Happy New Year!

Take this time to reflect on what the Lord has done for you this year and throughout your life.  For those who have been afflicted by tragic circumstances know this, THE LORD LOVES YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.  He knows your pain, He knows what you need and He will never forget you.

Open your heart to allow his grace to flow in your life.  There is nothing the LORD cannot do for us all.  This new year make a commitment to become closer with Him make it a priority to know him better.  Remove all the distractions out of your life and attract your mind to all the positive things the LORD as to offer you.  You will not regret it.  God Loves you so much that He is willing to take you just as YOU ARE.  He does not care what YOU HAVE DONE in the past, present or going to do in the future.  He just wants you to COME TO HIM.  He will make things all BRAND NEW FOR YOU.

Come and see how beautiful the Hand of the LORD is.  Just come and embrace His love this NEW YEAR!

Psalms 115:13  All who worship the  Lord, no matter who they are, will receive his blessing.

+EWSF

Feel discouraged there’s always hope in the Word

Jesus said in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth.  21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

In John 15:5 he said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.”

There are times in our lives when we feel discouragement about a particular situation, however, we should be reminded that Jesus loves us no matter how bad the situation may seem.  We can be comforted that Jesus has not abandoned us because he has given us the Holy Spirit, who lives in us forever.  Our duty is to continue to seek and love the Lord, so He can continue to reveal himself to us. 

Sometimes discouragement can mean that we need to examine ourselves to identify those things that are hindering our walk with the Lord.  Many times we think that God does not hear or want to bless us, but at times we are the ones who block him from doing that very thing, because we drift away from his path.  

Remember that Jesus said, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit,” therefore, if there is a disconnection between you and the Lord there definitely will be some discouragement down the line.  Our expectations will be shattered, however, the wonderful thing is that Jesus has an unconditional forgiving heart.  He will always receive us with open arms.

+EWSF

God plans your path

Ever experienced a situation where you know there is great purpose for what you are doing for the LORD, but it did not or is not working out the way you thought it would?

Let’s take a look at God’s plan for Paul in Philippi, Macedonia.

Acts 16:6-10

Paul and his friends had great plans to preach the gospel in Asia and other surrounding regions, however, they found that the Holy Spirit intervened with their plans.  The word says that the Holy Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to preach or enter these places.  One evening, Paul had a dream of a man, from Macedonia, standing and begging him to help them.  Paul immediately responded to God’s message and began looking for ways to get to Macedonia.

Reflection:

There are times when we find ourselves doing good deeds for the Lord, and subsequently realize that it is not the purpose God had intended for us.  Even though our hearts and minds are in the right place, it does not not mean it is God’s purpose for our lives at that point in time.  We have to remember that God is the commander of our paths.  He tells us where to go and what to do to bring him glory.  Proverbs 16:9 says, The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.  When God calls you to perform a task for him, immediately respond and do as he says.  Paul, our great exemplar, did not question God’s instruction, but proceeded to do as his Lord commanded. 

When we find ourselves doing things for the Lord, and we find that it is not going well take a moment and question it with the Lord.  Sometimes, when we find ourselves stuck not producing much fruit it might mean that the Lord has other plans for us in that particular season of our lives.  Don’t give up doing the Lord’s work, but pray about it.  God’s plans for you are to prosper not to fail.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know that plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Paul was so proud of the Philippi church for being so faithful to God.  Just imagine what would have been of the Philippians had Paul not responded to God’s vision? 

Our minds need to be clear when we come in the presence of God.  Amen!

+EWSF

Love the LORD for He is the reason for your JOY!

As CHRISTmas approaches, remember that the LORD GOD Almighty had a very special gift planned for you even before you ever existed.  Rejoice that your love for God is based on what Christ did for you on the cross, there are no penalties attached to it.  Feel honored that God has chosen you to be with Him for eternity.  Therefore, love one another, do the work of LORD just as He commanded, believe that no matter what you go through God is your shield, your Prince of Peace, your Redeemer, your knight and amour, your wings, your breathe, your LIFE.

                                    JESUS is the reason to be joyful.  

                                         Your Redeemer Lives.

