams’ hands is a Wimbledon Championship. It depends whose hands it’s in.

Two fish and five loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches. Two fish and five loaves of bread in God’s hands will feed thousands. It depends whose hands it’s in.

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce salvation for the entire world. It depends whose hands it’s in.

So my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families, and your relationships in God’s hands because---everything depends on whose hands we are in.

A Survival Kit for Everyday Living

Here are the Items Needed:
Toothpick
Rubber Band
Band Aid
Pencil
Eraser
Chewing Gum
Mint
Candy Kiss
Tea Bag

By now you may be asking…Why??

Well, allow me to elucidate.

1) TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. - Matthews. 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2) RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. - Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3) BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's. - Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

4) PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. - Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

5) ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's OK. - Genesis 50:15-21 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

6) CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

7) MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint! - John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

8) CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. - 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

9) TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over that list of blessings. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

GO!

For some this means go to the nations. The doors are open...
the nations will receive you.

For some this means go to your neighbors. Their hearts are open...
they will receive My love.

For some this means go to the hugry...
I will give you bread to feed them.

For some this means go to the hurting...
I will give you oil to heal them.

For all, this means go to the lost ones...
I want to save them.





Elder J. Andres Vazquez

Ten Commandments of Leadership

In scripture, we find the story of Moses ascending to the mount and returning with the Ten Commandments carved in stone. The children of Israel were to follow these commandments in order to be successful. If you are going to become an effective, successful leader, there are Ten Commandments you must carve into the tables of your heart.

1. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
If you expect respect, you must display respect. No successful leader demands respect – they earn it. The way a leader treats his people reflects on his character. If he does not respect them, he won’t have them for long and a leader without people is not a leader.

2. You must set the example for others to follow.
Don’t expect your people to be on time if you are always running 30 minutes late. Leading by example is an important part of leadership. Don’t tell them how – show them how. If you want hardworking people, be a hard worker.

3. Become an active coach.
Don’t be known only as the man on the sideline yelling at your players. An active leader is involved somewhat with his people. He is not only known as the man who gives orders, but also is known as the man who can give a hand when needed.

4. Be an honest leader.
Honesty still is the best policy. If a leader is dishonest, his people will find out and then he will lose their trust. Dishonesty is not worth the price you must pay. Be honest in all your activities and in the long run, it will pay off.

5. Insisting on excellence.
Don’t settle for second best. Don’t accept half complete job assignments – hold your people accountable. If something doesn’t get done to the best of their ability, let them know you appreciate their efforts, however, they can and will do better.

6. The leader must build group cohesiveness and pride.
Team spirit is a must. It is amazing how things can be accomplished if a group will join together. Make each person feel just as important to the success of the project as anyone else.

7. Show confidence in your people.
If they know you believe in them, then they will believe in themselves, thereby producing greater results. If you have no confidence in your people, they will lose confidence in you and you will eventually lose them. Believe in them and they will believe in you.

8. Maintain a strong sense of urgency.
Know the importance of having the job done when it is due. Put the pressure on. The pressure will force concentrated efforts on their part, producing good work.

9. Be available to your people.
If they need to talk, you need to be there for them. You need to be visible so they know you do more than just sit there, doing nothing, and taking all the credit.

10. Develop yourself.
It is very important that you (the leader) never become status quo. The average man will be the one that works in the factory, not the one who owns the factory. Don’t ever quit; continue on to great success. Always try to be a little bit better. Being a leader isn’t an easy journey, but it is well worth it.

Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J. Andres Vazquez

Because I Love You

Beloved, I love you! I shed my own blood for you to make you clean.
You are clean now, so believe that it is true.

You are lovely in my eyes, and I created you to be just as you are. Do not criticize yourself or get down for not being perfect in your own eyes. This leads only to frustration. I want you to trust Me - one step one day at a time. Dwell in My power and in My love and be free! Be yourself! Don't allow other people to run you. I will guide you, if you let Me. Be aware of My presence in everything. I give you patience, love, joy, peace and life. Look to Me for your answers. I am your shepherd and will lead you. Follow me only! Do not ever forget this. Listen to Me and I will tell you My will.

Let My love flow from you and spill over to all you touch. Do not be concerned with yourself. You are My responsibility. I will change you, and you will hardly know it is happening. You are to love yourself and love others simply because I love you. Take your eyes off yourself! Look only at Me! I change...I create..., but not when you are trying. I won't fight your efforts. You are Mine. Let Me give you joy, peace, and kindness. No one else can!

Love,
Jesus

DIET 7 UP

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, here's the 7 Ups for Friendship

1. Open Up.
Be honest, open and candid (tempered with kindness).


2. Stand Up.
For your friends, whether they are there or not.


3. Put Up.
Give your friend the freedom to be imperfect (like you!).


4. Speak Up.
Say what you feel; be generous with sincere (public/private) praise.


5. Show Up.
Be there; do what you say you'll do.


6. Make Up.
Don't hold a grudge; be the first to say, "I'm sorry, please forgive me."


7. Re-Up.
Take inventory and re-commit yourself to the friendship often.

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

7 UP

1. Wake Up!
Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!
To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!
For something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!
Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, ponder this: If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. And, what about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary? He loves you!

