"Be who you are and say what you feel....Because those that matter.....don’t mind.....And those that mind....don't matter." -- Theodor Seuss Geisel (Better known as Dr. Seuss)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ… know ye not that real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. One question that often comes up when the subject of real love is brought up is, “How can we lay down our lives?” The answer is fairly simple, “By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return.” Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them…this involves putting others’ desires first. Jesus taught this same principle of love when He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, giving. One morning you will never wake up. Do all your friends know you love them? I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said. Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.
And just in case GOD calls me home before I see you again....... I LOVE YA!
Read God's Word
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE STEINWAY EXPERIENCE
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our God, EL-ELYON, "God Most High", is in control of all the adverse, unpleasant, unfavorable, and difficult circumstances of our lives. You may be going through an adverse experience as you read these notes. Let's call it, for illustration purposes, a "STEINWAY EXPERIENCE" (read on).
If you had to name the most famous piano, the one that produced the most beautiful sound in the world which one would you name? Most people would say "Steinway". The STEINWAY PIANO has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces a phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when Henry Steinway started his business. 200 craftsmen and12,000 parts are required to produce one of these magnificent instruments. Most crucial is the RIM-BENDING PROCESS, where 18 layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and then HAND-RUBBED to give the piano its outer glow. The instrument then goes into the "POUNDER ROOM", where each key is pounded 10,000 times to ensure QUALITY and DURABILITY. Followers of Jesus Christ, much like the grand Steinway, are being "HANDCRAFTED" with all of the steps being watched over and directed by our Most High God, El Elyon , the One Who is in sovereign control of every detail of this process often referred to as "sanctification". We are being PRESSED and FORMED and SHAPED, all that we might "become conformed (molded with an inner and essential and not merely superficial conformity) to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like him, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we be conformed to Christ’s likeness? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world. We are being polished, sometimes with what seems like a great amount of what we could call the "rubbing of affliction", until we "glow." We are then being continually tested in the laboratory of everyday human experience. The process of sanctification is not always pleasant, but we can persevere with hope, knowing that our lives will increasingly reflect the beauty of holiness to the eternal praise of the Most High God.
Amen!
If you had to name the most famous piano, the one that produced the most beautiful sound in the world which one would you name? Most people would say "Steinway". The STEINWAY PIANO has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces a phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when Henry Steinway started his business. 200 craftsmen and12,000 parts are required to produce one of these magnificent instruments. Most crucial is the RIM-BENDING PROCESS, where 18 layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and then HAND-RUBBED to give the piano its outer glow. The instrument then goes into the "POUNDER ROOM", where each key is pounded 10,000 times to ensure QUALITY and DURABILITY. Followers of Jesus Christ, much like the grand Steinway, are being "HANDCRAFTED" with all of the steps being watched over and directed by our Most High God, El Elyon , the One Who is in sovereign control of every detail of this process often referred to as "sanctification". We are being PRESSED and FORMED and SHAPED, all that we might "become conformed (molded with an inner and essential and not merely superficial conformity) to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like him, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we be conformed to Christ’s likeness? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world. We are being polished, sometimes with what seems like a great amount of what we could call the "rubbing of affliction", until we "glow." We are then being continually tested in the laboratory of everyday human experience. The process of sanctification is not always pleasant, but we can persevere with hope, knowing that our lives will increasingly reflect the beauty of holiness to the eternal praise of the Most High God.
Amen!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
ARE YOU BLESSED?
If you own just one Bible ... you are abundantly blessed. 1/3 of all the world does not have access to one.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today ... you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as your Saviour ... you are blessed as being part of a small minority in the world ... Amen
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I'll ask again...ARE YOU BLESSED?
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today ... you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as your Saviour ... you are blessed as being part of a small minority in the world ... Amen
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I'll ask again...ARE YOU BLESSED?
STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mary, did you know...
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
Friday, March 16, 2007
RECOVER YOUR HAPPINESS
A - Accept Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
Friday, March 02, 2007
A PLACE CALLED “SUCCESS”
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
The Greatest Man in History
The Greatest Man in History...
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
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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.