The only one who has the power to heal your heart  and mind is the one who created it. He knows what you need. No self help book, inspirational music, or comedy will make you smile till you deal with it. He knows what you need to rid the pollution. He might not give you the answers your looking for, but he gives you the remedy. Only Him. To God be all the Glory!

"He made a way"

June- July 2012 

"When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." - Matthew 27: 50-51

What does this scripture mean? First let me remind you that the curtain was sixty feet tall and thirty feet wide. At one moment it was solid the next ripped in half. Why? This curtain is what seperated us, the sinners, from the Holy of Holies. For the Jews it mean that they didn't need a High Priest to go between them and God. No more animal sacrifices and no more barrier. For us? The same. We are welcomed to enter into God's presence any day, any time.
Sometimes we need a reminder that the barrier has been torn. Yes sin seperates us from God, but its not God walking away, its us. God knows what you did, what you have done, and what your about to do, yet still He loves you.
He loves you so much he tore the barrier DOWN. Making a way for salvation.

"THE WORTH IS FOUND IN HIS HANDS"  

APRIL/MAY 2012 ENCOURAGEMENT

"...He said, "Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel." Jeremiah 18:5

About a decade or more so ago, Michael Jordon signed a few basketballs as a gift to a few local bank branches here in CT. I remember the day the branch manager retired from one of the branches that had received a signed Michael Jordan basketball. She took the ball with her. I often log onto to various sites to see what the value of the ball is worth. As of today the price range runs from $400-$1,650. The ball is a regular Spalding ball worth, at most, $30.00. That means the worth of the ball is simply based on the fact that Michael Jordon held the ball in his hands and signed it to prove it. After all Michael Jordan happens to be one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. He has six Championship rings, five NBA MVP awards and a long list of records.

That means I can go to any sporting goods store and pick up any type of sports gear, have it signed by the most famed athlete of its type and more than quadruple the worth of it. Unbelievable, yet so true! Look it up.
So then I turn to the story of the Potter's House found in the book of Jeremiah and read how God instructs Jeremiah to go to the Potters House and watch him take marred clay and form it into a pot. Which at the time pots created out of clay carried a lot of value, and they were necessary to the people of the time. They were used for bathing, feeding, watering, holding wine, and much more. You needed clay pots in that era; and they were valuable to all who held them. It wasn't thrown around; it was treated with care because it was important to their lifestyles. Then God says, "Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?"

Incredible! If you think that a regular $30.00 Spalding ball value goes up to $1600.00 for sitting in Michael Jordan's hands. What do you think your worth is when placed in God's hands? God isn't retired; he is still very much in the game. He has credentials that go beyond what any record book can hold. His power surpasses any power known and unknown in the universe. He has more victories than any hero that lived on earth added all up together. His miracles from thousands of years ago are still under research and he still performs miracles today. He is the same today as he was yesterday, unyielding in love, forever faithful, all powerful, all knowing... THE ALPHA AND OMEGA. Wow.

Now... if you have given your life to Christ the molding of marred clay has begun. You have no idea how much your worth. PRICELESS. The worth is found in HIS hands. To God be all the Glory!

 FREEDOM

JAN-FEB 2012

Z.MARTINEZ

Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly"

God can make change happen. But God is not in gold little bottle waiting to be rubbed the right way to appear and grant you three wishes. It doesn't work that way. And let us not insult God in praying that way.

Yes God can do anything and everything. He can do the impossible. However- the possible... I must say he is expecting for you to take on. He is not your servant. He gave you incredible gifts, talents and abilities. Amongst one of them is a brain and HE wants you to use it. So the problem is not whether or not God can change you but if you're willing to change your mind about your situation. You can't make a request to be free from your situation, and make no effort to break yourself free.

Nothing will change, if nothing changes with you. Do you know how many people I hear praying for God to change them, but they won't let go of other people's opinions of them? Do you know how many addicts I have seen pray that they want to be free of their addiction, but they deliberately put themselves in temptations way.

When my kids want something, I don't do it for them, I teach them how to get it, keep it, and protect it. Do you not think God is a much better teacher than we are as parents?