Elder J.A. Vazquez

God's plan for you

In your personal opinion what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?

The Bible says it's a matter of F.A.I.T.H.

We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.—

F is for FORGIVENESS

In Him [meaning Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 17a, NKJV.

A is for AVAILABLE

Forgiveness is available.

It is— Available for All.—For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16, NKJV.

But Not Automatic—Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven—Matthew 7:21a, NKJV.

I is for IMPOSSIBLE

It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.

Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgment is against sin.—For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy - James 2:13a, NKJV.

Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner.—For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23, NKJV.
But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

T is for TURN

Turn means repent.

Turn from something-sin and self.—But unless you repent you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3b, NKJV.

Turn to Someone: trust Christ only.—If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved - Romans 10:9, NKJV.

H is for HEAVEN

Heaven is eternal life.

Here—I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly - John 10:10b, NKJV.

Hereafter—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 14:3, NKJV.

How? How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord?

By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.
Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH:

Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

What do I do now?

After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer's baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming a part of His church and attending the Sunday School class a church has just for you. You'll find others who will love and support you.

Elder J. A. Vazquez

Cost What It May, This is My Prayer

Brothers and Sister in Christ, there are countless of acquaintances in my life who know the Lords prayer word for word, to the letter or better yet, verbatim…but if I ask them what scripture that prayer is listed under, they are utterly wrong most if not all the time. The question I truly ask is…Are we truly praying it or just saying it?

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matt. 6:9-13 (KJV)

I cannot say... "Our” If my religion has no room for other people and their needs

I cannot say... "Father” If I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say... "Who art in heaven” If all my interests and pursuits are earthly things.

I cannot say... "Hallowed be Thy Name” If I, who am called by His name, am not holy.

I cannot say... "Thy Kingdom Come" If I am unwilling to give up my sovereignty and accept the reign of God.

I cannot say... "Thy Will Be Done" If I am unwilling or resentful of having Him in my life.

I cannot say... "On Earth As it is in Heaven” Unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

I cannot say... "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"
Without extending honest effort for it or by ignoring the needs of my fellow men.

I cannot say... "Forgive Us Our Debts As We Forgive Our Debtors" If I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say... "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" If I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say... "Deliver us from evil" If I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say... "Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, the Glory" If I do not give disciplined obedience, if I fear what neighbors and friends may say or do, if I seek my own glory first.

I cannot say "Amen" Unless I can honestly say also, "Cost What It May, This is My Prayer!"

"FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT"

But the fruit Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such things there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. GALATIONS 5:22-25

1) Fruit of the Spirit is "Love"---Brotherly Self-sacrificing Godly Love.
2) Fruit of the Spirit is "Joy"---In the Face of all circumstances and troubles.
3) Fruit of the Spirit is "Peace"--Spiritual Peace in having received Salvation
4) Fruit of the Spirit is "Longsuffering"--Patience in one's Spiritual walk and attitudes.
5) Fruit of the Spirit is "Gentleness"--Kindness in deeds and actions.
6) Fruit of the Spirit is "Goodness"--Spiritual personality of God.
7) Fruit of the Spirit is "Faith"--Faithfully following Jesus and His Word.
8) Fruit of the Spirit is "Meekness"--Humbleness without selfish pride.
9) Fruit of the Spirit is "Temperance"--Self-Control of ones actions and emotions.

CHRISTIAN DAYS OF THE WEEK

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we learn to love God, not just on Sundays, but everyday, we will begin to see opportunities to show that same love to others. In the book of Numbers chapter 28 and verses 1 and 2 we learn that offerings had to be brought on a regular basis and presented according to prescribed rituals under the priests’ direction. Following these rituals took time, and this gave the people the opportunity to prepare their hearts for worship. Unless our hearts are ready, worship is worthless. By contrast, God is pleased, and we get more from it, when our hearts are prepared to come before him in a spirit of thankfulness.

Monday - Wash Day:
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day:
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day:
God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.

Thursday - Cleaning Day:
Lord, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday - Shopping Day:
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday - Cooking Day:
Help me, my Lord, to brew a big kettle of neighborly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday - The Lord's Day:
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honored guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in Your presence.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. Numbers 28:1-2 (KJV)

Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J. Andres Vazquez

Peace with God

My brothers and Sisters in Christ, there are many us Christians that will, undoubtedly, attest to the fact that during specific times in our life God has blessed us profoundly. I know this for sure because I, too, speak of such blessings. And it's during these times that I am reminded of a song that clearly states my affirmation to God…

"HOW GREAT THOU ART!"

