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The 911 call August 2010
"Do not fear for I am with you, Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you"Isaiah 41:10 FREEDOM COMES WTH RESPONSIBILITY JULY 2010 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block
to the weak" 1 Corinthians 8:9 We have a lot of freedom, and I'm not talking about the freedom that comes with being an American citizen. I am talking about the freedom we have just being us. We have our own thoughts, our own perspectives our own way of showing love. And we are free to think what we want when we want and act on what we want. We can shut our mouths but our hearts still speak. Then there are our actions, the actions we justify with our hearts. I spoke with a friend of mine recently who was having a hard time finding a church, yet he had a friend who is a Church leader. So I asked, "Why don't you go to his church?" His response, "We went out one time to talk and stopped at a restaurant, it was hot and he ordered a beer. I don't know about him, I just lost respect for him. I didn't think church leaders could do that". After questioning him for a few minutes I discovered that the church leader didn't get drunk, he just had a few sips of one beer on a hot day. I'm not justifying the leader's actions, but I'm sure the church leader would have, if questioned. Take a moment to reflect on your actions. Could your actions be wrongly perceived by someone else? My friend didn't ask his friend the church leader anything or express to him how he felt about what had happened. No communication has happened between the two and the church leader does not know why he won't go to his church. The blessing of God sits across the street from him and he refuses to attend because he feels that this church leader, the one of many in the church, is a hypocrite. That's what Paul is talking about in this scripture. I know the famous saying, "You shouldn't care what people think" but you should care if it causes them to stumble. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we are not all at the same level of understanding. Fortunately God doesn't grade us on our understanding, but he does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer to be thrown off track or confused. It might even mess up the conscious of the believer in what is right and wrong. See my friend came from a home of alcohol abuse, to him its wrong on all levels, now he is confused because he saw the leader sip from a beer, the same type of beer that destroyed his home years before. The argument could go on forever on who was right and who was wrong. And you and I will say, "it's not a big deal" but put yourself in the predicament. Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up on what ever it is that causes your friend to question who you are. It makes a difference when you risk your friend's salvation. Use sound judgment in your actions. To God be all the Glory! Freedom comes with Responsibility Happy 4th of July!
Pray for Fathers June 2010 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: John 10:10 There's evidence that suggests that the single largest determinant of how a child thinks of God is how they think of their father. With that said, let's see how fathers are viewed in today's society. Many homes in America are suffering from the phantom father. The father who is not there and even in some cases where they are in the home; their not there. Hundreds of men have fathered children and walked away from the family. Recent reports tell us: Then we wonder why the number of Atheist continues to grow. So let's get real, how many sisters out there are dogging men. Joining the man haters club; talking trash about their baby's daddies. How many are refusing to let their children see their dad. Why is it that mother's day is such a celebration but Fathers day is a day of guilt? Sisters we contribute to this number with our actions and our children suffer because we can't forgive the men who did us wrong. Don't get me wrong, yes... there are some legitimate reasons to disconnecting from certain men. We should never be in the position of abuse for ourselves or our young. But it's abusive to the children to speak ill of their fathers. Think back with me to the first Passover--
He is out to steal there innocence when they are born, their virginity when their teens because it supposedly cool, their dignity as men, their minds, bodies and souls. And the enemy is out to hurt our children, but we as sisters should put the enemy on notice that he has to come through my prayers. Ladies your family will be destroyed if you don't take the blood and apply it over the lives of our men, young and old. Pray so the angel of death passes over your home and we can put an end to this attack. Pray for fathers everywhere. To God be all the Glory While he was still Speaking June 2010 
I can just imagine being in the moment with Peter, John and
James as they witnessed the transformation of Christ. I personally would think I need to say something or do something and
while I am talking a cloud wraps us all up and the voice of God says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well
pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5 How does one listen? Jesus listened, he didn’t move where God didn’t lead. How do I know?
He prayed then he listened.
Take a moment to read Jesus’ prayers. He prays for all of those who believe. His prayer wasn’t for just the
moment; he prayed a prayer that echoes beyond time. It resonates through the air penetrating the hearts and souls of those
who are lost, calling them back home. He prayed for you thousands of years before your birth. Prayer is communication with
God, not a one way demand list. I want the glory of God to transform me and I know its possible because when Jesus prayed he said, “I
have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” John 17:22 Jesus was not selfish and
showed us how we too can have what he has with his Father, unity.  Our society cries for unity. A united nation, a united
home, a united family. I hear of those who divorce because their spouse was not “godly” yet a godly person would
not abandon the lost sheep. God didn’t give up on us. Listen up… we are selfish and self-centered traditionalist. We follow our religious
order and practice and pray. But we forgot to listen. We spew words from our lips revealing the depths of our heart and asking
God to clean us up. God is not a janitor and we shouldn’t treat Him as such, but he will guide us in the clean up. Therefore
I ask, when instructions come are you listening? Or are you doing all the talking in your relationship with God?
Maybe God is trying to stop us while were still speaking, envelope us and say something “listen”.  To God be all the GloryDepressed?