This Christmas let’s find someone that has been through difficult times, and share the LOVE of Christ with them.  Whether it’s through an act of kindness or doing something special for them.  You don’t have to go out of your way, but through your love and kindness allow the love of Christ to flow out of you right through their hearts. AMEN!

My heart is full of joy this morning, because there is nothing that can separate me from the LOVE of God.  Jesus is my security, He is my fortress, my savior, and my all in all.

Psalm 136

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords.  His love endures forever.

To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.

Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever.

Rejoice fellow Christians, there is nothing that can keep us for the best LOVE of ALL.  Rejoice for a child is born. 

Your problems cannot keep you from God loving you, so get up out of those emotions and Praise your living GOD. 

John 4:10 Jesus answered the Samaritan woman, “if you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

We have the living water…Jesus is our living water…water that overflows continuously throughout our lives.  Jesus gives it freely.  Praise God! 

+EWSF

A new nation is born while God watches it all

Look around you, don’t you notice how our nation’s culture is changing to be govern by our heart's desires rather than by the laws of God.  We are living in dangerous times, because a nation built without God is proclaiming that we don’t need him to govern our lives to survive.  However, it is just the opposite, we are in great need of God’s blessings.  As you can see, we are experiencing and witnessing things we never thought we would see in America.  I won’t go into the details since we hear about it in the news every single day.

As I briefly studied the former presidents of the United States, I found that this nation was built upon the laws of God.  That’s not the case today.  Today the laws are created and governed by the desires of the people.  In my opinion, the United States was once a blessed nation, blessed by God, but I think we are now experiencing the consequences of removing God from our schools, government, hearts, lives, and nation. 

Zechariah 1:1-6 A call to return to the LORD

The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, “The Lord was very angry with your forefathers.  Therefore tell them people:  This is what the Lord Almighty says: Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty.  Do not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed:  This is what the Lord Almighty says, Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.  But they would not listen or pay attention to me.  Declares the Lord.  Where are your forefathers now?  And the prophets, do they live forever. But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your forefathers. Then they repented and said, the Lord almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.”

These Christian quotes of the founding fathers will give you an overview of their strong moral and spiritual convictions which helped form the foundations of our nation and our government.

George Washington
1st U.S. President

"While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." 
_{--The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.}

John Adams
2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

"Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be." 
_{--Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.}

Thomas Jefferson
3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event." 
_{--Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.}

"I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ." 
_{--The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.}

Benjamin Franklin
Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Unites States Constitution

"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.

"That the most acceptable service we render to him is in doing good to his other children. That the soul of man is immortal, and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental points in all sound religion, and I regard them as you do in whatever sect I meet with them.

"As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see;

"But I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequence, as probably it has, of making his doctrines more respected and more observed; especially as I do not perceive, that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of the world with any peculiar marks of his displeasure." 
_{--Benjamin Franklin wrote this in a letter to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University on March 9, 1790.}

What happened to this powerful nation, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”?  Oh! I know, somewhere down the line we wanted to become like GOD!

Let's thank God for his MERCY and GRACE!  AMEN

+EWSF

To live is Christ

What a great example we have with Paul, the apostle.  A man who ones persecuted the church of Christ, a terrorist in my opinion, renounced it all for Christ.  He lived for Christ, and measured all his accomplishments through Christ.  He exhorted a passion, love and humility for the gospel.  When you read his letters, you can sense the love and compassion he had to labor for Christ.  His focus was not on his condition, suffering or misfortunes, no, not at all, he cared about sharing the love of Christ with others.  

The more I read about him the more I want to do the same.  As we all know it is not easy sharing the gospel with others, especially with our love ones or close relatives, we need to continue expressing or sharing the gospel if not through words, but through our daily lives.  This means we need to adjust our lives to honor our Lord.  

Paul states in the book of Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”

    

To live is Christ: For us, to live is Christ, therefore, have awareness that throughout our lives we are projecting and laboring for Christ, and not to please ourselves.  It is a commandment from our Lord that we are to do so.  Mark 16:15-16 Jesus said, before ascending to heaven, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

 

Do you agree that to live is Christ?  Does your life project this?

To die is gain: We should be comforted that when we depart from this earth our spirits will be present with the Lord until his return when we will be reunited with our glorious bodies. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  Amen!  

So, knowing all this, we are to continue doing the Lord’s work and pressing on through those difficult times, because we know that at the end of our journey we have Christ on our side.  Either way, alive or dead, we are Victorious through Christ.  

WE ARE ALIVE BECAUSE OF CHRIST.  We will never die….What an awesome statement.  We will live with Christ FOREVER…AND EVER.

Think about your situation, and know that to live is Christ and to die is to be with Christ.  You will never lose with Christ.  Amen!

+EWSF

The Word of God is Alive in YOU

Sin had us enslaved by its wickedness. Prior to the flood, there was tremendous wickedness in the world, so much, that it grieved God to have created us, because of the evilness in our hearts.  Even though we had failed God with our short comings, he still continued with his planned of salvation with Noah.  He knew that one day there would be many people following his son, Jesus Christ.  He knew that you and I were going to stand strong on his Word.  Praise God!

Be of good cheer, my friends, because sin no longer has control over our lives.  Yes, we struggle with certain behaviors, but sin should not be part of us anymore, the Spirit shall be the ruler of our lives.  God sent his son to remove us from the presence of sin, his wrath, and to give us eternal life. 

SIN

John said in 1 John 1:5-10, Jesus told us God is light and doesn’t have any darkness in him.  Now, we are telling you, if we say we share in life in God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.  But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other.  And the blood of his son Jesus washes all our sins away.  If we say we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth isn’t in our hearts.   But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.  If we say we have not sinned, we make a God a liar, and his message isn’t in our hearts.

Reflection:

We are imperfect, but we fool ourselves if we think we can live a life with God and continue living a carnal life as well.  No, remove yourselves from unrighteousness, and the Lord will help you live a life of righteousness through Jesus Christ. 

1 John 5:19 says, “We are certain we come from God and the rest of the world is under the power of the devil.  We know that Jesus Christ the Son of God has come and has shown us the true God.”  AMEN!

WRATH

Revelation 16:15 John said, remember Christ says, “When I come it will surprise you like a thief! But God will bless you, if you are awake and ready.”

Reflection:

If the Lord were to come tomorrow, will your hearts be ready?  Will your life be pleasing to him?  What would he say to you according to your deeds? 

Eternal Life

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 says, “We believe Jesus died and was raised to life.  We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died.  Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died.  With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven.  Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life.  Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky.  From that time on, we will all be with the Lord forever.  Encourage each other with these words.”

Reflection:

Eternal life is guaranteed no matter if we die before or are alive when the Lord comes.  Life in Christ is eternal there is no doubt in him.  We will live with our LORD All Powerful one day.  

Life is not great right now, but look towards the heaven, encourage yourselves with the words the Lord has written for us.  Rejoice because one day this will all be over. 

Amazing to think that one day we will be living with God in a PERFECT WORLD.  Awesome!  Thank you Jesus.

+EWSF

What matters to the LORD is YOU, nothing else!

We all want to please God by doing good deeds, as I found myself doing.  However, in the process, I became overwhelmed in trying to accomplish them.  It pulled me away from spending quality time with God and meditating in His word, which is essential to our Christian walk.   

Jesus is our great example, He was constantly in the presence of God praying for strength and guidance.  We have to be careful not to fall into a routine in doing things and losing its purpose.  In everything we do, it should all be meaningful and part of God's plan for our lives.  We should not do things just to please God, but there needs to be a purpose in it to bring glory to Him.  I desire for my work to be counted as good in the eyes of the Lord.

From this point forward, I have put a stop to everything, and have placed all my focus on Him, because it is through Him that my work will be counted as good deeds.  He wants to nurture His children to help them get stronger and wiser.  Yes, God wants us to bear good fruit, however, not at His expense. 

