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WOW Women of Wisdom What Christmas is all about
Dec 2012 God
created the universe in such precise order that if one star moves two degrees out of orbit without his permission, the whole
thing dissolves into cosmic chaos. Yet when He needs to move a star, He can do it like he did for the wise men that first
Christmas. The stars in the sky should remind you to follow Christ. But you need you to understand why. Here is a story that
I hope will help. There once was a man with a kind heart. He was educated and well
versed and took very good care of his family. His wife, a Christian woman, and she was raising her children in the Church.
But this man, as kind as he was, was no follower. He had little belief. When his wife asked him to come to church for
their Christmas service the husband responded with, "Why would God lower himself to become a man. It's nonsense. You
go ahead, I'm staying home". So he did.When his family left to church, he noticed the snow flurries and quickly closed the
door to prevent the cold draft from coming in and curled up by the fireplace with a good book. Within the hour the wind had
grown intense and the delicate snow flurry turned into a blinding blizzard. He went to look out the window when he was suddenly
frightened by a loud thump. Something hit the window, but with the blizzard conditions he couldn't see past a few feet. He
waited a little bit and when the snow slowed down, he suited up and ventured out to see what had hit his window. In the field by his house he saw a flock of geese. The geese were apparently trying to make their way
south for the winter and got caught up in the snow storm and couldn't go any further. They were stranded on his field flying
in circles blind and aimlessly with no food or shelter. A few of them were flying right into his house. The man felt sorry
for them and wanted to help them. So he opened the barn doors and hoped they would notice and find their way in there to wait
out the storm. But they didn't notice. So then he ran inside and got some bread, and created a trail of
crumbs on the ground hoping they would follow him, and they didn't catch on. The man
grew in frustration and tried shooing the geese in the direction of the barn but they only scattered in different directions,
everywhere but the barn. He got so annoyed he screamed, "Why won't you follow me, can't you see that this is the only
way to keep you safe, it's the only place you can go to survive the storm, just follow me"Then he sat in the snow in disappointment
and thought to himself, "They are not going to follow me cause I'm a human, if I were a goose then they would follow
me" and just like that his thoughts brought him back to the moment he said to his wife, "Why would God lower himself
to become a man". Now it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God
had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us.
That is what Christmas is all about. It's not about presents, it's not about the decorations or the festive music that calms the savage beast in the mall. It's about Christ arrival, for a specific reason, to save us. So if you're wondering why follow Christ, it's the only place where you can be safe from the storms of life, that's why. 
June-July 2012 I sat in a room full of kids all anxious to
hear the story of Esther. I wish you could've seen their faces as we spoke of the devasting news that the king had allowed
the law to pass for the Jews to be killed on a particular day.
"WE ARE A PECULIAR PEOPLE!" APRIL/MAY WOW BY RESA FARNELL According to the word of God we are overcomers and over achievers. The Kingdom of God has no place for failure and every negative connotation transforms into a positive outburst. Since we are the children of God, we live in His kingdom. We are like a child in a bubble. We live in this world, but everything we need and our survival is in the Kingdom of God. We are the type of people who go beyond the norm and seek the impossible. We give love when there is no spark left to kindle a fire. We find the last crumb of faith and build it into lasting hope. So... are Christian's normal...absolutely not! Normal is the world's definition for acceptance. Christians know who they are and don't need the world to stamp approval on their actions. We are the peculiar and abnormal sec of people which has took a glimpse of faith, hope and success and refuse to accept anything less. We take our various experiences and orchestra them into a place of "working for our good" because we already know Our Heavenly Father knows the outcome. Since the word of God tells us Our heavenly Father knows how to give His children good gifts, therefore, we have an assurance everything is working toward that "good thing". We take the little and make it much through visualizing we already have "plenty". We are the only Kingdom that can divide a little into much! Peculiar? Yes we are. Overcomers? Yes we are. So... Stop holding your head down because you don't act like the world! Stop allowing the world to dictate to you what is right...you be the dictator! Stop trying to love someone who don't love you and "Just be love"! REMEMBER: WE "do" love not "say" love, because saying only takes the mouth, but doing takes the entire physical body to exercise the true meaning of "LOVE"...WOW! Learning to Stepped on? written by Z. Martinez Inspired by Pastor William Gonzalez sermon Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1
Revelation 12:10
How does the enemy prowl within the church walls; within God's people? He seizes the opportunity! There is usually something from our past that we haven't resolved yet, or we handled badly. None of us, have no past. We all fall short, pretending to have it all together in perfection is a red flag of distress. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. There
are even open windows of opportunities in people blaming themselves for being a victim. Some people are living with the oppression
for not meeting expectations that were not meant for them to meet. There are windows of opportunities of people feeling they
are "alone". Elijah thought he was alone too, and I love it when God questions where he got that idea. There were
700 prophets that had not kneeled to Baal yet, but Elijah thought he was alone. Those are opportunities, windows we leave
open to be accused. Accused of being worthless before God's eyes. Accused of not being treasured and loved. Accused of not
having what it takes to even try to be a child of God. The accusations are so hard to listen to that we shut down and find
ourselves not moving because we feel worthless. Read verse 9 again, over and over again. The enemy wants to make you believe you're not worth it. You're not supposed to listen to that nonsense. YOU NEED to go to God's word. Every time the thoughts come back REMEMBER GOD'S WORD. When the accuser comes back... REMEMBER GODS WORD. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1 I can turn this into a book, with scripture after scripture reference that supports who we
should be listening to. But I'm sure you have a bible and can read it yourself. Resolve your past. Pray and be specific with
your sins. Go back and fix it. Ask for forgiveness to those you hurt, face the unresolved and ask God for guidance on how
to resolve the past. And watch the spirit of God purify you and lift the burdens from you.
Just incase you didn't catch
it already, The word of GOD! The word of God can remove the foot that steps on you. So when the accuser comes in accusing
we can say, "I know I'm a sinner, but the blood of Christ purifies me". I must conclude with this: Romans 8:31-34 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. RELAX
IN HIS GRACE.