May 2010 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" ( Matthew 6:27 NIV) Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever felt like your mistake hung over your head following you? It's funny what worry can do to the body. Anxiety creeps in and you're worried if people know? You are worried if people think to themselves, "Who does she think she is?" I have been there, so trust me I understand. It's like you can't escape the mistakes of your past, and the worry is a reminder that twist and abuses you physically and mentally. Some things are hard to cope with. I have found that worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn't want anyone to live like that. And I'm sure you don't want to live like that. Recently I will admit I was feeling like this. My past surfaced once again, and although my Pastor reprimanded the one who brought it up, it sat in my head and I felt as I shouldn't touch anything to do with ministry. I wont give the devil any credit in my temporary depression. I persecuted myself, I didn't need any help from anyone in punishing myself. And in the midst of my punishment I felt like I wasn't worth protecting or standing for any morals. Its easy for someone in this state of mind to fall into other mistakes, because at that point they just stop caring and they just allow whatever to happen and take place. Lucky for me and you, there is the word of God. I took one day to just focus, because I needed help. The mistake was years ago, why was I punishing myself again? When would it end? Then it hit me, and I didn't even have to flip open the pages of the sacred word, because they all popped in my head. I received a mental visual of my past readings. I could see the pages I once read in my mind.
It didn't happen over night, it took some time but then I felt bad for falling into the depression and then my mind took me to Elijah. The bible says that Elijah was a man just like us. One moment he is calling down fire the next he is suicidal in the depths of depression. Faith doesn't exempt us from life's seasons; it enables us to go through them victoriously. Have faith in today's circumstance as God set you up for victory, it's in our weakness that he is exemplified. Now I look back and give thanks as I am humbled and made new. And I pray you will as well. To God be all the Glory! Want to be Holy?  For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. KJV Psalms 103:14 For God knows what we are made of; God is mindful that we are but dust" NIV Psalms 103:14 So where did we get the impression that we need to be perfect or that God expects perfection to turn to him? We are no surprise to God. I grew up in the church and in my teen years departed from the church on bad public terms. Then by the grace of God and no different than the prodigal son, I found myself back at home. I would prefer to exemplify God's mercy during this time of my life, but at times I do look back and remind myself that I too made some very disgraceful decisions. I too fell, victim to the lies but more for the justification of my sins. Looking back I realize how wrong I was and how I purposely avoided God because it made me feel guilty and I didn't like feeling guilty, I wanted what I wanted. And just when I thought I couldn't go any further or get any worse, God stepped in and carried me farther than my imagination could take, and honestly I did not deserve that. I love when Paul writes his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 15) how he tells him that he was "Public Sinner #1", and for that reason God chooses to show him off, it's the megaphone to God's grace on a man who some would say deserved punishment. I love how God makes good of the mess. He puts victims back on their feet, rich in love, and doesn't hold a grudge. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve to be treated. Instead He loves us, redeems us and restores us. We are truly blessed to have a God that still wants us after all the wrong we do. Yet we find it hard to forgive those who messed up. If we are created in his image, should we not reflect his behavior as well? And if we are not reflecting his image, then who are we reflecting? Have we lost sight of who we are, and who we represent? If the measure I took upon others would be measured upon me, would I find it fair? If God had not displayed such grace on Paul how many books of the bible would we read? If God had not restored me where would I be? So if I don't reflect this to others, where would they be? Do I really want them stuck there; because if I leave them there the vicious cycle continues? Something has to change. What things do you need to change? Its only in the moment that we let God into our mess that he makes us holy, but we don't need to be Holy to turn to him to get started. To God be all the glory! "God seldom intervened when people were about to make mistakes. Rather, he allowed them to fail, but stood ready to redeem them" - Richard Blackaby
February 2010- Z.Martinez So what a perfect time to remind everyone what Love is. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Are you complaining about how someone disappointed you? How long is the list of the "keepin score" of how much you give? Or are you keeping score of the "mess ups"? Are you taking some delight inside of how the person who hurt you is now hurting? John 15:12 "Love each other as I have loved you" So let me ask you, how would Jesus handle this? Let's start with his disciples, His closest friends. They proved to be unreliable in his time of need. I recall in my readings that in his most tragic hour Jesus wanted his friends to pray with Him, and they fell asleep. Thomas doubted him, Peter denied him, and Judas betrayed him. Yet he forgave them and loved them anyway. "Having loved his own...he loved them unto the end (John 13:1) Special note: Jesus did not love them because they were worthy of His love, He loved them because his love made them worthy. Isn't love grand! You know what dumbfounds me? That God loves me. That with all my mess ups, my disillusioned mind sets at times, my imperfections, the wickedness I hide inside, he still loves me. I don't have