In Psalms 119:1-8 the psalmist clearly demonstrates how we are to live a life that pleases God:

 119 Those whose way is blameless—
    who walk in the Lord’s Instruction—are truly happy!
² Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy!
    They seek God with all their hearts.
³ They don’t even do anything wrong!
    They walk in God’s ways.
⁴ God, you have ordered that your decrees
    should be kept most carefully.
⁵ How I wish my ways were strong
    when it comes to keeping your statutes!
⁶ Then I wouldn’t be ashamed
    when I examine all your commandments.
⁷ I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right
    as I learn your righteous rules.
⁸ I will keep your statutes.
    Please don’t leave me all alone!

This is exactly how I felt- ALONE.  I was too busy to realize that God’s purpose in my life was not to run around trying to make things work for Him, no, not at all.

Are your good deeds part of God’s purpose in your life?  Do you even know what God’s plan is for your life?  If you don’t ask Him, He has one for all His children.

+EWSF

Reflect when praying

Our Father, Who art in heaven: Acknowledge the Lord your God with all your mind, soul and spirit.

Hallowed be Thy Name: Holy is His name, Worship and Praise the living God.  Reverence the Lord

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven:  Ask God to have His Kingdom and Will come upon your life on earth, as He would have in Heaven.

   

Give us this day our daily bread:  The Lord provides all of our needs, He is our GREAT PROVIDER.  His blessings and responses are never too late. His answers come at the opportune time.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us: Forgive our sins as we promise to forgive those who hurt us.  Ask the Lord to provide you with strength and compassion for others.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Temptation can mean two things: 

1) ask God not to allow us to do evil, follow evil or fall into evil traps.  Recall that in James 1:13 it says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."

2) At times, God may allow certain trials in our lives for His purpose, but remember that in 1 Corinthians 10:13 it also says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.   And the people of God say Amen.  Praise God!

+EWSF

Make peace with that person or situation

I have been there not wanting to forgive because of the pain that person caused me.  Yes, I wanted to repay back to make the person feel the pain I was feeling.  I could not understand why things had to turn out this way if I did everything to be a good friend to this person. 

One day, I received a call that my dad was very ill suffering from chronic ulcers.  He was rapidly losing blood, and things were not looking good for him because the doctors could not locate the ulcer to stop the bleeding.  Well, to make a long story short, I knew I had to ask God for help since his condition was rapidly deteriorating.  Ironically, the previous Sunday, my pastor had preached about James 5:16, “Confess your faults one to another, that you may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  He expounded on how people don't get healed or missed their blessings, because they have refuse to forgive, in other words, they have an unforgiving heart. 

The next morning, as I was praying for God to heal my dad, I quickly remember these verses and realized that the Lord wanted me to forgive the person who had hurt me, before He performed His healing on my dad.  So, I decided that I was going to make the call at 8:00 am that morning, it was only 5:00 am when I started to pray and worship the Lord for strength.  At this point my body was trembling, my thoughts were all over the place, I kept getting negative thoughts on all the reasons why I should not forgive, but my heart wanted to be obedient to the Lord, and ultimately, I knew deep inside that my father’s healing would only come after I forgave. 

After, three hours of prayer and mediation on the word, I made the call, and forgave.  It was difficult, but I did it.  Subsequently, the enemy began planting more negative thoughts on how stupid I was for letting this person get away with what they did.  I almost felt for the enemy’s schemes, but decided not to listen and call my pastor for prayer, who told me not to focus on that, and be at ease because the Lord is happy with me, and due to obedience I will reap a great harvest.  Today, I can say that he was correct.  My dad immediately felt better and was released from the hospital that same week.  Many other blessings came upon my life but I will talk about that another time.

My relationship with this person is going well.  It is true that you do not forget what happened, but I can tell you for sure that God healed me emotionally.  The pain and hurt is completely gone.  I am done with it.  God is good isn’t He.   

Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, “So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.”

You have two choices you either live a life with freedom and love or a life with torment and misery.  God wants you to be free…free to love at all costs because He loves you.

+EWSF

All God’s promises are a Yes

Whatever you are going through count it for good.  James 1-2 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."   I am full of joy to say that God has provided all my necessities.  God has shown me that by focusing on Him, and not on my problems, I have allowed Him to work His will in my life.  Yes, today I have a joyful heart, and I want to let you know that you can also experience this if you give God a chance to work it out for you.