Z.MARTINEZ JAN-FEB 2012
"As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied,
"I don't have any bread-only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks
to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it-and die." 1 Kings 17:12 If you want to be saved, you have to take the first step, if you want to be forgiven or need to forgive you have to take the first step, if you want restoration you need to take the first step. If you want healing; take that first step in faith. If God is calling you to take that first step, then embrace His calling. This step will take you to the next level; take the first step it will change you forever. Is this Christmas ? Dec 2011
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16 It's the Holidays. However, it's not about shopping, it's not about the festivities and it's not about the lights or snow. To be quite honest I don't care if Christ was born on December 25th or not. I just love that He was born. And this holiday season might bombard you with stress of shopping and still managing to pay the bills, but don't forget Jesus. Here is a story that I hope puts things in perspective. There was this young girl who took a long walk through the snow to visit a local missionary. She was in her last trimester of pregnancy and needed something that she knew this missionary had. She didn't understand what, she just needed to go. As she walked under the underpass of a road the snow came down harder and suddenly the pain struck fear in her. She was about to deliver her baby and she was walking through a snow storm. The pain became so unbearable that she delivered her baby below the underpass. It was a road few traveled but she prayed someone would show up and help her. The following morning the missionary woke up with this young girl on her mind and decided to visit her. So she got in the car and on her way said a prayer for the young girl and her baby to come. The roads were very slippery, so she drove slowly and right before the sight of the bridge her car slipped off the side of the road taking her down the hill into the underpass below. She got out of the car and started to inspect the vehicle to see if there were any damages when suddenly she heard the sound of a baby's cry. In following the sound she found a sad sight. There laid the young girl with her baby in her arms, she had taken off every article of clothing and wrapped it around her baby to save his life and she froze to death, for the love of her child. The missionary raised this boy as her own and every year on his birthday the missionary told the story of his mother's sacrificial love. On his 12th birthday he asked the missionary if he could visit his mother's gravesite and so they did. When they arrived he asked if he could go alone. She watched him from the vehicle as he approached the tombstone and took off his hat and laid it on the ground before the tombstone that read her name and said, "Was it cold like this momma" then he took off his scarf and said, "was it cold like this momma", then he took off his coat and said, "was it cold like this momma". He continued and took off every article of clothing that kept him warm and knelt before her grave in tears loving the mother he never met and said, "Momma, did it hurt like this?" This Holiday season can I challenge you to look
at Christ as this boy looked at his Momma? Will you ask, "Jesus did it hurt like this?" as you sacrifice self. Will
you say, "Jesus did it hurt like this?" as you take off every article of selfishness. He died for our sins. This
Christmas don't lose sight of who He is, and what He has done for us! To God be all the Glory! NOV 2011 "Behold I make all things new"
All of us have things we'd like to change of ourselves, but when God created us He said, "It was very good" (Gen 1:31) Start seeing you as God see's you. SEPT/OCT 2011 Z.Martinez "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1
I DIDN'T LEAVE YOU! August 2011 by Evangelist Teresa Farnell
It Happened Just Yesterday! By Evangelist Teresa Farnell July 2011 For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow :) Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart? Job 8: 9-10 Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "If only I could change what I did on yesterday"? I believe all of us one time or another wish we could go back and change some of the things we done in our past. For example; fallen relationships, financial decisions, care of our health, parenting, job loss , there would be a number of things we would attempt to alter, just to change our yesterdays. But a person that lives on yesterday repeats yesterday and perhaps never sees the outcome of tomorrow. I am reminded of Job and all of the afflictions that came upon him, starting from his territory unto his physical body. Job didn't charge God wrongly, but his circumstances cause him to focus on the affliction instead of the one who controls the afflictions. Job kept looking at his yesterdays, even when his three friends came to visit him they kept blaming Job for his afflictions, not realizing that his yesterday afflictions where a door way to receive todays blessings. Job eyes only began to open when the spirit of God used the youngest, Elihu. Job affliction could not be resolved until he realized yesterday's problems were lingering today because he kept looking at them. Job needed to focus on the source of life for yesterday, today and forever more. Job needed to remember God is the source of life and have the ability to alter yesterday's problems into today's victories. After Elihu stop speaking to Job (because Elihu spoke with wisdom from God), Job was ready to hear directly from God. You see, Job was allowing his yesterday burdens to carry over. Just because they are there, don't mean you have to entertain them. It doesn't matter whether; he lost his cattle, family or even his health on yesterday. What really matters is what God has to say about it today. In Job 42: 5-6, Job realized his acquaintance with God was by what he was hearing, but now his eyes were seeing God for who He really is. When Job spiritual eyes began to see the deity of God, Job conversation began to change toward the wonders of the creator. According to the scripture when Job changed his focus, his breakthrough was manifested. All of the positive things Job accomplish and lost, God gave him three times as much including adding more years to his life, giving him the capability to enjoy it. Because it was all about God getting His glory in Job's yesterdays. Only when we turn our focus away from yesterday and place our eyes on God, is when we will really be able to say "It happen just yesterday!"
Take a good look June 2011 Take a good look.... At who you were when you got called" 1 Co 1:26 Think back with me just for a moment. I promise we won't stay there long. Think back to the moment where you were wrong. To a time where you sinned against your brother or sister. Where you lied, cheated maybe possibly destroyed something. Do you remember what it was like? The pain in your heart that wouldn't let the air escapes your chest cavity. You were wrong and you were caught and there was no hiding it. Some still live with the painful secrets of yesterday. And now you're in the church. Does that make you a hypocrite? NO. What people outside the church fail to understand is that when you truly understand sin, then you truly understand why you need a savior. Sin has a way of bringing us to our knees, breaking us, convicting us and judging us. Do you remember when you walked in church that day and you felt that someone knew and every stare you received felt like a stone thrown. And there was nothing you could do but get on your knees asking God to just notice you and turn to you and save you because no one else can. There is beauty in brokenness, it's at that moment where you find yourself with only one hope and that hope is the need of a savior. Ok, now the past is over and you remember that pain vividly. Good, now look at the new church comers coming in looking for the same. You know the saying, "What would Jesus do?" WWJD. Here is a template of how he worked, when he saw the woman by the well, he didn't see a woman with five failed marriages and a scandalous affair he saw a woman who was going to evangelize to Samaria with passion. When everyone around him saw the man on the mat, he saw the man that walked forgiven. When everyone looked at Matthew like a vile tax collector, Jesus saw him as a loyal disciple. Everyone saw Peter as a compulsive fisherman, Jesus saw him as a man that would build his church. Everyone saw Paul was a persecutor of Christians and with a prideful smile, smiled upon the death of Stephen, Jesus saw him as the writer of the epistles that would edify his church. Don't you get it, people can chose to live in their sin but when they walk into that church they are looking for a savior and we should look at them like Jesus would have. We all battle with our flesh, we are born into a world of sin and we need to recognize that we can't conquer; it's Him who is in us, who is greater than him of the world, that conquers. We need a savior, a hero to save us from ourselves. So you're feeling pretty good that this is not you now, right? Your in good standing with God, you been there done that and your walking in victory. Amen! Have you shared your path to recovery and victory with the hurting world around you? They need a savior too."...Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us" Romans 12:3 Your past sin is not to condemn you, the evaluation is just to bring to light the
compassion God wants you to carry on others today. We are not called to tear down, but build each other up. I don't care how
sever the sin is, one perfect man who never sinned carried the sin of the world. That means everyone, no exceptions. We are
all God's children; let's stop casting stones and start building each other up. Let God do the judging, He is the only one
credible of doing so. And if you must correct someone, correct in love, not judgment, reach out like you want to save them
not hurt them. Let Jesus work through you to be the healing for a hurting world. Help people breath the breath of life. To
God be all the Glory! Adjustments are necessary May 2011 Adjustments are necessary:
There is this pop theology that following Christ is on the road you want to take, and there is some truth to that. "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" Phil. 2:13. However it's not easy and it requires adjustments; adjustments that most do not want to make. Many of us want God to give us an assignment, but the problem is that many of us are not ready or interested in making adjustments in our lives. But here is a hard truth to swallow and meditate on. If you refuse to make the adjustment, you will miss what God has in store for your life. There are many who claim to have faith but those who act out their faith demonstrate what they truly believe. Are you feeling the call but struggle with making the adjustment? Maybe its in a circumstance, in your relationships,
in your thinking, your commitments, your actions or your beliefs. Adjustments prepare you for obedience, and if you're wondering
if it's worth it, take time to study each bullet above, each of them found it to be worth it.  You ready? Packed Accordingly? April 2011
This is exactly what David was emphasizing in this scripture.