Haven't we all come short of the glory of God?(1) We are justified by God's grace through Christ's redemption.(2) Don't you know that Abraham believed God and it was counted for righteousness.(3) And he staggered not at the promises of God.(4) And because he was persuaded in what God had promised, God was able to perform.(5) Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God.(6)

1) Romans 3:23
2) Romans 3:24
3) Romans 4:3
4) Romans 4:20
5) Romans 4:21, 22
6) Romans 5:1

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil: 4:6, 7 KJV

Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J.A. Vazquez

I asked God...

I asked God why I wasn't rich.
He showed me a man with the wealth of a thousand kings,
who was lonely, and had no one to share it with.

I asked God why I wasn't beautiful.
He showed me a woman more beautiful than any other,
who was ugly because of her vanity.

I asked God why He'd allowed me to become old.
He showed me a boy of 16,
who lay dead at the scene of a car accident.

I asked God why I didn't have a bigger house.
He showed me a family of six,
who had just been evicted from their tiny shack,
and were forced, to live on the street.

I asked God why I had to work.
He showed me a man, who couldn't find a decent job,
because he'd never learned to read.

I asked God why I wasn't more popular.
He showed me a socialite with a thousand friends,
who all left the moment the money and parties were no longer there.

I asked God why I wasn't smarter.
He showed me a natural born genius,
serving life in prison for making ill use of his knowledge.
I asked God why He put up with a thankless sinner like me.

He showed me His Bible.
He showed me His Son
who took my place at the judgment.

I knew then how much He loved me.

Hallelujah Anyhow

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, every day we are blessed to see is a Hallelujah Day. I feel you may be asking yourself by now...

"What are you trying to tell us?"

I am simply saying that every day there should be a Hallelujah coming from your mouth, in reverence to God for everything he has done.

Hallelujah for life, health, and strength.
Hallelujah for this joy that I have.
Hallelujah for the peace that passeth all understanding.
Hallelujah that I am above and not beneath.
Hallelujah that I am blessed, and not cursed.
Hallelujah that I have a God who is my Jehovah Jireh, able to supply my needs. Hallelujah that I have said yes to the Lord, and no to the Devil.
Hallelujah that when I look back over my life, and see how far God has brought me, I can say Thank you Jesus.

What do I do when situations aren't going the way I planned them? I'm glad you asked. Say Hallelujah anyhow!

When the bills are due, and you don't know what to do.....Hallelujah anyhow!!

When you've been laid off from a job, and you feel there's no way...Hallelujah anyhow!!

When the pain is soaring through your body...... Hallelujah anyhow!!

When the doctor tells you, you only have 6 weeks to live.....Hallelujah anyhow!!!

When friends and family turn their backs on you....Hallelujah anyhow!!

I guarantee you, that when you simply begin to open your mouth with a Hallelujah, God will step in and make a way out of no way. Trust God & never doubt!!! There is surely nothing too hard for my God to do. He can and he will show up.

Love you and be blessed and know that you are.

Elder J.A. Vazquez

My Confessions (of a so called drug problem)

Have you ever had a "drug" problem? I have…not necessarily a problem, but a progress. There came a time in my life when I...

…was "drug" to church on Sunday morning -
I was "drug" to church on Sunday night -
I was "drug" to church on Wednesday night -
I was "drug" to Sunday School every week -
I was "drug" to Vacation Bible School -
I was "drug" to the family altar to read the bible and pray.
I was also "drug" to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents.

Those "drugs" are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in every thing I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin. If our children had this "drug" problem, America would certainly be a better place

A LETTER FROM GOD TO YOU

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this letter is numerous Bible Promises from God to you. Read the Bible as if was written to you because…it was. Elder J.A. Vazquez

To My precious child:
Because I knew even before I created the earth that you would accept My love for you, and that you would seek to know Me thus…

In the beginning I created the heavens and the earth. Then at the right time and in the right place I created you. I created your inner most being, I created every part of you, I knit you together in your mother's womb. You were carefully and wonderfully made; my works are wonderful, and you My precious child are my work. My eyes saw your unformed body. All the days planned for you were written in my book before one of them came to be. How precious are my thoughts for you, How great is the number of them! If you were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Listen to me, My precious child; I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime, until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. I will carry you in my arms, holding you close to my heart. For I know the plans that I have for you plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

My precious child, there are some times of suffering in your life. But the temporary suffering of this life does not compare to the glory that shall be revealed in you. Know this that I am with you and I will help you. Your help comes from me; I am the God who created the heavens and the earth, and the one who created you. I will never leave you, I will never reject you. When your parents fail you I will pick you up, hold you close, and adopt you. Nothing can ever separate you from my love for you. When you are in trouble and distress my love is with you. When you are persecuted my love is with you. When you are hungry and cold and naked my love is with you, I am always with you. When you are in danger and threatened with death my love is with you, I will be with you forever.