When we wait upon the Lord to act upon our circumstances everything just works out perfectly.  Psalm 62:5 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.”  I use to be one of those people who impulsively reacted to every situation and problem that arose in my life, thinking that I had the perfect solution for it.  The Lord has shown me that the reason why things never worked out was because I was impatient and did not fully trust Him.  Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  

However, this year has been a year of growth, a year of bearing good fruit, a year of sharing His love with others, a year of wanting to do His will.  This year has been about the LORD, I am finally reaping good fruit in my life, because I have been faithful in trust my LORD.  I have found my way in God through His son JESUS CHRIST who strengthens me.  I can testify today that there is nothing but good PROMISES to those you seek the LORD diligently.  I am in a place where I am allowing God to steer my life. 

God is awesome!  His kindness is so nurturing!  Thank You God for being so patient with me, thank you for not giving up on me, thank you for showing me your ways and revealing your plans to me.  Thank you God!  I am gracious to have been chosen by you my LORD.  Release your life to the LORD; His word says that all HIS PROMISES ARE A YES TO ALL HIS CHILDREN.  AMEN! AMEN!

We don’t have to experience death to experience HEAVEN on earth, no, we don’t.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:10, "Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  This prayer indicates that the Kingdom of Heaven is wherever and whenever God’s will is done.  Jesus wants his Kingdom to come on earth.  This happens when we are being obedient to Him.  2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the PROMISES of God in Him are Yes, and in Him AMEN, to the glory of God through us. 

He will make a way for you!

+EWSF

The Lord gives great power to His Children

Exodus 4:1 Moses asked the Lord, “Suppose everyone refuses to listen to my message, and no one believes that you really appeared to me?”  

How many times do we doubt the message, vision, or the call that God has given us?  Do you know that when God asks something of us He is in the midst of it?  The Lord will never ask anything of us and leave us to do it on our own strength. 

At times, we tend to diminish God’s plan for our lives because of fear, failure, disappointment, or discouragement.  We fail to understand that God knows that we are weak, and can’t do anything without HIM.  When God asked Moses to go the leaders of Israel to tell them that He appeared to him with a message for them, Moses immediately focused on his imperfections, and discredited himself to do the things God had asked him to do.  You see, we quickly dismiss ourselves to be used by God, because we rely on our own strength to perform God’s work.  You are absolutely correct to feel this way had God asked us to do it in our own strength; however, this is not how God operates.  God will never ask us to do something without His intervention.  In John 15:15 Jesus says, I am the vine, and you are the branches.  If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit.  But you cannot do anything without me.

The focus should be on God, HE will make all things work accordingly to His plan.  We are to be obedient to His word and continue pursuing that what He has called us to do.  God performs His miracles in us when we are obedient while faithful that He will bring us through it.  Paul confirms in Romans 4:3 that Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.  To have faith in God is telling Him you are ready to receive His miracle.  

The next time God gives you a task, a vision, or a message don’t down play it, but receive it, and have faith that anything He tells you He will be right there in the midst of it performing the miracle in you.  Just by God reaching out to you is a miracle in itself.  He believes in YOU, and so should YOU.  Genesis 1:26 says, then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”  And Jesus said in John 14-24, 

“I tell you the truth.  The person that believes in me will do the same things I have done.  Yes! He will do even greater things than I have done. Why? Because I am going to the Father.  And if you ask anything in my name, I will do it for you.  Then the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son.  If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.”

Finally, Paul says in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”  My advice to you is to stop standing between YOU and GOD.  AMEN! 

+EWSF

God holds no grudge

I am going to assume that most of us have been involved in a situation or relationship that had taken us away from what is important in our lives, like not focusing in our careers, family, personal life, or anything that gets us off the good path God has for us. 

The prodigal son (Matthew 15:11-20,) the son that had it all while living with his father.  You know, this made me think of the countless times God had great plans for us, but we ruined it by stubbornly doing things our way.  How many times has God warned you about a situation that was not good for you?  When we don’t listen, we go through life experiencing hardship, sometimes these consequences/repercussions can last for a life time, and sometimes, we can’t even come out it, because it keeps us in bondage.      