"Who touched my clothes?" March 2011 There is a constant cry amongst us humans that is commonly gestured with a throw of the hands up in the air. "What does it matter?" It's a sign of defeat; this cry often comes accompanied with a negative self reflection. "Why bother fighting for anything, I'm going to lose." And the argument becomes heightened when it's before God, "Do I even matter for you". Why do these things keep happening to me? Why is this pain perpetual? Why... Why...Why? Do I matter to you?" I have read the story many times over and over again of the woman who had an illness and bleed for 12 years. How she, through faith and the risk of persecution, reached out in her unclean state and touched a clean man. But not any man, she touched a clean man, a man who she knew had the power to heal her. Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd and immediately felt power leave him and he turned around saying, "Who touched my clothes?" And the mind boggling part of this scripture is when the disciples responded with. "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?' ". (Mark 5:31) In other words, why does it matter? Why do you care? Have you ever taken a look at the vast universe and then look at every detail of it, down to the microbiology of life. It's so intimidating that you can't help but feel insignificance in its vastness and wonder how could God find you or even hear you in it all. Apparently one person does matter to Jesus. He cares enough to find what other considers a needle in a haystack. Jesus stopped to seek out one person and attend to her. If you read the series of events that happened before and after every time Jesus was called his response was "So Jesus went with him". There was a child, then a powerful man, then a desolate woman. Jesus did not distinguish between power and powerless, young or old, everyone that called him was answered even when the audience around him, even his own disciples, said, "What does it matter?" He is the same today as he was yesterday, so with that said, "YOU MATTER".
To God be all the Glory. ""I am the way" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. "-John 14:6 Feb 2011 I heard this story and BOY did it put this scripture in perspective. I hope it does for you as well. "I had to go a farm one day and here are the directions the farmer gave me, ‘About a mile after the city town line your going to see a big red farm on your left. Keep going till you see a road on your left then go a mile or so down that road till you see a big tree. Take a right there and just keep going till you see a really big rock...' I wrote the detailed directions and one day I got to the farm. The following day the farmer came with me, but took me another route, one that I would have never found on my own. But he was my map, so I listened and obeyed" The first
day the gentlemen wrote down the details and through careful driving found his way, the following day when the farmer went
with him he discovered a new way, one he would not have discovered on his own and even if he was on it, he wouldn't know where
to go. Imagine the fields? I get lost with someone giving me a major department store as a landmark can you imagine someone
saying, "Look for the rock"? The scripture says "I am the way" Jesus knows the walk, he is the walk. When you learn to trust in the Lord you discover what freedom really is. It requires trusting him, one day at a time, and one step at a time. You can only get so far on your own. You don't want to end up on a detour in life; it's a waist of time and energy. Imagine the anxiety that comes with following the detailed directions? "Did I miss the rock? What if the rock is not that big and I missed it and it was the rock that was a half mile back? Was that dirt road back there the one he meant? What if he meant a paved road?" Now imagine having the "map" not a gps system that can lose signal, the "MAP". There is this sense of peace that "hey he knows where he is going all I have to do is listen and obey" The ride is ten times more peaceful. So make a choice, your way? Or follow "the way"- Jesus. To God be all the Glory! MAKE THE CHOICE BY Evangelist T. Farnell Jan 2011 "Instead, let the spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes" Eph 4:23 2011 is finally here and I'm not
going to encourage a New Year's resolution. But I do have something vital to say. The choices we make today will change our
lives forever. With that said, think. Think like your life depends on it. I know that God is in control but let's not be naïve,
God gave you a brain for a reason and He wants you to use it. In 2011 you
will be tempted and there will be some fallen moments, and if there is; remember Proverbs 24:16
Hold on to his promise, He hasn't forgotten you. But if you stay where you are in your sin, its hard for you to hear him tell you how much he loves you and the plans he has for you. Jer. 29:11. And don't compromise, what happens when you take "com" out of compromise? You're left with promise...Hold on to that. Let God renew you and if you stay in His presence and do things his way... He and He alone can change the circumstance for His glory making you victorious. But it's a choice, which God is expecting you to make. No need to wait for a miracle or a supernatural experience, it all starts with a choice. To God be all the Glory! "WHEN YOU DON'T MAKE A CHOICE, YOU MADE A CHOICE"
To my beloved Sisters, Remember who you are and never lose sight of who died for you because you are worth it. You are valuable. Have a blessed Christmas and Prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Evangelist Teresa Farnell Executive Director and Founder
Its never too late Dec 2010 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
Do you remember the story of the thieves who hung by Jesus? The story is in the book of Luke Chapter 23: 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" It wasn't too late for the Thief that was on death row. If you note, in his request he said "remember me". Jesus is a man of his word, not only did he remember him but two thousand years later we are reading about the Thief who wanted to be remembered. Countless will read his story and remember him. It wasn't too late for him; it's not too late for you.
