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
Read God's Word
Friday, October 29, 2004
Saturday, October 23, 2004
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
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
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
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
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
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
Friday, October 15, 2004
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!"
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!"
Saturday, October 02, 2004
"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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- J.A. Vazquez
- I'm just, a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody who can save anybody. First I want to give love to the Father for giving me the opportunity to be an instrument for him to live in and live through for the glory that belongs to only him and Him alone. I served in the United States Navy for twenty one years and retired September 2003. During the last 3 years of my naval career, I served as co-pastor of Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada under the tutelage of Pastor Gregory L. Brown. While there, I diligently served my pastor and church with the construction of a new sanctuary, and caring for the needs of all ministries, while simultaneously striving to stay focused on the mandate that the Lord had placed upon my life to preach the Word of God without compromise. I was licensed to preach November 2002 and Ordained June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I proudly served and as constituent of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for seventeen years under the leadership of Bishop Elect W. D. Scott, Sr. and presently serve under the leadership of Bishop B. Courtney McBath at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia.