But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Notice the word *fruit* is singular, yet it list nine.
So there is only one fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is love. The others...
Joy - love smiling
Peace - love resting
Patience - love waiting Kindness - love showing itself sensitive to others' feelings
Goodness - love making allowances Faithfulness - love proving constant
Gentleness - love yielding
Self-control - love triumphing over selfish inclinations
Read God's Word
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Forgiveness
Forgive your brothers and sisters and you will set yourself free. You will set yourself free from all you thought they did to you. They need not ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. They might even believe that there is nothing for which they need to be forgiven. That is fine. Do not concern yourself with how they choose to experience reality, for it has no effect on you, unless you allow it to. For something or someone to affect you, you must first allow it to affect you.
You can also choose not to forgive your brother. But what good has such behavior ever brought to your life? You might be trying to consciously or unconsciously punish a brother by not forgiving him. But who are you really punishing? Who carries that judgment with him wherever he goes? My friend, you might not consciously recall that you are carrying this judgment with you, but it does simmer below the surface, coloring everything and everyone with whom you interact. Little by little, these judgments add up and weigh you down. You’re quick to anger, feel tired and stressed, and do not understand why. Comments to other brothers and sisters may become nasty and your patience fades. All this is due to your attempt to punish your brother by not forgiving him. My brother and sister, again I ask you, who are you really punishing?
Do you realize what anger can do to you?
Thank you brother James Blanchard Cisneros
You can also choose not to forgive your brother. But what good has such behavior ever brought to your life? You might be trying to consciously or unconsciously punish a brother by not forgiving him. But who are you really punishing? Who carries that judgment with him wherever he goes? My friend, you might not consciously recall that you are carrying this judgment with you, but it does simmer below the surface, coloring everything and everyone with whom you interact. Little by little, these judgments add up and weigh you down. You’re quick to anger, feel tired and stressed, and do not understand why. Comments to other brothers and sisters may become nasty and your patience fades. All this is due to your attempt to punish your brother by not forgiving him. My brother and sister, again I ask you, who are you really punishing?
Do you realize what anger can do to you?
Thank you brother James Blanchard Cisneros
"A Phone Call From GOD"
Rick volunteers with prison ministries, and in his work has become friends with a pastor of a store front church. The pastor's church is called Almighty God Tabernacle. On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answer the phone.
The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about. Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered his miss-dial and apologized for then disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife.
The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there and you do not want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, . . . . . 'Almighty God'."
"I was just too afraid to answer!"
The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about. Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered his miss-dial and apologized for then disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife.
The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there and you do not want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, . . . . . 'Almighty God'."
"I was just too afraid to answer!"
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Is there such thing as a soul-mate?
The union of true soul-mates merges two persons in such a way that little can affect one without also affecting the other. True soul-mates equal a special oneness that is unmatched. This does not mean losing your personality in the personality of the other. Instead, it means caring for your soul-mate as you care for yourself, learning to anticipate his or her needs, helping the other person become all he or she can be.
I can only answer how I, (a man) would treat my soul-mate. How should a man love his soul-mate?
(1) He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her.
(2) He should make her well-being of primary importance.
(3) He should care for her as he cares for his own body.
No soul-mate needs to fear submitting to a man who treats her in this way.
Most likely, before one becomes a soul-mate, they must first be friends. It's all a matter of the heart, therefore a woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. That's when a man truly knows wholeheartedly that he's found his soul mate.
Inspired by Queen Corey N. Harvey
I can only answer how I, (a man) would treat my soul-mate. How should a man love his soul-mate?
(1) He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her.
(2) He should make her well-being of primary importance.
(3) He should care for her as he cares for his own body.
No soul-mate needs to fear submitting to a man who treats her in this way.
Most likely, before one becomes a soul-mate, they must first be friends. It's all a matter of the heart, therefore a woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. That's when a man truly knows wholeheartedly that he's found his soul mate.
Inspired by Queen Corey N. Harvey
Saturday, June 09, 2007
What if ...
What if GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the rain?
What if GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives?
What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the rain?
What if GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives?
Lord? Liar? Lunatic?
This man, Jesus ... some say he was a liar, others say he was a lunatic, and still others claim He is Lord. Which do you think he is?
Some say He was just a good teacher,
but good teachers don't claim to be God.