It's not about what you keep going through over and over; it's about what you keep returning too. So it looks like you yourself have to make decisions to not return, decisions to not put yourself in temptations way. And I know it's easier said than done, this isn't something you can do alone. You're going to need God. People might have given up on you already, but God hasn't and won't. The Psalmist wrote "Many are they, who say of me,'..."There is not help for him in God."...But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice and he Heard me" Psalms 3:2-4.

Pray the prayer, "turn me back to you O Lord and I will be restored" Speak it in faith, and all the impossibilities of your situation will change, and you will learn, and you will be set free.

When I'm a afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalms 56:3

Ever been afraid? Ever go through the endless and countless worst scenarios in your head and only drive yourself insane with fear. Its inward pollution. Satan doesn't go around kicking dead horses; you're not a threat to his kingdom when your mind is polluted. This is something you yourself have to discipline yourself to change.

So how does one deal with fear? Let's look at Jesus when he had to face the crucifixion. What did he do? He took his fear to his father. We should do the same with ours. Take it to the Garden of Gethsemane, and be honest, and if you have to cry, pound the ground, and sweat blood this is the place for it, its allowed. Even Jesus was honest "Take this cup". Tell God everything, tell him about the heart break, tell him about your disappointments, tell him about the betrayal, and tell him the details of the drama you wish never came to pass. He has plenty of time and plenty of compassion.

He is not going to tell you to suck it up, or toughen up. He really wants to listen to you, because when you pour it all out to him, your hearts opens the well spring of life, where he can step in and plant seeds. No more secrets, no more shame. Don't feel like a hypocrite either in going to Him. To believe in Him but not meets the expectations of the laws in his word, is not hypocrisy its humanity. Hypocrisy isn't when you fall short, it's when you deliberately are trying to be someone your not. God knows who you are, you can't hide from him.
The only one who has the power to heal your heart and mind is the one who created it. He knows what you need. No self help book, inspirational music, or comedy will make you smile till you deal with it. He knows what you need to rid the pollution. He might not give you the answers your looking for, but he gives you the remedy. Only Him. To God be all the Glory!

Do I have any worth?

Nov 2011

Worried

SEPT/OCT 2011 Z.Martinez

"Do not... be anxious about tomorrow..."Matthew 6:34 AMP

"Transformation in biblical terms entails God's faithfulness and not human perfection. Noah got drunk; Abraham lied twice about Sarah being his sister; Gideon became an idolater; Samson failed to honor his vows; David committed adultery; Paul and Barnabus argued over John Mark and went their separate ways; the disciples of Jesus all left him in his moment of need and fled. The psalmist alerts us to the fact that God is not ignorant about humanity's humble condition: "For God knows what we are made of; God is mindful that we are but dust." Yet in spite of this dusty substance, God is at work in and through flawed individuals."- Margaret Manning

Wow, I don't think I could've said it better than she did. So if God knows what he is dealing with, then why is it that when he calls us he gets excuses?
"I am not worthy"
"I can't handle that responsibility"
"Do you know what will be expected of me if I publicly take that stance, judgment will follow me?"
"What if people learn about my past and I'm leading this ministry?"

Be courageous and if they question why you, tell them, "I don't know ask God, he's the one who called me. Take it up with him if you have a problem". If he called you, even if you don't have what it takes, get in position. It means he is going to change you. To God be the Glory!

How Long do I have to put up with you?

July 2011 by Z. Martinez  

Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. Matthew 5:44

Love isn't easy for you and it sure isn't easy for me. But you know what I found interesting? I found out it wasn't for Jesus either. If you go to Mark 9:19 you can hear Jesus frustration with the people, "You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you?"

"How long must I put up with you?"

That's a phrase I have said in my mind to my kids but bite my tongue on voicing it. How long?
Well let's see... Long enough to be accused by the Pharisees of being the enemy. Long enough to be called crazy and a liar. Long enough to watch his friend betray him with a kiss. Long enough to hear the rooster crow and know his beloved denied him. Long enough to endure the accusations from the very people he loves. Long enough to be questioned as a criminal although he did nothing wrong. Long enough to be beaten, mistreated and abused and he did nothing to deserve such treatment. Long enough to carry the sins of the world on a sinless soul.

Long enough to kill him.