No More Bare Minium! WOW By Sister Teresa Farnell "Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on everyside? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." JOB 1:10 KJV You are probably wondering why the story of Job was written in the Bible. Most of us believe Job was written to encourage us through trials and tribulations. But I found myself looking at the beginning of Job's life. There was something very important that took place before he was tested. Job was favored by God. Why was he favored by God? Job's heart was perfect toward God: He desired to please God, feared Him and did his best to avoid evil. Job didn't compromise with his family members. Sometimes we can't see the fullness of God's blessed hand because we have allowed sin to creep into our territories; because our family members are not saved, we allow them to disrepect God and never say anything. Listen: Job's seven sons and three daughters feast with drinking and parties in their own houses. I am sure Job taught his children to respect God, but Job continually presented his children before the Lord because he didn't want any holes in his hedge. Unconfessed sins put holes in our hedges. Therefore, we only see the bare minium of what God has for us. What is this hedge that was around Job? It was Our Father's divine favor surrounded around Job. Psalm 5:12 KJV states "For thou, Lord will bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield. That's right! A shield is around the righteous. This poweful shield was around Job's entire territory; his house, all that he had, even every thing that he touched increased. What an awesome Father! When I look at this shield, I can picture a fence that God has control over. He has the key for going in and coming out. All we have to do is live righteous and this powerful shield yields us favor even outside of the hedge. Notice Satan had to present himself to God to touch anything of Job's territory such as, his livestock, his servants, his sons and daughters, and even his physical body. Satan could only touch what God allowed him to touch. This is why Job's trials were in different stages. What an awesome state to be in...in the sight of God! Because Job didn't compromise with the world system, he didn't have the bare minimum until our heavenly Father took his divine shield from around him. Job knew that everything that he had possessed or accomplish came from God, so when difficult times came He knew who was in control...God. Believers are not suppose to live their lives as bare minimum...we have an overflow, because God always prepares his children for the time of famine. It is up to us to listen to his instructions and act on them. Therefore we must go back to God and closed up the holes in our hedges, so we can reap our harvest in the right season. We must desire with our entire heart to please God. Lets Clean up the weeds around our territories, so the harvest that God has prepared for us can come forth, but not only come forth, but have a divine shield of favour that Satan or no man can touch without God's permissive will. No more bare minium! I want the overflow! WOW! Ouch....that hurt!! 10/01/2010 Though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
Through our journey of life we tend to want everything to run smooth, perfect and never rock our little world. I wish I could tell you this will always happen, but it doesn’t. During my walk with Jesus, I have come to realize, no pain! No gain! Let’s think for a while: When you where a child your character was molded and shaped through the disciplinary actions of your parents or others. For example; Mom told you not to eat the chocolate cookies she just baked…why? It will ruin your appetite for dinner. But because you wanted it “now”, later on, you began to get a stomach ache. Who is the one to blame….me! What did you learn? Listen to mom? No…you learn to not eat chocolate cookies before dinner. Nevertheless, you should have learned through that horrible stomach ache to listen and obey. The main purpose of this scenario was to “Listen to mom”. We tend to think every thing that happens to us is about what is happening now. Yes, it is connected to the “now “situation, but is not the significant big picture. Jesus the Son of our heavenly Father didn’t learn obedience just for Himself, but it was also for us. Due too, Jesus was now in a human body which was not immune to sin, but He loved His Father so much that He wouldn’t entertain or engage in sin. Through his suffering He learned to listen and obey His Father. Jesus also trusted our heavenly Father with building His spiritual character while He was on this earth in order to lead us into the perfection of salvation. Our heavenly Father knew we needed a human example, which will listen, obey and not complain. This is one of the reasons JESUS was born and NOT just came down from heaven like an angel. It is much easier to listen to someone who has been a living epistle of the same infirmities and weaknesses that you have encountered. If our Heavenly Father would have sent down Jesus in His heavenly form, He would have been of non-effect. But because He was able see, feel, touch, hear and taste every fallible situation in our lives, we are able to trust and believe that suffering is more than a hurt. It is the door opening to a Father-daughter or Father –son relationship. Suffering takes us through the process of seeing the actions of the spiritual world and the kingdom of God. The more we suffer, the more we draw closer to the creator. Why? Because, sooner or later you are going to stop running around like you have lost your mind because of the hurt. Then you will began to inquire to our creator what is the purpose of this pain, what is the purpose of this humiliation or hurt? These questions began to draw us straight to the Father; this is what He wants…a relationship with his creations (his children). Because of this, we are able to see the big picture. The longer you suffer….the clearer the picture becomes. Each time we suffer, it leads us into another picture of perfection. Finally you will be able to say “This is not about me…this is about me being in position to receive what God has prepared for me." If you put a band aid on a bruise without taking care of it, there is a possibility of slow healing. But if you keep feeling that pain, you will finally began to look closer at the bruise, and find away to quickly take the pain away. In other words, if it hurts badly enough, you will remember the consequences and refuse to repeat that area of pain again and began to find ways to prevent it from happening again. It is through the pain we learn discipline and obedience. NO ONE likes pain! Pain is a help not a hurt. It is through pain that we are able to stop, think, refocus, and move forward. “…After that ye have suffered a while, make you, perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” I Peter 5: 10 Now, you have place yourself in the position our heavenly Father have already seen in the beginning WOW!
SEPT 2010 "Hear me O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again." I Kings 18:37 KJV Do you wonder why God uses fire when it is time to purify...perhaps it is because, fire is the only element that can consume anything in an instance and leave no trace of the present state. Fire damage always leaves an affect for repair or rebuild. When Elijah called fire from heaven, he waited for a specific time; pass noonday. He knew this was the timing for the sacrifice. Our heavenly Father is a God of order. We just can't call fire from heaven when we feel like it. God knows the perfect time to reject, breakdown or restore. We tend to desire God to move on our timing... which means we want our heavenly Father to bow down to our will. God is immutable, he does not change...He doesn't answer to know one but Himself. . I look at fire as the answer to prevent, protect and change situations. Sometimes we are too busy looking at the situation until we forget that fire must come down from heaven...in other words "A change must take place". The children of Israel had to decide who they were going to serve, God or Satan (other gods). We too have to decide who our Master is. Heaven does not answer to us, but it does answer to our Father in heaven and His Holy Spirit that dwelleth in us. When I needed a change in my life, I had to decide to desire God's will. I recognized the fire that was going on in my life, was no more than the Holy Spirit cleaning up what I had messed up. When Elijah called fire down from heaven, God already knew that Israel was turning their hearts back to Him. Therefore, Elijah had so much confidence in calling on God. He knew Israel had to put their will back into the order of God. The amazing thing about the sacrifice, all of the elements yielded to God. The fire consumed the burnt sacrifice and the wood, which is natures order. But when it came to consuming the stones, the dust and licking up the water in the trench, this act was a divine amazing order that could not be explainable through the most intelligent human mind. The fire sacrifice put Israel back in order with God. God caused the elements to work in a supernatural and phenomenal way. When supernatural and phenomenal things happen, God GETS HIS GLORY! Divine fire from heaven happens when all heaven and earth bows down to His power and authority. Never under estimate the power, authority and order of God. When He looks at you, He sees His son Jesus. God hears His sons and daughters through the voice of Jesus. He desire for us to be able to call down fire from heaven and consume any residue that the enemy has imprinted in or on our life and territory. What an Awesome Father! Let us acknowledge the realization of our Father in Heaven. When God sends fire from heaven on life situations, don't look for it to happen the way you think it should. If we get out the way, He will not only allow fire to consume all of your faults, disappointments and discouragements, but also disburse such a mighty overflow of positive energy over your entire territory. By this, we know Satan has no legal right on our territory. Get Ready! Your specific blessing is already prepared hanging over your head. Since you know this... why don't you just "GRAB IT...AND PULL IT DOWN!" Don't let anyone tell you that God doesn't care about your situation. He is just waiting for you to call down fire from Heaven...Just watch His hand orchestra! WOW!