Some say He was merely a good example,
but good examples don't mingle with prostitutes and sinners.
Some say He was a madman,
but madmen don't speak the way He spoke.
Some say He was a crazed fanatic,
but crazed fanatics don't draw children to themselves or attract men of intellect like Paul or Luke to be their followers.
Some say He was a religious phony,
but phonies don't rise from the dead.
Some say He was only a phantom,
but phantoms can't give their flesh and blood to be crucified.
Some say He was only a myth,
but myths don't set the calendar for history.
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
Some say He was just a good teacher,
but good teachers don't claim to be God.
Some say He was merely a good example,
but good examples don't mingle with prostitutes and sinners.
Some say He was a madman,
but madmen don't speak the way He spoke.
Some say He was a crazed fanatic,
but crazed fanatics don't draw children to themselves or attract men of intellect like Paul or Luke to be their followers.
Some say He was a religious phony,
but phonies don't rise from the dead.
Some say He was only a phantom,
but phantoms can't give their flesh and blood to be crucified.
Some say He was only a myth,
but myths don't set the calendar for history.
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
Three Things
Three things in life that,once gone, never come back -
Time
Words
Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace
Hope
Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love
Self-confidence
Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams
Success
Fortune
Three things that make a man -
Hard work
Sincerity
Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Wine
Pride
Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father
Son
Holy Ghost
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true. And when you give Him all your cares, you know He'll see you through.
Time
Words
Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace
Hope
Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love
Self-confidence
Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams
Success
Fortune
Three things that make a man -
Hard work
Sincerity
Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Wine
Pride
Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father
Son
Holy Ghost
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true. And when you give Him all your cares, you know He'll see you through.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
SATAN'S MEETING
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."
"This is what I want you to do", said the devil: "Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. Tempt them to spend,spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week,10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work! Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy,busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength,sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause." "It will work! It will work!"
It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get more busy and more rushed,going here and there. Having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge!
Does "busy" mean:
B-eing
U-nder
S-atan's
Y-oke?
Thank you Evangelist Beckie Porter
"This is what I want you to do", said the devil: "Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. Tempt them to spend,spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week,10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work! Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy,busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength,sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause." "It will work! It will work!"
It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get more busy and more rushed,going here and there. Having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge!
Does "busy" mean:
B-eing
U-nder
S-atan's
Y-oke?
Thank you Evangelist Beckie Porter
Sunday, June 03, 2007
WHO IS HE?
In chemistry, He turned water to wine.
In biology, He was born without the normal conception;
In physics, He disproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven;
In economics, He disproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with two fishes & five loaves of bread;
In medicine, He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs,
In history, He is the beginning and the end;
In government, He said that He shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, and Prince of Peace;
In religion, He said no one comes to the father except through him; so who is He?
He is Jesus!
Join me and let's celebrate Him;
He is worthy.
Thank you Evangelist Beckie Porter.
Lord I pray the eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hand that will send this message to everybody shall not labor in vain, and the mouth saying amen to this prayer shall smile forever. May we remain in You and seek Your face always. Amen
In biology, He was born without the normal conception;
In physics, He disproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven;
In economics, He disproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with two fishes & five loaves of bread;
In medicine, He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs,
In history, He is the beginning and the end;
In government, He said that He shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, and Prince of Peace;
In religion, He said no one comes to the father except through him; so who is He?
He is Jesus!
Join me and let's celebrate Him;
He is worthy.
Thank you Evangelist Beckie Porter.
Lord I pray the eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hand that will send this message to everybody shall not labor in vain, and the mouth saying amen to this prayer shall smile forever. May we remain in You and seek Your face always. Amen
Monday, May 21, 2007
HE SENT ME FLOWERS TODAY
I got flowers today.
It wasn't my birthday
or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night,
And he said a lot of cruel things
that really hurt me
I know he is sorry and didn't
mean the things he said
because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
It wasn't our anniversary or
any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall
and started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn't believe it was real.
I woke up this morning
sore and bruised all over.
I know he must be sorry,
Because he sent me flowers today.
Last night, he beat me up again.
And it was much worse than all the other
times. If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my children?
What about money?
I'm afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry,
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day-
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night, he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough
courage and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers today.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the authority to use weapons and restrain people is granted to police officers, but not to the general public. The authority to imprison people is granted to judges, but not to individual citizens. Authority to physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually or mentally abuse another human being has never been granted nor will it ever be.