Do you ever feel this way? "How long do I have to put up with this nonsense?"  "How long do I have to put up with this drama?" Yet the only reason you're in that mess is because there is someone you love enough to stick with it. It could be the drama your kids bring home. It could be your spouse that makes life difficult. Or it could be the very person you look at in the mirror that you can't deal with and your saying, how long do I have to put up with you?
Love is not easy. And the reality is that we will be doing this till it kills us. But here is a reality many overlook. Jesus did it and it killed him, but there was a resurrection. I know what you're thinking... I'm not Jesus I'm not going to be raised from the dead. Your right, but the seeds you plant secure the future for your loved ones. And it's not a seed that produces a tomato that you pluck and eat it and its gone. It's a seed that will take time, which will require patience and feeding and when it grows it can't be plucked. It's a strong oak tree that your great grandchildren will hang their swings on, because it's secure. Security for your family because you planted today with Love.

Jesus did it for us, and his word outlives the grave. Your sacrifice today will outlive the grave. Your love and the seeds you plant will be strong oak trees that will outlive you. It will be the legacy you leave. Stay encouraged, Love isn't easy.

To God be all the Glory!

What are you doing here?

June 2011 

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD" he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died" 1 Kings 19:4

I recently had to face a beautiful teenager. She wasn't just any teenager; she is the light and inspiration of her growing youth group. She was so inspired that she carried a piano, a guitar and an amp to and from church teaching the kids to play so they could start a worship band. Her youth group occasionally came to fellowship with our church's youth group and on one night I saw this young man who declared with pride that he didn't believe in God, that he knows all about him through his readings that he was just there with this girl. This boys up bringing was in China, so I understood his position. Two weeks later our youth groups meet again and the Chinese boy was declaring how much he loves God.
Then I was hit with the news that this young girl who seemed a pillar for this youth group, who lead unbelievers to believe through her love was in the hospital because she tried to commit suicide. Sometimes we look at our leaders and see them as such a strong voice of encouragement that we fail to remember they need encouragement too. The scripture above is the voice of Elijah, who had just slained 400 prophets of Baal, who was feed by the ravens in the wilderness, who survived on a poor widows flour and oil in the midst of a three year drought, who witness and was the vessel of miracles and here he was in 1 Kings 19:4 wanting to die.

Elijah was an ordinary human being and so was this girl. So imagine the torment of the youth group who was inspired by her. They thought well if she can't handle it neither can I. Some were just left in confusion and didn't know what to do. So what do you do? If you read further while Elijah is on the ground tired, exhausted and filled with anxiety, depression and so forth he lies down to close his eyes. I guess hoping to never wake up, or maybe he just felt safer in his dreams than he did in reality. But then the Angel of the Lord appeared and woke him up. But here is the interesting part, the Angel of the LORD didn't wake him up and give him advice, counsel, or correction. No he woke him up to eat.
When people are hurting, they are not in the state of mind to receive anything. Don't you see, their mind is not in the position to face anything. They need to be nursed to good health. For some it could be the love they felt deprived of, that's their spiritual food. Others need encouragement or just a sense of not feeling alone. Just be there like God was there. Pray for your leaders, they get discouraged too; they are human and need all the necessities you need. Read the story of Elijah when you get time, the part I love the most is when God says, "Elijah, what are you doing here?" And soon enough that young girl will get there too, and it should be God's voice she hears, not ours. And when those who are suffering are faced with the question they will have to evaluate themselves, they won't need a psychiatrist to evaluate them. Once God speaks things change and are never the same, including the anxiety and the depression.

Pray for your leaders, and should they fall realize you were never following them. I don't follow Elijah, I follow the God who Elijah was obedient to. Therefore his discouragement, despite all he saw and lived, should not discourage me. Nor should someone's fall discourage you. If your sad, I hope this devotional feeds you and if you know someone who is suffering feed them to good health.

May 2011

Hello ladies,
Did you ever wake up in the morning and just feel ugly. Be real with me. You take a hard look in the mirror and you could honestly see the superficial beauty that the makeup provides and get the right hair style and still see something you don't like and suddenly your eyes lost shine and the bags under your eyes are more evident than ever and your smile lines are now wrinkles of despair.

Have a wonderful day!