to pretend to be anyone, nor hide my true inner feelings. And don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Have you ever been in a situation where you know what is right, and you do it, but your heart is in rage and demanding revenge? You don't act so, you're proud of yourself but if others could see what's really going on inside, I don't think anyone would stick around, they would be scared of you. But yet God still loves us. Go figure. Therefore before we act in anger, let's remember God's grace. Use His son as an example, who loved those enough to make them worthy. His love makes you worthy. To God be all the Glory! THE NEW YOU January 2010- Z. Martinez Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 I want to share something that helped me. See I know who I am, and I know who my parents are and their parents. I know the struggles that to me at times seem like generational curses. For a good while reflecting on my past brought more pain than good, till I read this story. There was this man who was born in a difficult time. His grandfather was a murderer who sacrificed his own children for rituals, and his dad was a man who had no respect for the house of God, so he ravaged them and made fun of believers. His dad was only twenty four when he was killed, by his own friends. This guy was born in a time where prostitutes sold themselves, not outside, but in the house of worship. And if someone in the community was sick they would call on wizards to cure their diseases with chants. Could you imagine walking in this man's shoes, his grandfather followed black magic and his dad was just no good, and to top it all off the nation was corrupt. The people assumed he would be just like his daddy. But they were wrong. This young man flipped through his family scrap book till he found himself an ancestor worth following and said, "I'm going to be like him". We can't choose our family, but we can choose whom to follow. This is the story of King Josiah who chose to follow King David. Josiah had found the God of David and made Him his God. The world has known many Kings of wisdom, and strength, but this was a King of courage. He defied the odds, broke the trend and reformed a nation. Maybe it was for this very reason God sent him to be born in that difficult time, to such a dysfunctional family. I can't imagine that Josiah grew up feeling overwhelmed with love. How about you? Do think if you grew up in a different home, with a different family things would be different? Do you excuse your own bad habits and rough exterior on those you claim to have "molded you this way". One of God greatest gifts is the gift of free will. I refuse to give the glory to those who try to oppress me, those who tried to destroy me or "mold" me. If they aim to steal your joy, aim to smile in the face of your oppressor. If they aim to steal your value, let them know that you traveled up your family line and found yourself face to face with God. Then remind them that anyone who comes face to face with God can't walk away unchanged. This is a new year, a new beginning, a new change. To God be all the Glory!
December 2009 Are you every mad at God? If anyone answers no, I don't think your being totally honest. The biblical characters Jonah, Job and Jeremiah showed they were. Habakkuk cried out, "how long will I cry out to you, and you do not speak". Ever feel like that? I have two wonderful children who happen to be in the, what I like to call the drama teen years. And when their world "falls apart" as they so eloquently put it, they question my motives, my actions, my words, you name it everything; THEY QUESTION IT ALL. And it frustrates me, because the mess they are currently dealing with was not my doing, yet they blame me like I'm supposed to save them from everything. Then they get angry that I refuse to remove them from the mess. At times I really feel that traveling through the mess, might help them build character. I want them to take what I taught them and put it into practice but they rather run under a rock and let mom deal with it. And one day I hope they will teach that lesson to someone else. I admit there are some things I will do, because I know they can't, not right now. But something's are hard to explain to them. Especially when they are crying because they are dealing with consequences I can't protect them from. Or even worse, when someone else messes up and jumps into our boat like Jonah did to those poor men in the story. If you don't know the story, simply put, Jonah was running from God and got on a boat to travel in the opposite direction of where God sent him. A horrible storm hit and all the men in the boat wondered what they did to deserve this. NOTHING! But Jonah's run, and consequences not only shook him up, but scared every man on that same boat, who did nothing wrong. IT WASN'T FAIR. Our actions affect more than just us. Are you guys catching it? I know some of you may be angry. You're either like a teenager expecting Daddy to fix this because you think it's too much for you (But trust me its not). Or you're like those poor men on the boat suffering from the consequences of another. Would it be fair to blame God? To question His motives, his actions, His words, you name it, EVERYTHING. Here is the real test of courage; it's more than the fights on the battle field or catching a thief in the night. It's in the quiet moments. When you're dealing with the battle within; dealing with the wounds alone, and standing firm when you're misunderstood. Experience is a hard teacher, He gives you the test first then the lesson. However, it's the most valuable and you will never forget it. Keep your head up, in due time you will look back and teach others what you learned from today. Stay encouraged. You may feel like God is not there, and that he is not listening, but I guarantee He is. Read your Bible, you will find that all the people our pastors teach us about, men of faith, woman of wisdom, children of leadership, all had issues, problems and pain to overcome. You my Sister, are another character in the story destined to overcome. I can't wait to hear your story. To God be all the Glory!