Domestic violence must never be tolerated therefore we must put forth an authoritative effort in order to stop domestic violence today! You never know who's going through it until it's too late.
Sister Paulette Kelly, thank you for such a wake up calling and deeply touching poem
It wasn't my birthday
or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night,
And he said a lot of cruel things
that really hurt me
I know he is sorry and didn't
mean the things he said
because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
It wasn't our anniversary or
any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall
and started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn't believe it was real.
I woke up this morning
sore and bruised all over.
I know he must be sorry,
Because he sent me flowers today.
Last night, he beat me up again.
And it was much worse than all the other
times. If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my children?
What about money?
I'm afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry,
Because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day-
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night, he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough
courage and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers today.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the authority to use weapons and restrain people is granted to police officers, but not to the general public. The authority to imprison people is granted to judges, but not to individual citizens. Authority to physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually or mentally abuse another human being has never been granted nor will it ever be.
Domestic violence must never be tolerated therefore we must put forth an authoritative effort in order to stop domestic violence today! You never know who's going through it until it's too late.
Sister Paulette Kelly, thank you for such a wake up calling and deeply touching poem
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Confess or Deny? The ball's on your court!
Allow me to make this quick & simple...the hour will come when each and everyone of us will have to confess our true relationship with Christ, where do you stand?
We disown Jesus when we...
(1) hope no one will think we are Christians,
(2) decide not to speak up for what is right,
(3) are silent about our relationship with God,
(4) blend into society,
(5) accept our culture’s non-Christian values.
By contrast,
We acknowledge him when we...
(1) live moral, upright, Christ-honoring lives,
(2) look for opportunities to share our faith with others,
(3) help others in need,
(4) take a stand for justice,
(5) love others,
(6) acknowledge our loyalty to Christ,
(7) use our lives and resources to carry out his desires rather than our own.
I ask again, where do you stand?
"Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: [9] But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God." Luke 12:8-9 (KJV)
We disown Jesus when we...
(1) hope no one will think we are Christians,
(2) decide not to speak up for what is right,
(3) are silent about our relationship with God,
(4) blend into society,
(5) accept our culture’s non-Christian values.
By contrast,
We acknowledge him when we...
(1) live moral, upright, Christ-honoring lives,
(2) look for opportunities to share our faith with others,
(3) help others in need,
(4) take a stand for justice,
(5) love others,
(6) acknowledge our loyalty to Christ,
(7) use our lives and resources to carry out his desires rather than our own.
I ask again, where do you stand?
"Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: [9] But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God." Luke 12:8-9 (KJV)
Friday, May 18, 2007
ONE STEP
The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out.
No matter how long you've been walking north, in just a single step you can be walking south. What does it take to turn your life around?
Just one step.
You are one step away from eating a healthier diet,
one step away from being a better parent,
one step away from improving your finances,
one step away from becoming more skilled in your work,
one step away from a more fulfilling relationship.
One minute from now, your worst problems can be behind you, instead of in front of you. In a single step, your best day can be yet to come, rather than long ago in the past. In an instant, your negative energy can be redirected toward making a positive difference.
Just one step can change your momentum and start you in whatever direction you truly want to go.
"The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD:and he delighteth in his way." Psalms 37:23
No matter how long you've been walking north, in just a single step you can be walking south. What does it take to turn your life around?
Just one step.
You are one step away from eating a healthier diet,
one step away from being a better parent,
one step away from improving your finances,
one step away from becoming more skilled in your work,
one step away from a more fulfilling relationship.
One minute from now, your worst problems can be behind you, instead of in front of you. In a single step, your best day can be yet to come, rather than long ago in the past. In an instant, your negative energy can be redirected toward making a positive difference.
Just one step can change your momentum and start you in whatever direction you truly want to go.
"The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD:and he delighteth in his way." Psalms 37:23
Friday, May 11, 2007
GROWTH
G o to God in prayer daily. (John 15:7)
R ead God's Word daily (Acts 17:11); begin with the Gospel of John.