 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects" Acts 28:5Luke the doctor is the author of this particular book. He tells us of his travels with Paul. They had come to a town called Malta, where the islanders showed them hospitality. Paul decided to chip in and help with the fire; after all, he was cold and soaked from the sea ride in. However, when he went to add some sticks to the fire a snake came out of the heat, bit him and held on. Then as the scripture says, "Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects" The islanders were waiting for him to swell up and die, but when they saw he did not they thought he was a god, soon would they find out he walked with God. Today I am telling you, you need to shake off the snake. God is a God of word, of purpose and when he pours something into you, trust that you have the power to shake it off. God had a vision with Paul and he has a vision with you. Let's identify the various poisonous snakes: There will be the bites of jealousy. There will be someone who will be jealous of your walk and you will feel bad and feel tempted to get out of his or her way solely because you do not want to ruffle anyone's feathers. Get up and brush it off. If God called you there, keep walking. Remember they are not jealous of you, they are jealous that God chose you and you obeyed. Let God deal with them. There is the bite of ungratefulness. There will be moments where you will go over and beyond the call to help someone and watch them walk away, ahead, without looking back and saying, "thank you". Remember Joseph in the book of Genesis when he was in jail and helps the two men out who had dreams, all he asked was that they remember him. They forgot him. Parents will watch their kids leave home and feel forgotten. Shake it off, God called you into their life to teach them, you fulfilled your purpose and God himself will show how proud he is of you and reward you as he rewarded Joseph. The snakes of life bite us, not necessarily because we did something wrong, if you recall Paul was following God's will going to this island. Many of you are diligently trying to walk in God's will and its sad to say but some people are waiting for you to swell up and die. They are waiting for you to fail. They are waiting for you to fall into depression. They are waiting for failure. But like Paul, you can stand up and shake it off. See Paul couldn't die, God said he had to go to Rome, there was a word from God that needed to be completed. So a bite was not going to kill him. And so it will be with you, the bite will not kill you. If God called you to it, he will pull you through it. If storms hit you will find that the rough winds will carry you. And if the serpent bites you will know that it wont kill you, it wont block you, it wont cause you to swell, you like Paul will get up and shake it off. To God be all the Glory. RAISE YOUR HAND WITH ME.... NOW SHAKE IT OFF!
"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again"
Everyday, someone loses their job, is diagnosed with an illness, suffers a horrible heart aching break up, is disappointed by a loved one, and is betrayed by someone they trust, did not make the team, or made the team they did not want to be on. Life is full of things that try to knock us over. It is easy to get discouraged and lose the motivation to move forward, but you have to remember it is just a temporary set back. Life can be painful at times but it gets better when we realize that we can choose to stand up. And even better, when we realize that in our weakness the spirit of God strengthens us. Just when you think, life cannot get any worse a gust of spirit filled wind blows through the window giving you the power to stand up and go for round two. The blow of life brings forth complaints, and tears, but the rise that comes through the spirit of God is enough to make it all worthwhile. Remember who you are in Christ. There is nothing God cannot do, he can do the impossible, but he is holding you accountable to do what you can do. Rise! No blow of life, no illness, no obstacle, no disappointment, and no person can keep you from the destiny God planned for you. God will turn every stumbling block to stepping-stones, every suffering moment into a molding of character and you will move forward in the victory that God has in store for you! So what you were knocked down, you are not knocked out. Rise! To God be all the glory!  Did you say your GRACE?
WOW By Sister Teresa Farnell June 2010 "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6 kjv
Happy Mothers Day! May 2010 Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother." 1 Kings 3:27 I love the story of the WISE RULING of King Solomon. Incase you don't know the story, I suggest you read it. It's an inspiring story for all mothers. Your probably wondering why I feel it's an inspiring story. There is a point in the story where the women bring their argument to King Solomon and he has to determine who the mother is. Today, you can get a DNA or paternity test to determine who the child belongs to. However such technology wasn't around back then. As the story goes the King decides to cut the baby in half to give each mother a share, and one woman pleads for the other women to keep him if it spares his life. The scripture says, "the woman who's son was alive" But I have to wonder if she was the biological mother of the child. Let me explain why. My grandmother was an exceptional woman. I recall the times I sat on the kitchen floor and watched her cook. And when my dad, her son, walked in the room; no words could explain the glow and love on her face. A few years ago she passed away of cancer and my father cried for months. He was an only child, although he had many brothers and sisters. You are probably confused. See my father was adopted. My grandmother for some reason could not have children, but that didn't stop her from being mother. Years later my fathers biological mother presented herself and I have to admit I felt as if I was betraying my grandmother if I called her "Abuela" which means grandma in Spanish. Yes, she is my biological grandmother, but the one I love and admire with the title of "Abuela" was Abuela Marta, the woman who raised my father with love. There are a few women I know that for various reasons beyond their control have not had children, and they remind me of her. Biological mothers play an amazing role, but so do mothers of influence. I had no blood connection to this woman yet she inspires me till today, and I share her story with her great grandchildren and her name is in my family tree. When Jesus was preaching he was informed that his mother and brothers were outside waiting for him. I don't believe he meant any disrespect to his mother but took the opportunity to teach. He questioned "who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" pointing to his disciples he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers" (Matthew 12:48-49) Those who do the will of the Father are family, and every woman who influences another in His name is a Mother of Influence. Happy Mothers day. "BEHOLD I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW" April 2010
I'm currently reading a book on Spiritual Leadership and there is this one chapter where they speak of certain leaders through out history, good and bad. As I traveled through the pages it was if the words tugged on my heart. One of the leaders the author spoke of was Martin Luther King Jr. Apparently his father was abusive and when his grandmother died he was so distraught he threw himself from a second story window in a suicide attempt. Abraham Lincoln was so estranged from his father he refused to go to his funeral. Eleanor Roosevelt was from a family of alcoholism, child molestation and abuse. There were many stories, but the highlight of it all was summed up eloquently by the author, so I will quote him. " So many of history's great leaders suffered major failures, crises, and disappointments in their development as leaders that these traumas almost seem prerequisites to leadership success" No experience, good or bad, is ever wasted. God uses it all. The harmful past molded the characters of our great leaders, only God could do something like that. Do you feel that your past is holding you back from moving forward? No it isn't it is molding you. Do you feel your past has tarnished your image? No you are made in the image of God. I know its hard to get over your past so here are some points.
INSTEAD, TRUST THE ONE WHO PROMISED TO "MAKE ALL THINGS NEW", AND MOVE FORWARD. All of us have things we'd like to change of ourselves, but when God created us He said, "It was very good" (Gen 1:31) Start seeing you as God see's you.
What is it worth? March 1, 2010 “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me
cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27 Want to know God? Want to have a deep meaningful relationship with God? I bet all have said yes, but I wonder if any have considered the cost or effort. When I travel through Biblical times and admire the faith of those who set a framework for us, I wonder to myself if I will rise to the challenge if faced with trial. So again I ask, want to know God? Want to have a deep meaningful relationship? Yes- I do, now its time to consider the cost. Abraham was asked to give up his pride and joy, his son, and he was willing. Moses could’ve
stayed in Egypt, the lap of luxury; instead he traveled the desert leading a group of people that for me seemed more of a
head ache than grateful. Daniel had such great faith that he defied a king, at the cost of being thrown in the lion’s
den. Three young men were willing to be thrown into the burning furnace, whether God rescued them or not, because of their
faith. David stood before a giant declaring he was going to hold the head of the giant that day. He didn’t tremble;
he went in charging at the giant, that’s like watching a Chihuahua chase a Pit-bull. Then my all time favorite, Esther.