The prodigal son requested his inheritance before his father's death, so his father granted his wish.  It is so true, when we get our minds stuck on something, we don’t stop pursing it until get it, even when we know that SOMETHING is not beneficial for us.  Everyday we ask God for things, and we know He doesn't grant them all because He knows those things would ruin us.  God knows our hearts, and knows that certain things will pull us away from Him.  Matthew 6:8 says, for the Lord knows what you need before you ask it. However, we reluctantly pursue it anyways not thinking of the consequences we may have to deal with in the long run.  Sure enough, after the son had spent all his money and experienced hunger and loneliness, he came to his senses realizing he had made a huge mistake and wanted to return to his father. 

This is exactly how the story normally ends.  We find out that the wonderful path that we had taken was not exactly what he had expected.  To come to think about it the son did not come to his senses while splurging and enjoying his life, no, it all happened when he experienced difficulties in his life.  When he found himself with no money, with hunger and loneliness, then he woke up. 

You see, our stubbornness brings us out of God’s plan, but God’s merciful and gracious love brings us back to Him.  The son goes to his father with a repentant heart, and his loving father receives him not caring about the past.  The father is overjoyed that his lost son has come back.

When we fall off God’s path, the Lord grieves, and awaits for our return.  He waits for us to have a repentant heart.  There is nothing more that God wants from us than our love for HIM. 

Stop fighting against God in trying to do things your way…Haven’t you read:

Isaiah 55:7-9

⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Ultimately, in this life, is not so much what we get out of it, but where our souls will end up, in heaven or hell.  God will continue to spark warnings in our lives, in hopes, that we wake up out of this fantasy world.

+EWSF

Focus on what matters

We all have situations that can become overwhelming at times.  However, always remember that you should only focus on the things that are important.  For instance, when you are going through some issue, do everything in your power to do what you can do, but don’t focus on what you can’t change.  Once you have done all you can just patiently wait upon the Lord to resolve things for you.  Don’t stress over it.  When we stress over it, it means we have taken the burden off the Lord’s shoulder. 

Why do we do this when the Lord has specifically said that He wants to work things out for us, He wants to provide a perfect outcome for us. Therefore, do not intervene in the things of the Lord, He knows what is best for you.  You cannot change the outcome of a situation, anyways.  Jeremiah 31:25 says, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  1 Corinthians 16:33 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Don’t waste your days pondering over something you cannot change.  Instead, while you wait upon Him, put your entire mind on Him.  Focus on the heavenly things. Jesus said in John 15:7, “Stay joined to me and let my teaching become part of you.  Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.”  This clearly means to come to Him first.  We need to learn to seek in His terms, not ours.  If we do this, we will experience His saving power.  Psalm 91 says, “Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.”  Learn to move forward and look at the bright side in your situation. 

When we seek His approval first, we are guaranteed that the outcome is going to be in our favor no matter if we agree with His final decision or not. 

Psalm 16  The Lord Has the Final Word

1 We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word.

² We may think we know what is right, but the Lord is the judge of our motives.
³ Share your plans with the Lord and you will succeed.

Listen, thank God that we have Him to conquer our battles.  The Lord says in Psalm 91:14-16, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you save.  When you are in trouble, call out to me.  I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.  You will live a long life and see my saving power.”

+EWSF

When your heart aches

When your heart aches, there is just one person that can comfort you.  There is no remedy that can help you overcome these emotions.  Yes, time helps, but what about in the moment you are going through it.  Jesus' heart ached too, even before He was crucified, because people rejected Him.  However, His Father never left Him, and God has not abandoned us either.  

Sometimes, we can't explain why we go through things.  Life takes its on course.  But, isn't God in control?  Yes, nothing is off His radar, He sees all, He approves all.  We don't know why He allows things to happened to His love ones, but we do know that the Lord loves us and is with us.  John 14:18,26 says, I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.  The Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. 

All I know is that no matter how much my heart groans, I will place my faith in Christ, who provides me with strength, and gives me hope that things will work out for the best.  Why? Because the word says that God has nothing, but the best for His children.  1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard.  It has never even entered our minds."

God is in full control.  Jesus has paid the price, these emotions shall also pass, this is nothing compared to what my Lord has suffered for me.  