My precious child know that nothing can separate you from my love, no matter how high you go, no matter how deep you sink, nothing in life and not even death can separate you from Me, and My love for you. No demon or any other power in hell can separate you from my love. My love for you is revealed through Christ Jesus your Lord. In all things and every situation you will have victory, you will conquer, because the victory of Christ Jesus is your victory.

But now, My precious child, I the LORD, who created you and formed you, says: Do not be afraid, for I have purchased you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, they will not over flow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. I command you to be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for I, the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go.

My precious child, know that everything will work together for your good, because you love me. You have been called according to my purpose. For I knew you before you were born and I predestined you to be conformed to the likeness of my Son, Jesus Christ. This is your destiny, and this is your purpose, that you become one with my Son Jesus, and thus one with me. I created you in my image so that you and I can express love to each other. The most intimate relationship you can have is with me because you and I are becoming one. You and your brothers and sisters that believe in me are becoming one with Jesus, and thus one with me. You in me, and me in you, together, unified by my love for you. You were designed for this purpose, nothing else will ever satisfy your deepest needs, your deepest desires, only I can. Because you seek to know me I satisfy your heart with love, joy, and peace that only I can give you.

My precious child if you should forget me, and enter into sin, and not turn back to Me on your own then I will punish you. Because your sin will separate you from feeling My presence, and My influence, and I want you to return to your first love, the One who loves you. I the Lord discipline those I love, and I punish everyone who I accept as my child. Just as a good Father disciplines His children to turn them away from a dangerous path, so I shall discipline you for your good, that you may share in My holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

My precious child, When you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. In repentance and resting in Me is your salvation, in quietness and trusting Me is your strength. I will create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. I will not send you away from My presence, and I will not take My Holy Spirit from you. I will restore again the joy of your salvation, and make you willing to obey Me. Then you will teach My ways to sinners, and they will return to Me also. Humble yourself, therefore, under My mighty hand, that I may lift you up at the right time.

My precious child, do not forget all my benefits, I forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases, I rescue your life from the pit of destruction and crown you with love and compassion. I satisfy your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. I The LORD work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed; I The LORD am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I will not always accuse, nor will I harbor my anger forever; I do not treat you as your sins deserve or repay you according to your iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My love for you because you fear Me; as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions from you.

My precious child, call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Always pray to Me about your every concern, pray from your mouth and pray from your heart, I hear every thought that you think. Everything that you care about, I care about also because it concerns you. Cast all your cares and anxiety on Me because I love you. Trust in Me, the LORD YOUR GOD, with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding; In everything acknowledge Me, And I will direct your paths. Do not worry about anything, but in everything big or small, by prayer, with thanksgiving; present your requests to Me, the Most High God. And I will give you My peace in your heart, peace that is beyond all human understanding, and it will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Always be joyful. Keep on praying always. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is My will for you because you belong to Me.

My precious child, Study My Book of law and truth, the Holy Bible, do not let My words depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. My words are Spirit and they are Life. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be given you. For the word of God is living and powerful. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The most important thing you will ever own is your Bible because it gives you knowledge of Me, The Most High God. It makes the poor rich, it gives hope to the hopeless, faith to the fearful, food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, love to the despised, comfort to the lonely, freedom to the prisoner, health to the sick, light in the darkness, and life to the dying.

My precious child I have set up circumstances and situations in your life to cause you to seek Me and find Me. I desire that you know Me. I am The Lord your God, full of compassion, and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But My precious child glory in this, That you understand and know Me, That I am the LORD, exercising compassion, lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight and take pleasure.

All things are created for My pleasure and My pleasure is to show forth loving compassion. I have compassion on the poor and needy, and I am a Father to the fatherless, I help them, and I defend them. Far below Me are the heavens and the earth, I stoop to look down, and I lift the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump and I set them among princes. My precious child I want you to do these things also, have compassion on the poor and needy and help them; this is what it means to know Me. For I am Love, and when you live in love, you live in Me, and I live in you. Loving compassion is good, and this is what I require from you, to do what is right, to love compassion, and to walk humbly with your God.

As a father has compassion on his children, so I your LORD have compassion on you because you fear Me; for I know how you were formed, I remember that you are dust. Forever and ever My love is with you because you fear Me, and My righteousness with your children's children; with those who keep My covenant and remember to obey My laws. My law is to love. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments all of My laws are based. When you walk in love you are obeying all My laws. When you walk in Love you are walking in My Holy Spirit for I AM LOVE!

My precious child come and live in My shelter, in the protection of the Most High God, you will find rest in the presence of the Almighty. You will say, "This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." My precious child I will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. I will shield you with My wings. I will shelter you with My feathers. My faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished.