November 6,2009 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalms 56:8 KJV You've kept track of my every toss and turn I was watching TV one day and saw one of those specials where they were opening ancient tombs and in one of the tombs, there was a great amount of jars. The archeologist explained that in that time during the time of mourning everyone would cry his or her tears into a bottle. Then they would put the jars in the tomb, so in the event the person would wake, in the afterlife, they would know they were loved. The more jars the more important you are. Then I opened a magazine article of a crime that was solved due to the DNA found in a puddle of tears. There is something important to learn about our tears. Your tears are unique, they carry your signature, and with every tear, it leaves a humble message, “I was here, and my pain was real”. Every time you shed tears, God seizes each one in a bottle. Reflect for a moment and just try to contemplate counting each painful moment that brought tears to your eyes? Now think about the current pain your enduring. Now think about how lonely you feel in this pain, and how no one seems to care. How life around you continues while your life feels at a standstill and you cannot seem to find healing, sympathy or love. Now come back to reality and read Psalm 56:8 aloud. How important are you? Apparently very important, because each tear is accounted for. How loved are you? Apparently very much, because God has a record of every ache. When you see the bottles of your tears lined up against the wall it will seem endless and you will not be able to say, “They can’t all be mine”, because each bottle is sealed with your DNA to make sure there is no confusion. You are important; you are loved! Lord, only you can see the heart of us all. You have been here and continue to be here. You capture every tear and record every heartache your child suffers. I ask that you give us courage in the midst of chaos, memory of your words in the midst of loneliness, love in the moments of persecution, and healing in the midst of brokenness. Help us love one another as a sign of Your great love. For we are never alone. To God be all the glory! Amen
ENOUGH WITH THE PITY PARTY Z.Martinez October 15, 2009 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 It has been one rough month. Have you ever felt like you're doing all this work, and you're doing it for nothing? Your patient and waiting and it doesn't seem like your promise is around the bend. I'm going to be real honest and say if there is something I complain to God about, its timing. HE TAKES FOREVER. At least it feels that way. I have no shame in admitting I'm a little girl who pounds her feet before my Dad asking, "Why does this have to take so long, why can't I have my reward now?"
"Patience is the companion of wisdom" St Augustine
I get out of control at times too. I'm not going to hide the reality and I will own up to my own mistakes. At times I feel like I'm in the wilderness running and hiding from the thoughts I create in my head. No one says anything to me, but I look around me and analyze the world around me negatively. "They don't want me here" "I'm not effective" "Is it always going to be like this?" "God do you hear me?" And "Oh boy the loneliness", COME ON! I felt so incredibly alone this past month and almost drove myself nuts, with my thoughts. I know I'm a mess, but you know what? God loves my mess and miraculously He always has a gift for me in the middle of my mess. This month I realized that the second I gave up hope, the enemy didn't attack me, I attacked me. Then I stopped working and spent time thinking about me, and me, and me and more me. Then I thought about my turn to do me, and then I wondered does "me" deserve anything? I was miserable doing "me". Granted I know they say it's healthy to stop and do you for a while, but I find more joy in taking the focus off me. I went from selfishness to self inflicting pain. I was having a pity party. I'm still working at it to be honest but this gets me through. I assume every problem is God's wrapping to the gift. The bigger the problem the bigger the gift and I'm sure if God wants me here, for some strange reason beyond my comprehension it's because there is a lesson to learn in my losses; humility, for starters. This might be exactly what I need to learn and become something better, to expand and grow. This might be the chiseling to the hard shell I created around my spirit. Who knows? The good news is that we are not alone in this feeling. And we have the ability to put our thoughts in line. Encourage ourselves and pick our attitude. See I can complain, and dig a deeper hole for myself, or I can praise Him and be lifted out of the mess. I don't know why anyone would choose to keep complaining. And when I die to myself and do "God", things fall into place. Its true what the scripture says, seek first the kingdom; everything else falls right in line. Take the focus off me, and I'm not wallowing in self pity. Focus on my brothers and sisters around me and I have a lot to smile about and I feel valued helping them. Enough with the pity party. To God be all the Glory. Why do I seek Love? October 2, 2009 31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' " I had no intent on publishing this but after sharing it with a dear friend I was encouraged to do so. There are times where I find myself feeling like the prodigal’s son’s brother.Here I am loyal, working for my father, and although I mess up (a lot) I’m really working to bring forth my Father's business upon the world. Moreover, when I see my brothers and sisters come home, I do not mind the celebration. Nevertheless, I have to admit, it bothers me that I am still waiting on certain promises and they are receiving theirs now, when they just walked in the door. Sometimes I get upset, and burn a little in jealousy. However, I learned to take the word very seriously and not take offense. Being offended I have seen by experience to be nothing more than a hindering block. In addition, retaliating only causes more friction and spite. Funny thing is that I received this message of the prodigal son twice before I felt this way. God was preparing me because he knew my heart, and he knew that someone new was going to be blessed with what I have been patiently waiting for. I will continue to wait. At first I thought there was something wrong with me but