Esther risked her life to go before the king with such faith that she said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther
4:16) It was in the toughest acts of faith that these people got the closest to God and found deeper purpose and meaning. You know the saying, “Does happiness taste as sweet if we do not experience sadness?” “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster
on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.” (Jeremiah 45:5)
A tough pill to swallow huh? However, I do love how God ends with a promise…go I will let you escape with your life. I don’t bring this up to discourage anyone. Nor scare anyone away, but I have to speak the truth on the matter. Following Christ is not easy. You will make tough choices. You will stand alone in tough choices. You will not be understood by most and at times you will not agree with God, but He knows best. However it’s in these silent moments where we feel we stand alone and misunderstood that demonstrate true courage. I don’t want to be lost in the world confused with other faces, that’s hiding, that’s being a coward. I want the faith to rise up to the challenge. Turn my church inside out and the world upside down. To raise my hand as Isaiah once did saying, “send me”. We can either
watch others dreams or be the dreamer that changes the world. You might have given up on your dreams, but God has not given
up on your dreams, he instilled them in you. I like the way Watchman Nee said
it, "I have never met a soul who has set out to satisfy the Lord, and has not been satisfied himself." And to tie
it with Augustine’s well-known quote, “You have made us for yourself and our
hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” Want to get closer; closeness, finds purpose,
rest, satisfaction amongst a long list of blessings. I say it’s worth it. To God be all the Glory! The Valley of Dry Bones February 1, 2010 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.' " Ezekiel 37 Take a walk with me into the Valley of Dry Bones. Just imagine the sound of the wind rattling the bones that carry no life. Everywhere you look; representation of death. Look to the right-dry bones; look left- dry bones. No laughing, no talking, no pitter patter of little feet. Nothing! Just dry bones. Some of you are probably thinking; this is now not then. Every corner you're looking it seems that hope is at a lost. Only God can examine the depths of your heart to find the secret place that holds the valley of dry bones. You might have lost hope and accepted death in certain areas of your life. Some of you are saying, "It is what it is" and accepting failure, loss, depression, torment, trauma, pain. Some of you have taken your seat amongst the dry bones, others watch, loosing hope in just the sight. Some have seen the dry bones of their loved ones. What are you telling your problem? Are you approaching God in your prayers with your problem or are you approaching your problem and telling it who your' God is. This scripture is for you. The LORD spoke to Ezekiel and said, "Prophesy to these bones and say..." and when he did what he was told, before his very eyes, tendons and flesh grew. God has power, and his glory is WOW... The children of Israel said, 11 ...Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off." The children of Israel had accepted their death. But my God, your' God, our good God put his spirit in them and settled them in their own land. You may feel hope is gone, but God is saying "Prophecy" activate the word in your life. You think its over, but God is telling you "I will bring you back". Even in the Valley of Dry bones He can spring life. Its not over, he wants to hand you LIFE. If you're reading this today, it's a divine setup, you're not going to be locked, caged, and imprisoned nor are you going to sit back and watch someone else accept defeat.... God is going to lift you up and give you new life. "Prophesy!" He is going to bring you to Israel; your promise your purpose. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.' To God be all the GLORY! Devotional inspired by the sermon given by God to Pastor William Gonzalez of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel Church in Bpt, CT
Do I have any worth? January 2010 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14 I haven't been feeling very worthy lately, so I spent some time reflecting on my children and this very true story came to mind. While in the department store, a few years ago, sifting through the clothing racks my head was deep in thought of the new opportunity that was knocking at my door, a job interview. I wanted to make a good impression and I wanted to look professional, and at the time I didn't care how much it was going to cost me. Me... the picky person that I am, had the look envisioned in my head it was just a matter of time before I found it. I was on a mission and excitement overwhelmed me. About twenty minutes in the store I found a blouse that wasn't quite my color so I held it up and said, "Uli how do you think mommy will look in this?" and wouldn't you know it, no response. I looked down and he was gone. I tried not to panic at first and walked through the isles of the toy section hoping to find him; he wasn't there. It didn't take long for my heart to race faster than my legs as I ran down the isles of the department store screaming his name. I didn't care who heard me, or what people thought of me. Every possibility of the worst was shooting through my mind. I was on the verge of a breakdown when I suddenly looked down and saw two feet poking out from the bottom of the clothing rack. When I separated the clothing, there he was with his hands over his mouth trying to contain himself from laughing while he hid from me. He was playing hiding go seek. All of a sudden nothing else mattered and everything had lost its importance. No price is too high for a parent to pay to redeem her child. No energy too great, no effort too demanding. A parent will go to great length to find her offspring, to find her heart that walks the earth in a small package. So will God. He brought me back to that moment, and then reminded me of how much I reflected His image in that moment. God's greatest creation is not the majestic mysterious space we explore, or the wonders of the caverns that carry jewels and diamonds. It's not the blue berry shaped world that spins in space in perfect order. It's you and I; we are his greatest possessions. I don't think we will ever fully grasp the passion that God has for you and I; we are wonderfully made by His loving hands and His passion is for us. Suddenly I feel worth something, I hope and pray you know how much you're worth as well. To God be all the Glory! Tis the Season! December 2009 Its Christmas time! The very day after Thanksgiving I put up my Christmas tree. It was such a perfect day. The kids didn't argue and I took pictures and videos of them acting silly around the tree. And as a proud parent I shared the pictures and people wanted to know why we are so happy?Can't say that I blame them. The layoffs that were introduced a couple of months ago are going into effect this month. I had one friend call me up crying that she blurted out profanity on a company conference call when they told her that her last day was Christmas Eve. I have another friend who has been searching for the past three months and not a glimpse of hope or promise. Tis the Season for joy and celebration during the time without a paycheck or a sudden all time peak in expenses. Ugh! How can anyone really celebrate? Have you ever read the story of the Philippians jailer in the book of Acts? While the jailer slept there was an earthquake that shook the jail and opened the doors to where the prisoners were. "The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself." Acts 16:27 He was as good as dead in his eyes. For a brief second he woke up and saw the prison doors wide open and thought they all got away and it was only a matter of time before they would execute him for failing to do his job, in fear of the death that he thought awaited him he drew his sword. Can you relate? Have you lost hope? Does it seem like all is at a loss? Did you wake up to a world where the ground trembled and the doors to your nightmares have opened? The story continues. Seconds before the Jailer could pierce himself, one of the prisoners stepped out and asked him not to kill himself that no one left, all the prisoners were there. The Jailer, badly shaken, recognized the man who spoke. It was Paul, who was wrongfully accused and placed in prison for no reason, yet he was happy. If you read the story Paul and Silas were beaten then thrown in jail and were singing before the earth quake. The Jailer already knew what it felt like to feel dead inside, and here was an opportune moment. Just seconds before the jailer tasted his death, what better moment to put the value of life in perspective. This time he was going to do it right and wanted what he knew Paul had, so he ran to his feet and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." It never fails that when people give up, that's when hope is arriving at the door, and they miss it. Take Romeo and Juliet for example, they jumped too soon to conclusions. Don't jump to conclusions it's not the end, don't miss out on hope. And there is a way to be happy, just follow the jailer's example and take hold of your joy this glorious season. It's going to be ok. To God be all the Glory! How do we respond to the attacks? November WOW
16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves Matthew 10:16 There are a few things we need to grasp here when reading this scripture. 1. There is something we need to understand