O bey God moment by moment. (John 14:21)
W itness for Christ by your life and words. (Matthew 4:19; John 15:8)
T rust God for every detail of your life. (1 Peter 5:7)
H oly Spirit -- allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness. (Galatians 5:16-17; Acts 1:8)
Many people believe that Christianity should offer a problem-free life. Consequently, as life gets tough, they draw back disappointed. Instead, they should determine to prevail with God through life’s storm. Problems and difficulties are painful but inevitable; you might as well see them as opportunities for growth. You can’t prevail with God unless you have troubles to prevail over.
R ead God's Word daily (Acts 17:11); begin with the Gospel of John.
O bey God moment by moment. (John 14:21)
W itness for Christ by your life and words. (Matthew 4:19; John 15:8)
T rust God for every detail of your life. (1 Peter 5:7)
H oly Spirit -- allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness. (Galatians 5:16-17; Acts 1:8)
Many people believe that Christianity should offer a problem-free life. Consequently, as life gets tough, they draw back disappointed. Instead, they should determine to prevail with God through life’s storm. Problems and difficulties are painful but inevitable; you might as well see them as opportunities for growth. You can’t prevail with God unless you have troubles to prevail over.
Happy Mother's Day
How can you know how much you mean to me?
After all the heartache, there is love.
Pierce life, and you are where the angels move,
Praising with their joy the mystery.
You know well the cost of sacrifice,
Mothering the wounded as you bleed,
Opening your anguish to their need,
Taking heed of neither pain nor price.
How you have paid, dear soul, for that abandon!
Even as you've sunk into despair.
Reason has no reason to be there
'Ere love supply the grace, well-earned or wanton.
So let me show you how you look from here,
Depicted as an icon dearly treasured,
An image of an ecstasy unmeasured,
Yearning with more need than it can bear.
Mama, three years have passed since…well, I know I didn't lose you...God has reminded me that I can't lose something when I know where it is.
Thank You Lord God for adding another flower to Your heavenly bouquet!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Strictly Mathematical Viewpoint
What equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 101%? What equals 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
AND, look how far the love of God will take you
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it’s the Love of God that will put you over the top!
Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
AND, look how far the love of God will take you
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it’s the Love of God that will put you over the top!
A Virtuous Woman
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)
Sunday, April 22, 2007
TWO FRIENDS IN THE DESERT
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this day of constant lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul’s command sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why does Paul tell us to forgive our enemies?
(1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation.
(2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways.
(3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy.
Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Paul’s command:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21
(1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation.
(2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways.
(3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy.
Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Paul’s command:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
GRIEF AND MOURNING
Today, some people consider expressing emotions to be a sign of weakness. Those who wish to appear strong try to hide their feelings. But expressing our grief can help us deal with our intense sorrow when a loved one dies. Life is not given merely for happiness and personal fulfillment, but for us to serve and honor God. The worth and meaning of life is not based on what we feel, but on the one reality no one can take away God’s love for us. Don’t assume that because God truly loves you, he will always prevent suffering. The opposite may be true. God’s love cannot be measured or limited by how great or how little we may suffer.
I pray the families of the dear students whose lives were taken away at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia would be given strength to endure through these trying moments. I send my condolences to you.
PRAYER: Most Precious Lord Jesus, Gentle and Wonderful God, Truly Awesome and Ever-present Holy Spirit, Precious Lord Jesus, we love you. Today has been incredibly difficult for the families of those 32 who were massacred at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia and the one who also took his own. At every turn, we as a people were struck down with grief and loss. It is unbelievable how much pain this has put upon us. We are asking you for love because we know love will ease our pain. We know love will give us a new way to see all the hurtful things going on in our life. Open the part of our hearts where you live. Show us how much you love us and how all our present grief will be replaced with joy. We know we are being really selfish right now. Pain and suffering, especially grief, turns us inward and away from you. So right now, instead of all the grief we are bearing, send us some love. We love you Lord. All these things we humbly pray in the name of our most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, our Mighty God, and our Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom we can rely. Amen
Virginia Tech Family and the Extended Community
I share in your grief and pain over the devastation and profound loss that you have experienced during this season. To those who are recovering from as well as those who survived this tragedy, you too are in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words that can adequately express my sympathy during this horrific & difficult time, however, please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I can only hope that the good memories of the fellowships and friendships that you have enjoyed as family and community will sustain you during this time.
My prayer is that you be strengthened to walk in God’s promise, purpose and power through these difficult times.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I LOVE YA!
"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!
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!
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!
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About Me
- Elder Vazquez
- I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.