the problem is not with me at all. I have found that God has me reserved and I cannot be given to just anyone, and he is working on my forgiving heart. Accepting the losses with finesse, never retaliating or speaking harshly but returning with nothing but love. God sent us the greatest example; "Instead of demanding that we pay what we cannot, instead of punishing us for not paying what we cannot, the God we see in Jesus Christ accepts the loss himself and opens his arms even to those who would murder him." Isn’t God’s love enough? Do I need to demand more of him after all I put him through? I heard someone say this morning, God’s love can’t be taught it has to be a revelation. Why do I seek love when I have it? Why can’t I recognize a love far deeper than what anyone else can offer. To all of those single people out there, you're not single cause something is wrong with you, your single because God won't give you to just anyone. Wait, cause our reward is far better than our expectations of man. Amen! From here on forth I will study love, and say to myself every time I feel lonely and unloved, "God loves me". I want the revelation. And like my friend did with me, I encourage you to join me. I don’t want to eat this feeling, I want to present it to God and ask for His forgiveness of what I hide in my heart. To God be all the Glory Reputation October
2009 Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ever feel like people just don’t want you to forget your past? They honestly think you need a reminder of what you already carry as shame. It frustrates me when I hear someone talking about another person in church. “hmm… I know where he was last week… and it sure wasn’t Christ like” “That girl ministering; I know her history… I don’t know who she thinks she is trying to help people. ” “That sermon was great but I wonder if that Pastor practices what he preaches” “Behind the pulpit, they are one thing, I want to know what they are like behind the scenes” First of all you don’t need to be behind a pulpit to pull someone out of the pit, but talking like this isn’t going to help anyone. Reputations are hard to break. It seems like people don’t want you to forget who you once were. But I emphasize the word “were”. Every day we are TRAINING to be Christians. The real deal, is a big deal, and it doesn’t come over night. It takes training, not trying, training. We are going to make mistakes, stumble, and come across some shameful moments. That’s why Paul warns those that feel they are walking straight, that they too can fall. The
most fatal thing you can inject into a person is rejecting the hope that they can change. People do change, I see it every
day. God is working miracles every day in people and changing lives. So lets all stop listening to the world around us and
listen to the voice of truth which says, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Yesterday is over, today is a new day to walk in a new light and the God of the infinite universe knows how sincere you are in your change. To God be all the Glory! Knowing who you are September
19,2009 "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent" Acts 13:26 Every morning I tell my kids "remember who you are". There are times where I do not get the opportunity to say it and they respond with, "I know remember who I am". However, recently I said it to someone else and he wrote me a text message saying, "You say that all the time, who am I?" My heart
was saddened by the question. I'm sure there are many more people out there wondering who they are. The truth of the matter
is that until you know why God created you, and what purpose God has for you, you will never experience true joy. How can God's handy work be put into play in a people who do not understand who they are. There are people out there who do not know or understand their worth. I wish I could stand amongst the congregation that Paul and Barnabas spoke to when the Jews
became furious for their preaching the good news to the Gentiles. It says, Maybe we could carry the same appreciation today. If we knew that God held us all in the depths of his heart. If we knew that the desires within us were created by his hands, so we could be a people of progress and success. If we knew that no matter the mistakes, "God always gives us the grace we need" 1Peter 5:10. That for every tempted window He provides an escape. That we were created to have victory to bring Him Glory. That through Him all things are possible. That He is our provider, and our peace. That we have a chance and a choice for salvation. That the promise of love is within our grasp. That the God of the infinite universe is giving us the liberty to choose him. If we only knew. Then we would remember who we are; then we would be able to move without doubt. Remember who you are! To God be all the Glory
IN THE BELLY OF A BIG FISH September
2,2009 I hope that when you look at the title your mind finds itself traveling through the story of Jonah. As a child, I heard
the story a million times and as an adult I’m grasping the moral of the story.Jonah
was called and deliberately turned his back on his calling. He was a reluctant prophet who bought himself a ticket on the
next boat out of town, despite the mission that he was given in Ninevah. While he was on the boat a great
storm hit, scaring every man on the boat forcing them to call on their specific gods for help. Jonah hid in the bottom of
the boat while the others cried for help. Later as the story goes, he confesses that he is the one responsible for the storm
and the only option was to throw him overboard. The men on the boat didn’t want to be responsible for his death but
they did just as God wanted and threw him over while asking for forgiveness. Then God provided a big fish to come and swallow
Jonah whole, and for three days and three nights, Jonah lived in the belly of a huge fish.Do
you often feel like this? Do you feel that your current storm is the result of your disobedience? Do you feel
like you are living in the belly of a big fish, confined, a prisoner of your mistakes, a consequence of the wrong path that
you chose to take?God comes to all of us in a unique way and we don’t always want
to do what God ask of us. Sometimes our reluctance to obey God is out of fear, or selfishness. However,
in this story we learn that God is merciful, which means he will call on us again and again, until we do what he asks of us.