2. There is something we need to identify
3. There are something's we need to Remember.
4. Now we must integrate this knowledge in our walk.
WOW! FATHER DO YOU HEAR ME? October 1, 2009 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear
me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer." Psalm 66: 18-19 Isn't it strange how we desire to receive answers from our prayers no matter what. Even though we fail to realize that God does not hear a sinner's prayer. We think grace and mercy take care of our faults ...it does. What is grace and mercy? It is no more than the divine love and unmerited favor from God. This is not something we earned or deserved. It is our heavenly Father's gift to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. The writer of psalm 66 needed God to hear his prayer, but he knew that there was a condition that he had to be in order for God to actually hear him. Therefore, the writer searched his heart to see if he was entertaining or acting on any wickedness or sin. Sometimes Christians take it for granted that God will always hear them. Grace and mercy are attributes of God's character and cannot be set apart from Him. Therefore, God's grace and mercy is revealed when we recognize our sins and confess them. We must have a clear line for us to connect with God. His grace and mercy can only operate through repentance and turning from our wicked ways. Here is a scenario: The telephone gives us an opportunity to hear others from all over the world, but when problems arises in the communication lines, it is difficult to call on or be heard by the person on the receiving line. Therefore, most of the time we would check with the telephone company to find out the problem, so the receiver can hear us. Now if the problem in the lines does not clear, you cannot call or receive communication through those lines. Listen;
when we pay attention to sin and act on it, we cause static between our communications with the Father. He can no longer receive
our prayers, so we have to clear the lines immediately by searching our hearts for any unconfessed sin. It doesn't matter
if you have been saved a few months or many years, sin blocks the communication airways to the Father. Now you may be wondering
to yourself, "Did God really hear me?" Only you can answer that. Unconfessed sin blocks the airway for our prayers
to be heard by God. You may say to yourself "I haven't sinned?" If you have entertained any wickedness or sin in
your life, even evil company and communication causes our prayers to be blocked from our Father's ears. A clear airway not
only open our Father's ears, but also, open the pathway for heaven and earth to listen to our heavenly Father. WOW!
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste," believe it or not...but it is true. The mind is the battle ground for the soul. Therefore, we must desire to have our mind purified. Most of our battles of spirit and flesh start with the mind. Last month we talked about fasting and making ourselves receptive to the Grace of God. It is through fasting that we began to offer our will to God, control the passions of our flesh; and purify our inner mind and heart. A wasted mind entertains fleshly passions and desires, which leads to habitual behavior and anxiety. It is the inner mind, heart and spirit (Soul) that knows that God exists. We can see God only with our inner mind, communicate with God by prayer, and hear God; this inner mind is called "nous" in Greek. "Nous" means the principle divine reason; inner mind. The divine reasoning comes from our creator "God". Only through divine reasoning we can truly know the purpose and will of God. This level of reasoning can be obtained through the purification process, which includes fasting, but not set apart from meditating, reading the word, prayer and obedience. Our passions cloud the nous. In order to see, hear and know God we have to allow cleansing of the mind. When I think of cleansing the mind, I think about driving a car in stormy weather, the wind hitting the windshield, the fog blocking my view and anxiety attacking my decision. Then a battle starts in my mind; should I go on or should I pull over. The best thing for me to do is to pull over and wait for all the destractions to mild down, so I can see clearly. Our mind does the same thing. If we try to make decisions without allowing the battles of our mind to clear up, then we are destining to be hit by a tragedy. The nous is the battle ground of our passions and desires. Satan is well aware of our constant battles, therefore we must covet the purification process. When Adam was created his mind functioned fine. He walked in the garden with God, and he knew Him, but as soon as he looked toward the ability to understand with his intellect, he walked away from God. His mind became clouded and focuses on his flesh. His own will overshadowed God's will. His mind became clouded. The more we look away from God, to our own way of thinking, the more we will have battles with our passions and desires. So, through fasting we begin to lift the veil to uncover our clouded mind. There will be a struggle because the "flesh" wars against the "spirit, but at the same time a healing of the nous is taking place. In the struggle we are redirecting the passions and desires toward Christ, only then can they be properly used. In our fasting we're seeking to redirect the passionate aspects of the soul away from things of this world and more so toward God. This is called "transformation".Transformation takes place when the mind is being renewed, therefore be careful what you entertain in your mind, because it is in the battles of the mind that determines what resides in our hearts and what resides in our hearts determines the destiny of our soul. WOW! When it Rain it Pours August 1, 2009 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5) Have you ever heard the saying when it rains it pours? I am sure at one point or another the words spewed from your lips with such discontent, that you gained sympathy from all who heard it. Car needs fixing, house is falling apart, kids are dealing with heartache, finances are a problem, people are walking out on you, and feelings are spiraling: depression, loss, anxiety, loneliness, and weakness and more. If you know the feeling, you are not alone. Too much is going on and at times, I feel like I am backed up against a wall. At least standing in the middle of the room, I can stand on my two feet and throw a jab or two back at my enemy, but up against the wall anxiety kicks in. Yet, this is what I know: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Backed up against the wall this is what I acknowledge, that my God is great and has not forsaken me. I will praise and exalt him in this storm. See when I stood in the middle of the room, I could throw a jab or two, but up against the wall, where I think all is at a loss, that's when I get on my knees and turn to my God. This is where my arrogance is broken: "I can't do it". This is where my pride is swallowed: "I need you God". This is where his Glory is revealed: "I am weak". This is where my path becomes straight, because its not me, but He who shines through me. Today if you feel this is you, if you're backed up against the wall, join me in prayer. Get on your knees and pray, and cry a battle cry, for today we may weep, but joy comes in the morning. See! When it rains, it does pour. Its healing rain! It is just like pouring alcohol on an open wound, it hurts but it flushes out all the harmful bacteria. Get ready for a new and improved you! God is here and he is working in you! Lord we praise you, we adore you almighty God! I ask Lord that you bless my brothers and sisters in this time of trial, provide in their time of need, and pour down your healing rain. Let the flood gates of heaven open and pour down like rain. In Jesus name we pray, Amen! To God be all the Glory!  Trying vs. Training July 1, 2009 Monthly Devotional "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 Take a moment and imagine there was a knock at your door and when you opened it, there was a team of scientist and news reporters snapping pictures ready to print the headline in tomorrow's paper, "The next Olympic Star". Then the scientists walk over and say, "We pulled your birth records and studied your DNA, and you have what it takes to win the next Olympic race". When I was asked this question I said, "I guess I could try, but reality is all the trying in the world will not make me win this race, regardless of the DNA structure of a winner, I will have to train and prepare myself for the race. If I get up there now, I am just going to fall over out of breath in only a quarter of half the lap. I'm not ready". This is how it is in our spiritual life. We are taught