"God's business is putting things right" Psalm 11:7

Let Him cover you.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Cor 5:7 KJV

March 2011

A Love that does not disapoint 

Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalms 6:4

Feb 2011
So Love is in the air once again. Everyone is out looking for a Valentine, or if they have one already looking for a gift. Love, in my opinion, is built into our DNA. There is no escaping the desire to love and be loved. So when we travel through scripture at times an old story takes on a new perspective, like the book of Job.
The book of Job is definitely a page turner. Especially when you feel the weight of life's trials weighing heavy on you. I wondered what was the authors point in writing this story? What was the theology of the time for him to put so much emphasis on the tortuous events of Jobs life?
Job was a righteous man, he spent his time encouraging everyone who crossed his path and building up the lives of those who were hurting. He, in the best of his ability, had come to point of understanding just enough to fall in love with God and praise him even through the storms. And in my opinion God knew that. I can imagine the relationship by comparing it to the relationship I have with my mother. She is a woman I hold near and dear to my heart and (even in her shortcomings to me) she could do no wrong. I will love her when she is good to me and I will love her when she is not good to me. And I believe this is what the author was targeting to his audience when he committed the words to paper.
Today the misconception is that when you worship God you should be under God's protection therefore you will not deal with suffering. And even Jesus himself said that the world brings suffering. The bible makes no promise that life will be great when you turn your life to God. But it does promise that God will be your shield when life throws arrows at you, not that he will stop the world from throwing arrows at you. The bible says, God will give you peace during your times of trials, not that he will remove the trials.
In the end of this wonderful book I have to ask, "If this happened to me, will I still love God?" Job did. Everything was returned to him but he didn't know what the future held. Neither do we, so can you in the midst of all that trouble not knowing if there is a reward after the trial, love your creator? If not than you can't say you love God or know God for that matter. In the midst of that decision you can distinguish if God is your God, or if he is just another character you read about.
Take this time, now that Love is in the air, to evaluate where your heart is. Do you truly love God? If you think you don't, don't be discouraged. You just have to get to know Him. Let your bible introduce His story, His son, and His love. You will find that in your difficult moments, in your lonely moments, in your hurting moments, in every moment He is present and comforting and renews strength just when you need it. And Lord knows we need it right?
But the greatest part of it all is that if you think about how he loves us, you don't have time to maintain regrets, or feel insecure, or lonely, or depressed, or discouraged because He really loves us. He never disappoints.
This Love does not disapoint

FIX THE FIGHT

Z. Martinez Jan 2011 

"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. " Galatians 5:17

I read a horrifying article of a man who raised dogs to fight. Over time his dog fighting events gained popularity and gamblers were coming in from all over to place their bets on what dog would win. Even the mastermind behind the horrifying scheme had managed to make a pretty penny on fixing the matches so he always won. But how do you fix a dog fight? You can't tell one dog to not defend itself and when they grow up vicious there really is little obedience training involved, so how did he manage to "fix" the fights? A few days before the fight was scheduled he would simply not feed the dog. The dog would be too weak to fight and consequently lose in battle.

This is how it is in your spiritual walk. Paul describes how there is a constant battle between the spirit and flesh. Have you ever wanted something so much but you knew it wasn't yours to have? Did you ever want something that was unhealthy? Did you ever want something that is morally wrong? These are examples of the war that wages within us all. We can all acknowledge the rights and wrongs of the situation and declare with confidence that "its wrong" and you will never do that. But even Paul warned those that claimed would not fall, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1 Cor. 10:12 The reality is we all fall short of even our own expectations. They are humbling experiences nonetheless.

1. So what is one to do? Take the strategic move above to increase your chances of success. Don't feed the flesh. How does one do this? Feed the Spirit:
   First step is to remove your self from the situation, take a step back. You need time with God who can give you guidance in this fight. Think of it like going to your corner to your coach for outside perspective on how to win.
2. Pray- Even when you don't know the words, trust that the Spirit intercedes for you. Romans 8:26. What would you say if God stood before you- tell Him.
3. Fast- Abel's sacrifice was an act of hard work, he didn't pluck from the ground and call it a day, he chose the best which took time and slaughtered, which took action, he then put it on the offering table. Show God your serious and your ready to slain the best of yourself to get closer to Him.
4. Worship- Believe it or not you worship all day. You worship your favorite artist, authors, athletes, and teams. You were built to worship and you don't even know it. But worship properly directed is a recharge of our batteries, flooding joy and peace during difficult times.