He is not going to give up on us; it is not in his character to do so. Nevertheless, at no point is he going to abandon us,
even if we try running from him. The fish was in a very odd way (at least in my mind) divine protection,
though it was uncomfortable it really was a sign of God’s mercy. What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger,
as the saying goes. As long as you are still alive and ready to come back again, God will give you another chance.In the belly, Jonah cried out to God, and God heard his cry. No matter the situation
or how bad it may be, or where we are, we too can cry out for God’s mercy. From the belly of a whale that found rest
in the depths of the ocean our cry can reach heaven.God heard Jonah and gave him another
chance, and when Jonah fulfilled his promise, Ninevah was spared after years of living evil lives. The story teaches us that
no matter how far we have gone, how badly we mess up, how too late it must seem, as long as we declare our love for the Lord,
it won’t be too late with God. He is calling on you. To God be all the Glory! Love has a Name! August 19, 2009 Weekly Encouragement I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 I read a story recently of a man who sent a post card to his wife. The post card was of two people embracing with a promise written on the back, "I will write again". Although the story may seem common to the ear, the surprise is that the post card was once lost and discovered and delivered 82 years later with a one-cent stamp. The Postmaster believed that it would be a good keepsake for the family, however sadly not one member in the family lives today. 82 years later this man's love whispers beyond the grave, letting all who know the love story he shared with his wife. Paul writes in Corinthians that when the dust settles what remains is faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:8,13 We all wither away and come to our ends, but love screams beyond grave; a legacy never forgotten. So is the word of God. Thousands of years, under attack but still speaking. The problem lies within ourselves as when chaos hits we close our eyes, cover our ears, and silence our hearts until they are cold. One can complain of all the atrocities that surround us, but what do you do when the evil is within your own heart? The heart can not exalt what the mind rejects and when chaos finds its way tramping our hearts, the first thing our mind does is rejects. "No" "this can't be happening" So much has happened within the past few days. Chaos, disappointment, heartache, betrayal and as the dust settles I am looking and wondering where is God. I know I am not alone in the sentiment. This is why I write, so as you read you know you are not alone. The voice of one can shed light onto what another feels is darkness. In Song of Songs Solomon states, "For love is as strong as death". Song of Solomon 8:6 There was a play written some time ago of Lazarus who laughs. The story was of a man who threatens to kill Lazarus and Lazarus responds with laughter upsetting the man who threatens him. Eventually the man is fed up and says to Lazarus if he laughs one more time, he is going to kill him. Again, Lazarus cracks up hysterically in his persecutors face and responds with, "haven't you heard death is dead". See Lazarus knew death; he was there and was resurrected by the hand that is the very essence of love. I guess you cannot scare a man who knows first hand what death is. Or should I say what LOVE is? We have all heard sin brings forth death, but note Lazarus was dead. As a matter of fact his body had already begun to decompose. The air carried the stench of death, there was no doubt, and he was indeed dead. But Love came along and changed that. No matter the circumstance or the consequence or the reality of what one will live. The point is "one will live". No matter the error that brought forth death in the spiritual sense, LOVE can and will resurrect. Love does conquer, love is strong, love resurrects from the dead. Love speaks beyond our lifetime; it was there in the beginning and will be there beyond our physical years. LOVE has a name, its Jesus Christ. Don't give up hope, as you read this, know that he is speaking to you directly and ready to touch you with healing hands. Right now will pass, shut the rage and open your heart for the promise of tomorrow. Take a knee, and cry out to the Lord who hears. LOVE. To God be all the Glory.
July 24, 2009 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" - Matthew 24:36 My son is a bit of a thrill seeker so when we have our movie nights he picks the movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat, hoping the characters on the screen will escape their death. Last night was one of those nights where he selected the movie and we sat together, just the two of us, and we watched the movie the, "Knowing". If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. Although the director tried to give it an alien like feel, you can tell who ever wrote the story was trying to send a very strong Christian message. After every movie I sit in silence thinking of how I am going to have a conversation with my children of what we saw and what is there to learn, however the phone rang. It was his dad in Florida. My son did not hesitate to ask him, where he was in his faith, and then said, "Dad if the world ended tomorrow I know I'm going to be ok, because I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. But if Christ came tomorrow I don't want to know I'm leaving my dad behind". Let me tell you- I was a mess of tears ease dropping on his conversation with his dad. He spent the next twenty minutes preaching to his father. Today, reflecting on what I learned last night, I wondered. I want your imagination to take a stroll with me. If you knew of the next natural disaster, the date, the time, down to the second. What would you do in your last days? What would you change about you? I can tell you my concern. It is easy to talk about Christ to believers, but now I think of the many people I have passed on the street, where unconsciously I do not make eye contact or smile; "men will take it as an open invitation" (this is what I was taught in NY). I think of the girl who serves me my coffee at my local coffee shop. I think of the person who works across the street from my house who watches me and my children get in the car every morning, and I do not even know his name. I think of ill patients in my neighborhood hospital who get no visitors. I think of the little boy who rides his skateboard in my driveway that I never invited to our youth groups at the church. I think of those who do not have the benefit of knowing such an amazing God. In addition, I think of the many gifts God has given me, and wonder have I put them all to work for God's glory? Maybe someone in Hollywood "knows" and is trying to send us all a message. Should we be ready and prepared today? Absolutely, because no one knows what tomorrow brings. Maybe you need to ask yourself the question, are you ready? Are you ready to stand before God and give account to how you used His gifts to you, for His Glory? Have you prepared your home and family? Is it time for change? Let today be the day. Why wait? To God be all the Glory!