Because you My precious child make the LORD your refuge, because you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For I order My angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

My precious child, My servant, and My friend, whom I have chosen, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you up with my righteous right hand. All who come against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you declares the LORD, your Redeemer. You will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

My precious child, when you asked Me to forgive your sins and come into your heart I sent My Holy Spirit into you to comfort you, to give you power, and as proof to you that I have adopted you as My child. The Holy Spirit shall lead you into all truth because He shall testify of Jesus, and He will give you power to testify of Jesus. I will speak to you through My Holy Spirit that is in you, He will tell you what is right and wrong, what is love and hate. My Holy Spirit is a gentle whisper inside your heart telling you the path to walk in. If you walk in My Spirit you will walk in love, you will not sin. And you will see great and mighty things happen before you, they will not be accomplished by strength, nor by outside force, but by My Spirit says the LORD ALMIGHTY. Through My Holy Spirit I shall give you supernatural gifts that you may be blessed, and that you shall bless others through demonstrating
My love for them. My Holy Spirit will be with you through out your whole life, and after I will receive you into My glory.

I your LORD, say to you I will rescue you because you love me. I will protect you because you trust in my name. When you call on me, I will answer; I will be with you in trouble. I will rescue you and honor you. I will satisfy you with a long life and give you my salvation. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. It is your destiny.

Thus Says THE LORD Your GOD!

I AM A SOLDIER

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army. But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. When He needs me in or out of the church, to teach the children, work in the youth, help adults or just sit and learn, He can use me because I am there!

I am a soldier.

I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up.

I am a soldier.

No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me.

I am a soldier.

I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me.

I am a soldier.

Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching Heaven-bound.

Here I stand!

Will you stand with me?

THAT'S MY KING!

THE BIBLE SAYS...

My King is a seven-way king. He's a king of the Jews, that's a racial king; He's a king of Israel, that's a national king; He's a king of righteousness; He's a king of the ages; He's a king of Heaven; He's a king of Glory; He's a king of kings; and Lord of Lords; That's my King!

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world; He's God's Son; He's the sinner's Savior; He's the centerpiece of civilization; He stands in the solitude of Himself; He's august and He's unique; He's unparalleled; He's unprecedented. He is the loftiest Idea in literature; He's the highest personality in philosophy; He is the supreme problem in higher criticism; He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology; He is the core, the necessity fro spiritual religion; He's the miracle of the age; He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him; He's the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Savior!

I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM TODAY?

He supplies strength for the weak; He's available for the tempted and the tried; He sympathizes and He saves; He strengthens and sustains; He guards and He guides; He heals the sick; He cleansed the lepers; He forgives sinners; He discharges debtors; He delivers the captives; He defends the feeble; He blesses the young; He serves the unfortunate; He regards the aged; He rewards the diligent and He purifies the meek.

I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM?

Well, my King, He is a key to knowledge; He's a wellspring of wisdom; He's a doorway of deliverance; He's a pathway of peace; He's a roadway of righteousness; He's a highway of holiness; He's a gateway of glory.

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

Well, His office is manifold; His promise is sure; His light is matchless; His goodness is limitless; His mercy is everlasting; His love never changes; His Word is enough; His grace is sufficient; His reign is righteousness and His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you! But He's indescribable! He's God. He's incomprehensible; He's invincible; He's irresistible; Well, you can't get Him out of your mind; you can't get Him off your hand; you can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him; the Pharisees couldn't stand Him; but they found they couldn't stop Him; Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him; the witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree; Herod couldn't kill Him; death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him!

YES, THAT'S MY KING! THAT'S MY KING!

And thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever and ever and ever (How long is that?) and ever and ever, and when you get through with all the forevers, then AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!

CHRISTIAN

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.


When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.
And his mercy.


Maya Angelou

A SPECIAL LETTER

DEAR CHILD,

I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are because there
is a father of lies who will try to deceive you. He will try to tell you
that you are not good enough, not attractive enough, not thin enough,
not strong enough, not smart enough, not righteous enough, and that you
are simply unimportant to Me.

He will try to tell you that you have broken one too many promises, that
you have fallen one too many times, that you have lived one too many
lies, and that you've been going in the wrong direction so long that it
is pointless to turn back now.

But guess what?

YOU DO NOT BELONG TO HIM. HE IS NOT YOUR FATHER.

I AM.

You see, you are My creation. My workmanship. You have been borne of My
thought, every part of you placed together by My hands. You have My
thumbprint upon you. You are a prince/princess, did you know that? You
are My child, the child of THE King!

I look at you and see a precious, priceless pearl. There is no ocean I
would not swim, no mountain I would not climb, no price I would not pay
to have you and to be with you and call you My own.
I already have.

I have done all that I could, given all that there is. I desire to be
with you every moment of every day. How I long for you to talk to Me
every day. My love for you never grows cold. My promises are never
broken (contrary to what he might lead you to believe). My character
never changes. And you, my child have been made in My image.

I love you dearly, unconditionally and completely. I understand every
emotion that you have. I've been there. I count every tear that you cry.
I know every hair on your head.

And do you know what?

I even know your weaknesses and your failures and your fears. I know
those hidden parts of you that you wish would go away. Those dark
corners of your world that you stuff deep down, praying that no one will
ever see. I have already seen them and they will not change my love for you.