Praise the Lord.

+EWSF

Lonely Road

Everything the bible says is true whether we want to believe it or not.  God’s words are powerful and alive.  When He says, He won’t leave us nor forsake us, He means it.  Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “The Lord your God will always be at your side, and He will never abandon you.”  In trouble times, we may ask ourselves, I don’t know how am going to make it through, but miraculously we wind up okay, and that’s because God is with us.  His helping hand and gracious gift of grace is empowering us to stand strong to the end.  Psalm 37:24 says, “The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall.”  

There are instances when I feel lonely in my Christian walk, not that I am dealing with some kind of low self-esteem, no, it is more about not being able to share the love I have for Christ with my love ones.  You see, as much as I would like for my love ones to know Christ it is not for me to make that happen, but it is God.  My responsibility is to pray earnestly for them, James 5:16.  And I know that it is God’s desire too- 1 Timothy 2:4, for all humanity to come to Him, but as the word says, that is not possible, because the hearts of the people are evil- John 3:19.  However, I know that these feelings are nothing but a glance of my present state, and it is not what makes me who I am in Christ.  But it is worth mentioning and talking about it, because I know there are many people who feel lonely for one reason or another.

The great news is that our feelings are subjective to the Gospel.  Christ defines who we are and restores our souls.  God's words are objective, its plan is to save us from condemnation, our feelings are irrelevant.  I could only imagine how Christ must have felt on earth being around people that did not understand Him.  I understand now why He spent so much time in prayer.  He needed to talk to His Father to feel comforted and have reassurance that everything was going to be okay.  This is what we need to do instead of indulging in our feelings we need to embrace God more to receive encouragement, be enriched with His word, and know that God is listening, and ready to help us through it all. 

I can tell you that fellowshipping with other believers does help overcome a lot.  So, I encourage those who feel lonely, sad, or are going through tough times to allow the Lord to guide them through their Christian journey, as we all know, we will go through dark valleys, Psalm 23:4.

+EWSF

Love

Isn't it difficult to love those who hurt you?  Yes, I know.  I understand clearly why Jesus commanded us to do so, He knew that our hearts would be hardened when the time came.  Matthew 5:43, Jesus expounds on how important it is for us to love especially when others hurt us, to pray for them.  I ask myself all the time, isn't it enough not repaying back, no- it is not.  You see, Jesus loved us so much that He did not think about it twice to suffer for us all.  He suffered for the innocent, murderer, thief, liar, the sinner, for those who reject him, etc.  What a love!

We are commanded to love at all cost, because Christ loves us at all cost.  Who dies for someone that does not deserve it, no one?  When we love like this we love like our heavenly Father, Matthew 5:45.  Why we need to love everyone, because God commands it from us.  By obeying the Lord, we show the world that God is in control of our lives, and, at the same time, we become a witness to others showing them that love conquers all.  Without love, we are nothing.  This is so true, when others hurt we should hurt too, because God hurts, too.  

Furthermore, Jesus knew that forgiveness heals our souls.  Having an unforgiving heart is like poison to our souls, it will destroy our spirits and make us physically sick.  Many people today are sick because they don’t forgive.  They are prisoners in their own bodies.  What an awful why to live your life.  If you are one of these people that are harboring hurt because someone hurt you, please release it, allow God to remove all that out of your life.  It is robbing your life, future and happiness.  You become bitter, angry, and you will find at the end you won’t be happy with yourself.  Isaiah 43:25 says, “But I wipe away your sins because of who I am.  And so, I will forget the wrongs you have done.”  Now, having read this, why should you insist in not forgiving when your Father has clearly forgiven you?

I was one of these people, but with the help of Holy Spirit, I allowed Him to guide me through the steps in accepting that God will take care of all the hurt I was experiencing, just has He took care of the hurt His Son Jesus experienced for us.  In other words, God will be with us through it all, He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Don’t allow pain to rule your life, God should always be the ruler of all your life.  If you are obedient to His word, He will heal you.  He did it for me and I know He will do it for you, because He loves you. 

Psalm 91:1 “Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.  Then you will say to the Lord, You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God and I trust you.”  

+EWSF