repeatedly as Christians that we need to be Christ-like. However, not all the trying in the world is going to help, it requires
training. That is why Paul writes about running the good race, and he tells Timothy to train. "Have nothing to do with
godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly" 1 Timothy 4:7 The bible says we are all conquerors, however how many of us are ready. I do not even want to ask, how many are trying without the training. My son is on his eighth year of baseball and spends a lot of my money at the batting cage. He amazes me when he makes contact with a ball pitched at 85 mph. However, he pointed out an interesting point to me one day when he got out of the cage not taking any pride in the hits. He said, "Mom I don't get any points or recognition in the batting cage, it's on the field with the pressure of the world watching you, where I will get an agents attention". This is why he disciplines himself with the daily workouts, all his reading material is on baseball, and he surrounds himself with people who have the same passion. There is a lesson to learn from this teenager. Discipline is not a restriction it is an aid to freedom. Track stars get the glory of the gold with discipline. A ball player smiles at his homerun because of the discipline. Now imagine if you disciplined yourself in training. Let us embrace this summer sun with training. The best start to your training; read your bible. To God be all the Glory! June 1, 2009 Discipline He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Proverbs 5:23 It's real easy to indulge. You know what's really hard, dieting! Everyday I'm counting calories, running with my daughter at the park 2-3 miles, and my supermarket shopping goals are to avoid taking the kids with me, and stay away from the junk food. But it's worth it. When I stick to it, I feel disciplined. But in all honesty, it's an ongoing battle for me because I love to eat. At one time, shortly after I had my son I found it really difficult to exercise will power let alone exercise. I put on a lot of weight, and didn't have the strength to even go shopping because it depressed me that things didn't look right or didn't come in my size. Then I met the plus size dept that got trendier as time went by, so why loose the weight? Then I met woman my size that were recruiting for the "hate thin woman" club. And they made me feel good about myself. I felt like I was starting a new breed of woman. They even pointed out the pressure's woman face to stay thin to keep up with what society says is beautiful. But was it healthy to stay overweight? No Kind of like our spiritual life. It's real easy to indulge, and once you indulge and put on the extra pounds (guilt) you look for what makes you feel good about yourself. Then you join the clubs that make your guilt your crown of honor. Does it make it right? It's a temporary acceptance into a fallen world and at the end of the day you find yourself somewhere you don't want to be. I currently have a group of friends who meet with me two to three times a week to go for a jog in the park. Some run, some jog, some walk, some cry the entire time. But regardless they are there trying. It's hilarious to see someone start then when they quit, the following week they come back and say, "I had results, and can I come with you guys again". The result is freedom from the chains of their self perception. Some gain confidence, some just love the company of someone encouraging them; some really are motivated and pleased that they recruit others. Doesn't that sound like when we start our walk with Christ? Life is like dieting, it's easy to
indulge in sinful pleasures, because they feel good for the moment, but in the end your mind, body and spirit are carrying
too much weight for it to handle. Discipline is not a restriction; it's an aid to freedom. An obstacle is what you see when
you take your eyes off the goal. Stay focused and run the good race. To God be all the Glory! God
got mail May 2009 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 I love to sit and look and find the links that weave us all together like a blanket. And it’s our acts that link us together in one shape or form. It could be a woman singing, that sends a message to the heart of someone suffering. It could be the man who shares his testimony that offers a hopeless soul, hope through his message. It could be the sister who offers a home cooked meal to a stranger as her message. It could be the smile of a passer by, that makes your heart smile at the thought that this world is not all bad, another message. And the sender of the gift has no idea the impact they made on the recipients end. Did you ever get a text message that spoke to you? Or a forwarded email that gave you the encouragement you needed all at the right time? Those who hit send or forward on that electronic mail are sending a message that links us to our creator. They play their role in doing what they do best. One day I came home to find my screen door was fixed. No note or hints to whom may have fixed it. I found out months later that one of the retired men in our church fixed it. But that day, for me it was a message from God. In the midst of my worries in the many things I needed to fix God’s grace was administered through, Angel who’s gift is fixing things. God used Angel to answer my prayer and show His grace. Think for a second how many times you didn’t act. Could we have been an obstacle in someone’s answer? Each one of us has a gift. How are you using your gift? If you sing, and the only one that hears you is the shower than you’re not administering God’s grace. If you’re good at computers but you only work on your own, again not administering. You don’t have to be a pastor, evangelist, prophet, or theologian to administer God’s grace. All you have to do is be the best of who you are with the gift God gave you. You may think of yourself as insignificant but in reality you play a much larger role to the Grand weaver’s blanket. It’s through these acts that weave a warm blanket of love for those who live in a cold world. You’re simply the messenger. I don’t know about you but if I send mail and it’s not delivered and it’s important, not only am I angry but the recipient of my mailing is negatively impacted. Are you catching it? It’s important to deliver God’s mail. Be His love letter that’s how we blanket the world with love. To God be all the Glory! Zaibel Martinez/Communicatiors Director Brush
it off and Get up and walk
April 2009 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” Proverbs 11:2
Thank God my hands and arms were on my side and joined me in crawling to dry land. I have to say, although funny I didn’t like loosing control of “walking”. By the time I got to my desk, I had tears in my eyes more for frustration than pain. I know it sounds ridiculous but I was really angry at my feet. I felt they betrayed me and if I could I would replace them for making me victim to my enemy, black ice. But these are my only feet. Reflecting on my lack of control of my own feet, I can’t help but wonder how God feels about his? The church is representation of the Body of Christ, Christ being the head and “us” we represent various parts. And to my knowledge the church was perfect till we walked into it. So with that said I wonder how many times, the head made an intention to walk and the feet did not cooperate because they had fallen victim to the trap. I can tell you that when falling I worried about who was watching. That was my pride; I didn’t want to look like a fool. But I remember reading something CS Lewis once said, “Pride is the cancer that will rob us of our common sense”. This I can laugh at, but when it comes to my slips, falls, with scrapes and bruises in life, which I know was shameful, that’s not easy to laugh at. Pride doesn’t make it better, it makes it worse. So you fell down. No need to justify the fall, bring others down with you, or hide it. Everything done in the dark comes to the light anyway, so might as well be transparent. We all fall short of the glory, we all fall down, and we all struggle with various degrees of pride. And above all, we all need to take a lesson of humility. It’s not meant to break you, it’s meant to challenge you. Take you to the next level. Listen, if you went to God and he forgave you, under what authority does any other person have to tell you differently. Where were they when he created all? So tell yourself, like you tell a kid who fell down, “You can’t sit there forever, brush it off, get up and walk!” To God be all the Glory! Zaibel Martinez/Communications Director
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ITS TIME TO CALL DOWN FIRE FROM HEAVEN 