Forgive So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! Have
you ever stopped to listen to the divine message in the mess? Now think of other times where you knew you did wrong. Think of the times where somewhere somehow, not intentionally, yet you hurt someone. Think of the times where you begged for forgiveness, when your eyes opened to the fact that this was your fault. Think about the guilt because sometimes it helps to put things in perspective. This is why Paul writes, "So if you think your standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" with an explanation point. Because we all fall short, we are all vulnerable. We will all have been there or will be there and in the same measurement, you forgive others, you will be forgiven. "For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:14-15 Everyone wants forgiveness but when you are victim, the grudge wars begin. Not only spiritually but physically you do damage to no one but yourself. Remember we live in a world with imperfect people and that imperfection travels into the church so do not hold God accountable for man's mistakes. The church was perfect until we walked in it. We create the mess; God is kind enough to let us pay the consequences. It teaches us, if there were none to pay, we would repeat the mistakes. We all have more in common than what differentiates us. So let it go, and forgive. When you forgive someone, you set yourself free from bitter resentment. The only one loosing sleep over it is you. So whether they want it or not, forgive them. In addition, keep in mind that your freely given forgiveness will return to you from whom it really counts, God. In addition, don't overlook to forgive yourself. To God be all the Glory! Mistakes Weekly Encouragement June 22, 2009
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-33 "Just when I think I am getting it together, my past comes to haunt me. I know I did wrong and I'm paying my consequences but why do people want to remind me of who I once was?" I totally understood where she was coming from when she spoke those words. There are some people out there that they stay quiet for a long time, but in reality their keeping your garbage in their back pocket so they can smack you with it later. Is it right or wrong, I'm really not sure. What I do know is that when things are going right a prideful spirit grows and if you're not well balanced you might need that smack to humble you. Other times it might raise a red flag that there is hidden animosity that needs to be addressed. It might bring forth an opportunity for restoration. This is why they say, "Praise him in the storms". Remember when Peter was with Jesus and Jesus said that the enemy wants to sift Peter, and Jesus said he prayed for him. Peter was humiliated when he heard the third crow of the rooster. I think, it was a royal set up. Because the part that stands out the most to me is "And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" In the message bible it says, "When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start". Peter even replies with a proud heart to the man who knows all, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death" Luke 21:33. That's a lot of us, thinking we are going to hold strong and never slip, never make any mistakes because we are Christians. But we all fall short of the glory; the blessing is that God genuinely smiles on your genuine heart in keeping up the good fight. Don't beat yourself up over your mistakes. Peter denied Christ publicly in front of his enemies and when he turned around he cried like a baby, and then found the strength in humility and was an example for millions who have all read his story. Our mistakes are embarrassing, but they help others have "Hope", when they know their not alone, and that you can "turn" this situation around. Something beautiful is always being born in the midst of the storm. Notice Jesus called him Simon, his old name because Simon was still listening to Simon. The breaking of his pride is what brought forth the molding of the rock, Peter. I'm sure it was hard for Peter to forget, but what I remember most is that Jesus knew the outcome and used him regardless, and loved him regardless. And in his resurrection the Angel named him specifically. That's God's message to you, he is calling you specifically by name regardless of your past mistakes and His promise still pertains to you. So praise him in this storm. To God be all the Glory! First vs. Last Weekly Encouragement June 15,2009 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5 This past Sunday during the children's Sunday school lesson we studied the attitudes of Christ. Then we learned that when you put these attitudes into practice they bring forth blessings. The word that stood out the most was meek. All the kids raised their hands with the same question, "What's meek?" When the class was over the word meek resounded in my head. Then this morning I hear someone on the radio say, "Meekness is strength under control, its not weakness." It's in those moments when you know you hold the upper hand and can give your opposing challenger the verbal lashing of a lifetime, yet you walk away from it. It's the opportunity you may get to get even, and you choose otherwise. Now you know that's hard to do. Have you ever had the desire to put someone in their place? Like enough is enough. You just can't take it anymore and you have to tell this person off. Meekness is not being a coward; it's a calm temper of mind that is not easily provoked. The example that comes to mind is David in the desert running and hiding from King Saul. David had the opportunity in his hands to get even with Saul and end it all, but he showed meekness and prostrated himself on the ground before the King Saul. How many of you feel like your running in the desert right now? How many of you feel like you're pressed up against a wall of a cave hiding, trying to find peace. If this is you, the desert isn't a curse it's a way to the promise. The desert and the cave is your refuge. Feel blessed if this is you, because what you thought to be the thing that would destroy you is the very thing God is using to protect you. Although someone is chasing you, God says he will not deliver you to the hands of your enemy. The desert you may feel like you're in, is the refuge God is using to protect you. And the desert has so much to teach, one being humility. However there is one thing you must keep in mind, David was successful because he consulted with God and waited on God to give him guidance and in a moment where he could have sought revenge he demonstrated a Christ like attitude. Right now, might seem too much and taking too long however keep this in mind: "The Lord is not slow in
keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone
to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
Weekly Encouragement May 27, 2009 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV Real issues, real people: This morning I heard random interviews on the radio, which all had the same resounding message, "I'm disappointed in me".