Nothing will.

I love your heart and I desire all of it.

I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are and how
precious you are to Me.

With Unmeasurable Love,
Your Heavenly Father

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Brothers and Sister, Did you know that Buddha never claimed to be God and Moses never claimed to be Jehovah. It's a fact that Mohammed never claimed to be Allah,
Yet Jesus Christ claimed to be the true and living God.

It’s also a fact that Buddha simply said, "I am a teacher in search of the truth."
Jesus said, "I am the Truth."

Confucius said, "I never claimed to be holy."
Jesus said, "Who convicts me of sin?"

Mohammed said, "Unless God throws his cloak of mercy over me, I have no hope."
Jesus said, "Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins."

No blind leap of faith is needed to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His tomb is the only empty one. Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius and all other founders of religions are still in their tombs. You can visit them. Jesus is not in His and there is a good reason.

He rose from the dead.

1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

Immediately after saying “but in case I am delayed”, Paul pauses in to make a few very interesting declarations.

First, he discusses the Truth ABOUT the church…

a) The church is the church of the living God.

That means that those who worship the teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad and others are NOT part of “the church” because their “god” is DEAD!

Then he reminds us, in other words, what Christians say should be the truth, and reliable and trustworthy, and nothing but the truth.

b) The church is to be the Pillar and Support of the truth.

Brothers and Sisters… We should preach and teach nothing but the TRUTH.

JESUS IS LORD

Father's Love Letter

My Child…

You may not know me, but I know everything about you …Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up …Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways …Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered …Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image …Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being …Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring …Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived …Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation …Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book …Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live …Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made …Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb …Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born …Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me …John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you …1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father …1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could …Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father …Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand …James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs …Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope …Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love …Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing …Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you …Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession …Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul …Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things …Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me …Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart …Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires …Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine …Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager …2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles …2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you …Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart …Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes …Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth …Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus …John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed …John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being …Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you …Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins …2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled …2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you …1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love …Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me …1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again …Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen …Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father …Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? …John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you …Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad.
Almighty God

GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD

Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life

Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we become new creations and our old self is left behind. We started with a small but significant list, but over time readers have added their own favorites. Here is a taste of your new identity in Christ Jesus.

I AM:

I am Christ's brother (sister) Hebrews 2:10-12
I am able - Philippians 4:13
I am His witness - Acts 1:8
I am His workmanship - Ephesians 2:10
I am not of this world - John 17:14-16
I am His worshipper - Psalm 95:6
I am worthy - Revelation 3:4
I am yielded to God - Romans 6:13
I am yoked with Jesus - Matthew 11:29
I am heaven bound, guaranteed. - I Peter 1: 4
I am abounding in grace - 2 Corinthians 9:8
I am abounding in hope - Romans 15:4, 13
I am Abraham's offspring - Galatians 3:29
I am abundant - John 10:10
I have abundant life- 1 John 4:9
I have access - Ephesians 2:18
I am adequate - 2 Corinthians 3:5
I am adopted - Ephesians 1:5
I am alive - Ephesians 2:4-5
I am an ambassador for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
I am anointed - 1 John 2:20
I am anxious for nothing - Philippians 4:6
I am the apple of His eye - Zechariah 2:8
I am appointed by God - John 15:16
I am the aroma of Christ - 2 Corinthians 2:15
I am not ashamed - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am assured of reward - 1 Corinthians 15:58
I am assured of success - Proverbs 16:3
I have authority over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am baptized into Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:15
I am delightful to God - Psalm 149:4
I am becoming a mature person - Ephesians 4:13
I am becoming conformed to Christ - Romans 8:29
I am a believer - Romans 10:9
I belong to God - John 17:9
I am betrothed - Hosea 2:19-20
I am blameless - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am blessed - Ephesians 1:3
I am blood bought - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I am bold - Proverbs 28:1
I am a bondservant - Psalm 116:16
I am born of God - 1 John 5:18
I am born again - 1 Peter 1:23
I am bought with a price - 1 Corinthians 6:20
I am a branch of the True Vine - John 15:5
I am His bride - Isaiah 54:5
I am His brother - Hebrews 2:11
I am brought near - Ephesians 2:13
I am built up - 1 Peter 2:5
I am buried with Christ - Romans 6:4
I am called - 1 Peter 5:10
I am calm - Philippians 4:6
I am cared for - 1 Peter 5:7
I am carried - Exodus 19:4
I am changed - 1 Samuel 10:6
I am a child of God - John 1:12
I am cherished - Ephesians 5:29
I am chosen - 1 Peter 2:9
I am circumcised spiritually - Colossians 2:1
I am a citizen of heaven - Philippians 3:20
I am clay in the potter's hand - Jeremiah 18:6
I am clean - Ezekiel 36:25; John 15:3
I am cleansed - 1 John 1:7,9
I am clothed with Christ - Galatians 3:27
I am a co-heir with Christ - Romans 8:17
I am comforted - Jeremiah 31:13
I am complete in Christ - Colossians 2:10
I am confident - 1 John 4:17
I am confident of answers to prayer - 1 John 5:14-15
I am confident He will finish me - Philippians 1:6
I am confident He will never leave me - Hebrews 13:5- 6
I am a conqueror - Romans 8:37
I am content - Philippians 4:11
I am content with weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am continually with God - Psalm 73:23
I am controlled by the love of Christ - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am courageous - 1 Chronicles 28:20
I am created in Christ for good works - Ephesians 2:10
I am created in His image - Genesis 1:27
I am crucified with Him - Galatians 2:20
I am dead in Christ - Romans 6:4
I am dead to sin - Romans 6:11
I am a delight - Psalm 147:11
I am delighted in - Isaiah 42:1
I am delivered - Psalm 107:6
I am desired - Psalm 45:11
I am determined - Philippians 4:13
I am a disciple - John 8:31-32
I am disciplined - Hebrews 12:5-11
I am drawing near with confidence - Hebrews 4:16
I am empowered to obey - Philippians 2:13
I am encouraged - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am enlightened - Ephesians 1:18
I am enriched in everything - 1 Corinthians 1:5
I am equipped - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I am established Deuteronomy 28:9
I have eternal life - John 3:36
I am an evangelist matthew 28:18-20
I have every good thing - Philemon 6
I am exalted at His right hand - Acts 2:34-35
I am faithful - Revelation 17:14
I am family - Psalm 68:5
I am far from oppression - Isaiah 54:14
I am favoured - Job 10:12
I am a fellow citizen with the saints - Ephesians 2:19
I am a fellow worker - Colossians 4:11
I am filled - Acts 2:4
I am filled to the fullness of God - Colossians 2:9- 10
I am filled with the fruit of righteousness - Philippians 1:11
I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
I am filled with the knowledge of His will - Colossians 1:9
I am filled with joy - John 17:13
I am a finished product -in progress - Philippians 1:6
I am a first fruit - Romans 8:23
I am forgiven - Ephesians 1:7
I am formed in the womb by God - Jeremiah 1:5
I was lost, but now am found - Luke 19:10
I am a fragrance - 1 Corinthians 1:15-16
I am free - John 8:36
I am freely given all things - Romans 8:32
I am gifted - Romans 12:6
I am given His magnificent promises - 2 Peter 1:3-4
I am given His Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 1:22
I am glorified with Him - 2 Thessalonians 2:14
I am God's child - John 1:12
I am God's gift to Christ - John 17:24
I know God is for me - Romans 8:3
I am gracious - Proverbs 22:11
I am granted grace in Christ Jesus - Romans 5:17,20
I am guarded by God - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am guarded by God's peace - Philippians 4:7
I am guaranteed - Ephesians 1:13-14
I am guided - Psalm 48:14
I am guiltless - Romans 8:1
I am the head - Deuteronomy 28:13
I am healed - 1 Peter 2:24
I am healthy - Deuteronomy 7:15
I am an heir to eternal life - Titus 3:4-7
I am helped by Him - Isaiah 44:2
I am hidden with Christ in God - Colossians 3:1-4
I am His - Isaiah 43:1
I am God's handiwork - Ephesians 2:10
I am holy - Ephesians 1:4
I am honoured - 2 Timothy 2:21
I am humble -Philippians 2:24
I am the image of God - Genesis 1:27
I am an imitator of God - Ephesians 5:1
I am in Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1:30
I am included - Ephesians 1:13
I am indestructible - John 6:51
I am indwelt by Christ Jesus - John 14:20
I am indwelt by His Spirit - Romans 8:11
I am inscribed on His palms - Isaiah 49:16
I am inseparable from His love - Romans 8:35
I am an instrument of righteousness - Romans 6:13
