GOD HAS THE ANSWER

My fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this walk as a new creature in Christ is hard when you are considering yourself!

You struggle with prayer.

You struggle with your relationship with the Father.

You struggle with knowing yourself as God's child.

As a result you start to despair of yourself and start thinking you're an inadequate Christian with little chance of being what Jesus saved you for. If you find yourself struggling like that stop and refocus yourself. With prayer, fasting and a healthy ingestion of the Word of God your thoughts, plans and words will begin to transform from self pessimistic views to Godly optimistic views and you’ll come to the realization that whatever the situation, God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY
'It's impossible'
GOD SAYS
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

YOU SAY
'I'm too tired'
GOD SAYS
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

YOU SAY
'Nobody really loves me'
GOD SAYS
I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

YOU SAY
'I can't go on'
GOD SAYS
My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

YOU SAY
'I can't figure things out'
GOD SAYS
I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

YOU SAY
'I can't do it'
GOD SAYS
You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

YOU SAY
'I'm not able'
GOD SAYS
I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

YOU SAY
'It's not worth it'
GOD SAYS
It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

YOU SAY
'I can't forgive myself'
GOD SAYS
I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

YOU SAY
'I can't manage'
GOD SAYS
I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

YOU SAY
'I'm afraid'
GOD SAYS
I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

YOU SAY
'I'm always worried and frustrated'
GOD SAYS
Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

YOU SAY
'I'm not smart enough'
GOD SAYS

I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
YOU SAY
'I feel all alone'
GOD SAYS
I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Beloved, please remember that whatever the situation…

Consider Jesus

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

© Is Circled

The reason there is a circle, around the letter ©,
Is because there isn't one single copy, of another you or me

The circle represents God's love, and His Son He sent to save
He cared enough to let ©hrist die, for our sins in full He paid

And ©hrist remains inside the circle, God's right to claim us all
His desire that all will enter the circle, to follow His Father's call

We see the © everywhere we go, in books and magazines
So few know why the © is circled, and what it really means

It means ©hrist is in everything, He knows our every need
Our prayers go not unnoticed, as He hears each earnest plea

The reason there is and will remain, a circle around the ©
It shows the world how great ©hrist is, to work through you and me...

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Just Do It

Just walk it.
Just talk it.
Just preach it.
Just teach it.
Just tell it.
Just live it.
Just give it.
Just wear it.
Just share it.
Just shout it.
Just sing it.
Just proclaim it.
Just prove it.
JUST DO IT.
Live For Jesus!

LORD, WHY DID YOU MAKE ME BLACK?

Lord, Lord,
Why did You make me Black?
Why did You make me someone
The world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
The color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone
Who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of a bruised eye
When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure's so thick;
my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
and not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand;
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
And not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed",
When others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.

Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
And I know this just isn't right.
They don't like my hair or the way I look
They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, Don't You think it's time
For You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation
And make everyone the same?

(God answered:)

Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?

Get off your knees and look around.
Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the Likeness of ME!

I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil,
The black-gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth
That can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's
Known for (HER) beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the Likeness of Me!

All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found throughout every nation;
And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool
Such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain
That's the reason your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed
when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss
the one you love they will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror...
The Image looking back at you is MINE!

Inspired by the book of Genesis 1:26a and 27a & c

"And God said, Let us make man in Our image, after Our Likeness...So God created man in His own image...male and female created He them"

This beautiful poem was written by a poet in whom I hold near and dear to my heart and her name is RuNett Nia Ebo

Thank you RuNett

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?

My fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, do you remember when you realized or admitted to yourself that you loved a certain person?

Now remember how much you wanted to act like you were in a movie, and yell to everyone in the football stadium "I love (fill in the name)!"

You told certain family members and friends how perfect they were. You told those you are closely associated with how they were just what you were looking for.

Well, I told GOD I love Him today.

And He asked me, "How much do you love me?

And before I could even open my mouth to answer, He told said to me,

You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you. You haven't shared how perfect my love is. You haven't spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems. You haven't told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you didn't have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one. You didn't tell your family and friends how I took away that addiction that would have cost you not only your job, but that person that was just what you were looking for.

Once again, before I could even open my mouth to answer, He asked once more,

So how much do you really love me?"

So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish, considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family that loves me and friends in which I can confide. But even more than that He has saved me from a destruction I couldn't even see coming. He gave to me the peace of knowing Him and He has never broken a promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

And I stand in my stadium today to yell to you all,

"I love GOD!"

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Be blessed today & share with someone else about the last time you told god you love him?

40 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU

As students of the Bible and lovers of God we recognize that Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain, Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai, the spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land, David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge, Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal, the entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to change, Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness and the disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection. You may be asking by now, “Where is this heading to and what’s up with the number 40?”, on February 14th, many people from around the world will celebrate Valentine's Day by giving flowers, chocolates, candies, cards, and other special gifts to their loved ones. Although you probably have figured out a unique way to show love to your spouse or special friend on this special occasion, have you considered expressing "I love you!" in another language? In case this idea sounds exciting to you, here’s my gift to you.

40 different ways to say I love you:
Albanian: Te dua
Bulgarian: Obicham te
Chinese: Cantonese: Ngo oi nei
Mandarin: Wo ai ni
Croatian: Volim te
Czech: miluji te
Danish: Jeg elsker dig
Dutch: Ik hou van jou
Estonian: Mina armastan sind
Filipino: Mahal Kita
Finnish: Mina" rakastan sinua
French: Je t'aime
German: Ich liebe Dich
Greek: S'ayapo
Hungarian: Szeretlek te'ged
Icelandic: 'g elska ßig
Indonesian: Saya cinta padamu
Italian: Ti amo
Irish: Taim i' ngra leat
Japanese: Kimi o ai shiteru
Korean: Tangsinul sarang ha yo
Kurdish: Ez te hezdikhem
Lithuanian: Ash miliu tave
Norwegian: Eg elskar deg
Persian: Tora dost daram
Portuguese: Eu te amo
Romanian: Te iu besc
Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya
Serbian: Volim te
Slovak: lubim ta
Spanish: Te amo
Swahili: Nakupenda
Swedish: Jag a"lskar dig
Swiss-German: Ch'ha di ga"rn
Thai: Phom Rak Khun
Tunisian: Ha eh bak
Turkish: Seni seviyorum!
Urdu: Muje se mu habbat hai
Welsh: Rwy'n dy garu di
Yiddish: Ikh hob dikh lib

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34

I love you all

Elder J.A. Vazquez

A Strong Women -vs.- A Woman of Strength

"A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure-footedly...
But a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong."

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS!!

WAKE UP, MY BROTHERS!

Wake up my brothers in Christ, it’s time we take our rightful position as leaders in our families and take charge. Let’s love our wives and children the way God intended us to. Let’s stop abusing them physically, emotionally and spiritually and start loving, nurturing, and caring for them. Let’s usher the presence of God in every area of our lives, be it as sons, husbands or fathers. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 24 and verse: 16 The Bible says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief”…therefore, Men Of God, get yourself up from where the devil my have knocked you down and be a man!

Here I give to you what I would consider God’s ten most wanted men.

Here we go...

1. The man who puts God’s business above any other business (Matthew 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2. The man who brings his wife and children to worship rather than sending them (Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

3. The man who is willing to be the right example to every person he meets (1 Corinthians 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

4. The man who thinks more of Sunday school than of Sunday sleep (1 Peter 2:2) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

5. The man who gives what he should to the Lord’s work and lives on what is left (2 Corinthians 9: 6, 7) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

6. The man who goes to church for Christ’s sake rather than for himself or someone else (John 4: 24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

7. The man who has a passion to help others rather than to be helped himself (Philippians 2:4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others

8. The man who has a willing mind rather than a brilliant one (2 Corinthians 8:12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

9. The man who can see his own faults before he sees the faults of others (Matthew 7:1) Judge not, that ye be not judged.

10. The man who is more concerned about winning persons to Christ than about winning worldly honors (Proverbs 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Now, I ask... Are you in?

Elder J. A. Vazquez

RISE UP, MY SISTERS!

Sisters, Women of God…

Rise up!

I say again…

Rise up!

Lift your heads up and walk upright and realize that you are somebody.

Let me remind you that in the book of Mark chapter five verse forty-one, the same God who took the lifeless “child by the hand and said “Talitha cumi” which is interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise” is still available today.

Rise up!

Let me also remind you that in the same book of Mark and the very same chapter (five), now go back six verses and discover yourself in verse thirty-five…when you got it, say amen…now the same God who “immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him” and healed a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years…still has that asset available for your every issues today.

Rise up!

For you brothers out there who are suffering from Gynophobia…wake up…and get over it…for she is a help mate. In the book of Jeremiah chapter nine verse seventeen, The Bible says, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may draw closer; and send for cunning women, that they may come". God has providence for women. He wants you to unlock your jaws and cry out against the malevolence that the devil has placed upon her and us as well. She has what I call, “The Triple C”, Capacity, Contributions and Capital within her that can bring glory to God. Let us all come together, Brothers and Sisters in the name of Jesus and defeat the devil and accomplish our destiny.

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

NEVER AGAIN

NEVER AGAIN will I confess, "I can't" for "I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13

NEVER AGAIN will I confess lack, for " My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess fear, for "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind" II Timothy 1:7

NEVER AGAIN will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for " God hath given to every man the measure of faith" Romans 12:3.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life" Psalm 27:1

NEVER AGAIN will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for "Greater is He that is in me that he that is in the world" I John 4:4.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess defeat, for "God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus" II Corinthians 2:14

NEVER AGAIN will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God" I Corinthians 1:30

NEVER AGAIN will I confess sickness, for "with His stripes I am healed" Isaiah 53:5, and Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness" Matthew 8:17.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who careth for me" I Peter 5:7.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess bondage, for "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" II Corinthians 3:17.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess condemnation, for "There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess loneliness, for Jesus said "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" Matthew 28:20.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess insecurity because "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and they sleep shall be sweet…for the Lord shall be they confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken" Proverbs 3:24-26

NEVER AGAIN will I confess failure because, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" Romans 8:37

NEVER AGAIN will I confess frustration, for "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" Isaiah 26:3

NEVER AGAIN will I confess fear of the future, "But it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him, but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit". I Corinthians 2:9-10

NEVER AGAIN will I confess troubles because Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world". John16: 33

NEVER AGAIN will I confess unworthiness because "He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" II Corinthians 5:21

NEVER AGAIN will I confess confusion because "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" I Corinthians 14:33.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess persecution, for "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Closed Doors...An Encouragement

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors as we do an open door.

The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors.

When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes, it forces us to change our course yet again. Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept our butt out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up roadblocks and detours accordingly.

But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could this happen to me?" We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say "No good thing will He withhold from them that love him?"

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.

If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, It might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." - Psalm 37:23.

The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Always Remember God gives you . . .

· Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet

· Enough Trials to keep you Strong

· Enough Sorrows to keep you Human

· Enough Hope to keep you Happy

· Enough Failure to keep you Humble

· Enough Success to keep you Eager

· Enough Friends to give you Comfort

· Enough Wealth to meet your Needs

· Enough enthusiasm to make you look Forward

· Enough Faith to banish depression, and

· Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last

So, be encouraged...be of good cheer...for our God is greater than any circumstances, and He will see us through.

May you each and every one be blessed with all that meet your needs...

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit "Skip Ahead"...

The Black Family Pledge

BECAUSE we have forgotten our ancestors,our children no longer give us honor.

BECAUSE we have lost the path our ancestors cleared kneeling in perilous undergrowth, our children cannot find their way.

BECAUSE we have banished the God of our ancestors, our children cannot pray.

BECAUSE the old wails of our ancestors have faded beyond our hearing, our children cannot hear us crying.

BECAUSE we have abandoned our wisdom of mothering and fathering, our befuddled children give birth to children they neither want nor understand.

BECAUSE we have forgotten how to love, the adversary is within our gates, an holds us up to the mirror of the world shouting, "Regard the loveless".

Therefore we pledge to bind ourselves to one another, to embrace our lowliest, to keep company with our loneliest, to educate our illiterate, to feed our starving, to clothe our ragged, to do all good things, knowing that we are more than keepers of our brothers and sisters. We ARE our brothers and sisters.

IN HONOR of those who toiled and implored God with golden tongues, and in gratitude to the same God who brought us out of hopeless desolation, we make this pledge.

By Dr. Maya Angelou