The problem with society today is that we remember what we should forget and forget what we should remember. Everyone is looking to change, if not no one would be joining gyms, buying self help books and listening to inspirational messages, something to boost their spiritual life and get them through the day. God is not interested in your spiritual life; he is interested in your life. Don't you get it, your God's workmanship! He knows what you can and can not do and from the beginning he set you up for victory. I can speak from experience that every moment I woke up with a feeling of disappointment in myself, I felt my knees buckle. But the beauty of that is that it brought me to my knees before the presence of God. If there is a disappointment you're dealing with I invite you to just cave. Don't fight what the world calls a good fight and try to stand proud letting no one know your issue. Cave, and let God be God. It's in these moments where our once steel coated hearts are broken, contrite and now moldable. This bump, this obstacle, this tragedy this current disappointment that life has thrown at you, take it as an opportunity to change. Be transformed, morph into the butterfly that this horrible cocoon has put you in. I know the situation your currently dealing with no one can understand but the one, who created you, knows you can conquer it, with Him. Not alone, with Him. He makes sense of who you are. Turn this disappointment into a divine appointment. To God be all the Glory! Who's glory do you love? Weekly Encouragement May
11, 2009 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory of God. James 12:42-43 During the 2009 Miss USA pageant, Carrie Prejean was asked by pageant judge, whether she believed every U.S. state should legalize same-sex marriage.She responded, "Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. You know what, in my country, in my family, I do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and I believe that it should be between a man and a woman." I didn't watch the pageant, but I did hear all the ridiculing remarks on Prejean, so I decided to look it up myself. There were hundreds of blog sites demonstrating hatred for Carrie's stance. I was at the computer over an hour watching the various interviews that followed the event where Carrie Prejean, publicly on national television declared her faith in a Sovereign God. Before millions of people she decided to not be "politically correct" and not conform, even at the cost of the crown. I personally don't care what Carrie Prejean did before this event or what pictures may have surfaced to tarnish her image. I care about the moment that she seized to influence a nation of believers not be afraid to say who they are, and who they praise. In one interview she said she felt that God was testing her character, and I'm really proud of the decision she made to take hold of integrity and answer such a controversial question honestly. . CS Lewis once said, "If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumble." God has the Glory either way. Several interviews later proclaiming faith, millions of people inspired by the host whom have interviewed Prejean sharing the same faith, and a vote to let her keep the Miss California title it's a win. In a moment she made a choice and she preferred God's glory over her own. As a side note, don't put your faith in man; put your faith in God. We all fall short of the glory. Today some seem holier than thou, and then the next day they are in the tabloids for their sins. That should not cause our faith to stumble in a Sovereign God. Stay encouraged. Learn to filter out the bad and keep the light, and then share the light with those around you. And don't loose the hope in our brothers and sisters who have fallen, God is working with them. The enemy has but a moment in the spot light, but you can't hit a child of God and not feel God's wrath. They will be back, more humble and contrite and stronger than ever, so keep praying for them. Don't be afraid, don't love human glories more than God's glory; it will leave you with
a God size void. To God be all the Glory! You
have made us for you Weekly Encouragement May 4, 2009 "Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar" Psalm 138:6 We all yearn for something. Daily I listen to life goals spewed off the lips of young and old. School, health, career, relationships, task or chores, understanding, and much more; daily we wake up with a new goal. Some face disappointment in failing, however others meet the goal and yet are never satisfied. Once there, another goal has surfaced and our hearts never satisfied. Then I thought of those before us. The Israelites were free yet yearned to be slaves. A politician works to one day to be a judge, yet once seated in the seat misses the days of the thrill of the fight. The higher up we go, we still find reasons to look back and miss something we have been freed from. We are not content now, and we won't be content when we meet our goals, yet we all desire the "pursuit of happiness", our constitutional right. The same concept is found within the church. You find yourself in leadership, goals are met, things are happening, you look around and see the fruit of God's work in your children and family yet you still feel hollow. These are the words of St Augustine: "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Life is full of disappointments and I thank God for them. I have learned that true leadership is within the hands of servant hood. I have learned that true servant hood is within brokenness. And I understand St Augustine's quote because God didn't create workers, he created His children. The disappointment is a huge blinking traffic sign that we are moving in the wrong direction. The disappointment is a huge legal U-turn sign because all the work in the world will not satisfy a restless heart. And the world imposes its view in your philosophy and doctrine with; it's your right to be happy. How is it that the rich and famous are committing suicide? How is it that the brand new house with the latest of furnishings doesn't fulfill your emptiness? Because somewhere in the pursuit you either unknowingly or knowingly turned your back on God, yet you thought you were in the "RIGHT". Now to turn around and face the Creator you turned your back on in your lost pursuit of happiness, requires admitting your wrong. It requires feeling convicted. It requires swallowing your pride. It requires your hardened heart to be broken. It requires the façade of "I got it together" to admit you need help. It requires humility and that's not something this world teaches. However, its there; on your knees, in brokenness, in full confession of your wrongs swallowing your pride, before the almighty God, there on your knees humble and contrite you find rest. And I find that this is not a one time event. I find that through the life of the Christian you will find pieces of your life broken in intervals. I thank God for his mercy and patience as I know I can't handle it all in one shot. Goals are good, but its better when you have God with you. Therefore if you are restless or when you become restless I pray the voice of truth projects like a bull horn, to remind you of the words of wisdom that St Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." To God be all the Glory!
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Ladies you may not want to hear this, but men are the head of the households. And who better to attack to ruin the entire
family and perception of God? So tell me why do we join the enemy in bashing the men? 
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