I am joyful - Philippians 4:4
I am a joy to the Lord Zephiniah 3:17
I am justified - Acts 13:39
I am kept - Isaiah 38:17
I am in a Kingdom of priests - Revelation 1:6
I am a king's kid - Psalm 44:4
I know all things work together for good - Romans 8:28
I know in Whom I believe - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am known - 2 Timothy 2:19
I lack no wisdom - James 1:5
I am lavished with riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7-8
I am led in Christ's triumph - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am liberated - Romans 6:23
I have life and peace in the Spirit - Romans 8:6
I have light - John 8:12
I am a light in a dark place - Acts 13:47
I have life flowing through me - John 7:38
I am like a watered garden - Isaiah 58:11
I am a living stone in a spiritual house - 1 Peter 2:4-5
I am the Lord's - Isaiah 44:5
I am loved - John 3:16
I am loved constantly, unconditionally - Isaiah 58:11
I am loyal - Psalm 86:2
I am made by Him - Psalm 100:3
I am a magnifier of God - Psalm 69:30
I am marked - Ephesians 1:13
I am a member of His body - Ephesians 5:30
I am mighty in God - Luke 10:19
I have the mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16
I am a minister - 2 Corinthians 3:6
I am a minister of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
I am a mountain mover - Mark 11:22-23
I am named - Isaiah 43:1
I am near to God - Ephesians 2:13
I am never forsaken - Hebrews 13:5
I am new - Ephesians 4:24
I am a new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have new life - Romans 6:4
I am part of a new race - 1 Peter 2:9
I am not condemned - Romans 8:1
I am no longer a slave to sin - Romans 6:6
I have not been given a spirit of fear - 1 Timothy 1:7
I am obedient - Isaiah 1:19
I have received mercy - Romans 9:23
I am obtained an inheritance - Ephesians 1:1
I am of God's household - Ephesians 2:19
I am on the winning side - Colossians 2:15
I am one with Him - John 17:23-24
I am an overcomer - 1 John 5:4-5
I am pardoned - Jeremiah 33:8
I am a partaker of Christ - Hebrews 3:14
I am a partaker of the Holy Spirit - Hebrews 6:4
I am a partaker of grace - Philippians 1:7
I am a partaker of the promise in Christ - Ephesians 3:6
I have passed from death to life - John 5:24
I am patient - James 5:8
I have peace - Philippians 4:7
I am one of the people of God - 1 Peter 2:9
I am being perfected - 1 Peter 5:10
I am pleasing to God - Psalm 149:4
I am God's own possession - Titus 2:14
I am possessor of all things - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23
I have the power of God behind me - Philippians 3:21
I have power - Acts 1:8
I have power over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am predestined - Ephesians 1:11
I am prepared beforehand for glory - Romans 9:23
I am prosperous - Psalm 1:3
I am protected - Psalm 91:14
I am provided for - Matthew 6:33
I am purchased - Revelation 5:9
I am purposeful - Psalm 138:8
I am qualified - Colossians 1:12
I am raised up with Christ - Ephesians 2:6
I am ransomed with Him - Isaiah 35:10
I am rare - Proverbs 20:15
I have received mercy - 1 Peter 2:10
I have received an unshakable Kingdom - Hebrews 12:28-29
I am reconciled to God - Romans 5:10
I am redeemed - Galatians 3:13
I am refined - Isaiah 48:10
I am reigning with Him - Romans 5:17
I am rejoicing - Romans 5:2-3
I am renewed - 2 Corinthians 4:16
I am His representative - Matthew 5:16
I am rescued - Colossians 1:13
I have rest provided - Matthew 11:28-30
I am rewarded by God - Isaiah 49:4
I am rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9
I am righteous - Ephesians 4:22
I am rooted and built up in Him - Colossians 2:7
I am royalty - Romans 5:17; 8:16-17
I am a royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9
I am safe - Psalm 4:8
I am a saint of God - Psalm 34:9
I am the salt of the earth - Matthew 5:13
I am sanctified - 1 Corinthians 6:11
I am satisfied - Jeremiah 31:14
I am saved - Ephesians 2:8
I am sealed by God with His Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13
I am seated with Him - Ephesians 2:6
I am secure - Deuteronomy 33:12
I am sent - John 20:21
I am set free - John 8:31-32,36
I am sharing Christ's inheritance - Romans 8:17
I am sharing His glory - John 17:22,24
I am His sheep - Psalm 23:1
I am sheltered - Psalm 91:1
I am shielded - Psalm 91:4
I am a slave to righteousness - Romans 6:18
I am His soldier - 2 Timothy 2:3-4
I am a son of God - Romans 8:14
I am stable - Isaiah 33:6
I am standing in His grace - Romans 5:2
I am standing firm in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:21
I have my steps established by the Lord - Psalm 37:23
I am strengthened in Him - Ephesians 3:16
I am strong in the Lord - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am amply supplied - Philippians 4:18
I am sustained from birth - Psalm 71:6
I am a temple - 1 Corinthians 3:16
I am thought about - Psalm 139:17-18
I am transferred into His Kingdom - Colossians 1:13
I am transformed - 2 Corinthians 3:18
I am treasured - Psalm 83:3
I am triumphant - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am unafraid - Isaiah 44:2; 51:12
I am understood - Ephesians 1:8
I am united with Christ - Romans 6:5
I am upheld - Psalm 37:17
I am upright - Psalm 7:10
I am unblemished - Colossians 1:22
I have understanding - 2 Timothy 2:72
I am useful for His glory - Isaiah 43:7
I am valuable - Luke 12:24
I live in victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57
I am walking in His light - 1 John 1:7
I am a warrior - 2 Corinthians 10:4
I am washed - Titus 3:5
I am watching for His return - Luke 12:37
I am weak, then I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am in a wealthy place - Psalm 66:12
I am welcome - Luke 11:9
I am being made whole - Mark 5:34
I put on the whole armour of God - Ephesians 6:11
I am wise - Proverbs 2:6

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world.

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”

"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”

I HAVE LEARNED II

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.

It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades
and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.