Brothers and Sisters in Christ, surely time is too precious to waste.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR,
ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH,
ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK,
ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value on ONE HOUR,
ask the loving couple that is waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE,
ask a person who missed the train, bus, or plane
To realize the value of ONE SECOND,
ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND,
ask the athlete who just won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have!
And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.
And remember that time waits for no one.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift…that's why it's called the present!
Read God's Word
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Christian Checklist
1. Is it right?
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
2. Will this bring me near some temptation?
Rom. 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
3. Does this give place to the devil?
Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
4. Is there anything in scripture contrary to it?
Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
5. Am I trusting God or depending in my own strength?
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
6. Is it doubtful?
Rom. 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
7. Will it cause someone to stumble?
Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
8. Does it appear evil to anyone?
1 Ths. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
9. Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this?
1 Pet. 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
10. Will it please God?
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
11. Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality?
Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, andlaid it, at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12. Do I hope somebody notices me?
Gal. 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
13. Does it edify?
1 Cor. 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
14. Am I being selfish?
Phil. 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
15. Am I denying the flesh?
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
16. Am I putting Christ first?
Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
17. Is it expedient?
1 Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
18. Will it bring glory to God?
1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
19. Am I deceiving myself or being deceived?
1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
20. Do I know better?
1 Cor. 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.
21. Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do?
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
22. Do I have to hide it from anyone?
Sneak around? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
23. Did I handle the word of God deceitfully?
2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
24. Will this in anyway defile God's body?
1 Cor. 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
25. Can I sincerely thank God for it?
1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
26. Can I do this in Jesus' name?
Col. 3:17 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.
27. Can I go all the way with it?
Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Eccl. 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
28. Have I prayed about it?
Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
29. Will it increase or hinder my prayer life?
1 Pet. 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
30. Am I breaking one commandment in order to keep another?
Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
31. What does my pastor think about it?
Hebr. 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebr. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
32. What does my church brethren think about it?
Prov. 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Prov. 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
33. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns?
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
34. How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 1 Cor. 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Thank you Brother Steve Sturgeon for such a lovely checklist.
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
Steve Sturgeon is Pastor of Dillon Bible Church, Dillon, Montana
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
2. Will this bring me near some temptation?
Rom. 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
3. Does this give place to the devil?
Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
4. Is there anything in scripture contrary to it?
Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
5. Am I trusting God or depending in my own strength?
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
6. Is it doubtful?
Rom. 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
7. Will it cause someone to stumble?
Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
8. Does it appear evil to anyone?
1 Ths. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
9. Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this?
1 Pet. 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
10. Will it please God?
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
11. Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality?
Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, andlaid it, at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12. Do I hope somebody notices me?
Gal. 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
13. Does it edify?
1 Cor. 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
14. Am I being selfish?
Phil. 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
15. Am I denying the flesh?
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
16. Am I putting Christ first?
Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
17. Is it expedient?
1 Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
18. Will it bring glory to God?
1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
19. Am I deceiving myself or being deceived?
1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
20. Do I know better?
1 Cor. 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.
21. Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do?
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
22. Do I have to hide it from anyone?
Sneak around? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
23. Did I handle the word of God deceitfully?
2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
24. Will this in anyway defile God's body?
1 Cor. 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
25. Can I sincerely thank God for it?
1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
26. Can I do this in Jesus' name?
Col. 3:17 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.
27. Can I go all the way with it?
Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Eccl. 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
28. Have I prayed about it?
Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
29. Will it increase or hinder my prayer life?
1 Pet. 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
30. Am I breaking one commandment in order to keep another?
Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
31. What does my pastor think about it?
Hebr. 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebr. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
32. What does my church brethren think about it?
Prov. 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Prov. 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
33. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns?
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
34. How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 1 Cor. 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Thank you Brother Steve Sturgeon for such a lovely checklist.
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
Steve Sturgeon is Pastor of Dillon Bible Church, Dillon, Montana
Sunday, October 09, 2005
CHANGE
And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Exodus 9:27
After promising to let the Hebrews go, Pharaoh immediately broke his promise and brought even more trouble upon the land. His actions reveal that his repentance was not real. We do damage to ourselves and to others if we pretend to change but don’t mean it.
We all need change.
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
After promising to let the Hebrews go, Pharaoh immediately broke his promise and brought even more trouble upon the land. His actions reveal that his repentance was not real. We do damage to ourselves and to others if we pretend to change but don’t mean it.
We all need change.
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
BREATH
Air surrounds us all.
It may be clean and fresh in the country,
it may be polluted in big cities,
but its life giving presence is all around us.
Air is just a mixture of gases containing roughly 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen.
Air is air but it becomes something entirely different when inhaled and exhaled by a living creature.
It becomes breath.
It literally changes in both chemical composition and potential.
Words are breath.
Words are simply air set in motion by a living soul.
All of us on earth have virtually the same 21/79% mixture.
But oh, how the words differ. All carried by the same air.
Hate or love spoken, same air.
Encouragement or discouragement spoken, same air.
Compliments or criticisms spoken, same air.
Curses or blessings spoken, same air.
Can do or can't do spoken, same air.
The beauty or misery of life spoken, same air.
Faith or doubt spoken, same air.
Laughter or sighs expressed, same air.
Same air, but different breath.
Air comes into us all with the same potential,
we change it,
we charge it,
we shape it,
we make it,
then we send it forth.
Changed.
Regardless of what you have been through,
no matter what your parents did,
no matter what is or isn't in your bank account,
no matter what hurts,
YOU have a decision to make about the next breath.
God not only breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul,
He gave us the choice of what to do with every breath.
He literally gave you the power to breathe life into people and situations, all with the power of your words.
He gave you the power of good and evil,
life and death,
with breath.
Take a deep breath
...and decide.
It may be clean and fresh in the country,
it may be polluted in big cities,
but its life giving presence is all around us.
Air is just a mixture of gases containing roughly 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen.
Air is air but it becomes something entirely different when inhaled and exhaled by a living creature.
It becomes breath.
It literally changes in both chemical composition and potential.
Words are breath.
Words are simply air set in motion by a living soul.
All of us on earth have virtually the same 21/79% mixture.
But oh, how the words differ. All carried by the same air.
Hate or love spoken, same air.
Encouragement or discouragement spoken, same air.
Compliments or criticisms spoken, same air.
Curses or blessings spoken, same air.
Can do or can't do spoken, same air.
The beauty or misery of life spoken, same air.
Faith or doubt spoken, same air.
Laughter or sighs expressed, same air.
Same air, but different breath.
Air comes into us all with the same potential,
we change it,
we charge it,
we shape it,
we make it,
then we send it forth.
Changed.
Regardless of what you have been through,
no matter what your parents did,
no matter what is or isn't in your bank account,
no matter what hurts,
YOU have a decision to make about the next breath.
God not only breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul,
He gave us the choice of what to do with every breath.
He literally gave you the power to breathe life into people and situations, all with the power of your words.
He gave you the power of good and evil,
life and death,
with breath.
Take a deep breath
...and decide.
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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.