I can't say it better than how Paul said it, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18. There are many that would love to see you fail, but God wants you to succeed and you can fix the fight to make sure of it! To God be all the Glory!

What is this season all about?

 Why does HE let this happen?

10/01/2010- Zaibel Martinez

 

"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24

When I was a kid there was actually a song made of this scripture. Such a simple song with a powerful meaning, but there was something I failed to notice and reading it again today I noticed.

Any one who grew up in Sunday school knew that the moral of the song was to," build your house upon the Lord Jesus Christ". That was how the song ended. Then, "the blessings will come down and the praises will go up", and as a kid I thought that is what it is, blessings. When it rained, I should be happy because I stand on the rock.

Well... now I am all grown up, at least that is what I would like to believe and when it rains, I do not particularly like it. Nevertheless, I get it. What I found today is in verse 25 "and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house..."

If you envision it as an adult removing the sunglasses of an 8 year old, who once upon a time envisioned rain drops of sunshine or skittles, you realize this rain doesn't look or feel like blessings.

Whether you build on the rock or sand, the rains will come, the floods will rise and the winds will beat on your spirits. People put so much emphasis on how the house stood and that is great, but there is a story to the glory. How does any good carpenter truly test his workmanship without putting it to the test? The reality is that a good carpenter knows how much his work can withstand. Take it from the daughter of a carpenter. My dad could look at wooden chairs, examine it and say, "Not good, poor workmanship, it won't last". So keep that in mind when the rain comes. God knows what you can and cannot handle. That should be enough encouragement there alone.

There are times where I feel completely torn apart by the winds, and I wonder why would He let this happen. Then reality seeps in when I turn to the word of God. Let's take accountability for our actions, this world is a mess and it's our fault and our sins are having a chemical reaction with other's sin. The world around is one big combustions of chemicals and everyone is being burned and we want to blame God. That is our fault and He is such a gentleman he steps aside and lets us be us, even when in the end it hurts Him and our innocent loved ones.

Storms are inevitable, but ... And I cannot understand why, He pours his grace on us. He gives us the word, and at this point, you can put emphasis on the glory. You are not going to fall. He designed you, he knows what you can handle and he anticipated and saw your enemies coming. Moreover, because you know Him, because you know his word, because you are obedient to his word, the rain will descend, the floods will come, the winds will blow and beat on you but you will not fall for you stand on the ROCK OF SALVATION. To God be all the Glory!

 

  A CLEAN HOUSE

SEPT 2010

"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:16-17).

People are under the impression that to go to church they need to fix a few things. Probably their living arrangement, but when that gets fixed, its their lifestyle, and if a piece of that is fixed, it's the other part they fear tackling, or don't want to give up. There is a multitude of reasons. Some will actually swallow their pride and upon entering the doors, they feel judged immediately, convicted by no one other than himself or herself.

"I know who I am, Im a hypocrite trying to play the part of a Christian"

"I wonder if anyone here knows who I am or what I have done"

"Would I be accepted if they knew everything?"

Question after question surfaces, and before you know it the sermon is done and all they can remember was the pain in their hearts and the questions in their heads. Then there are those who are already in the church, but want to find an excuse not to go because their sins weigh heavy on their conscious. All of this, is the root of the famous phrase, "I will go to him when I'm ready". However, reality check, you're not ready to take that on alone.

Here was a man who was caught in an adulterous scandal, the mastermind to the murder of a loyal soldier, and he justified it all in his head and heart to the point of no recognition. He probably thought he deserved what he desired and as king, he could have it. Maybe he thought he was in love. I think of those who have experienced some type of adultery and the one thing I hear often is, "Don't I deserve to be happy"

However, the consequences of seeking our own pleasures soon are exposed to those around us, and we run from taking accountability to what we thought was our happiness. If its really happiness, why is it hidden? Lives have changed forever, and the heart now shattered and we sit in the beds we made and wonder, "How did I get here" Can we face God after our sin, do we need to fix it before we go to him? Why does our heart, which once desired the sin, now, bleed and pull at our moral fabric and break us before the presence of God. Why?

Lucky for us God does not want us to get what we deserve. Actually, shattered lives ready for love do not escape God's notice. Men despise which is broken, but God looks at it with the pottery hands waiting to be called, ready to mold you back into shape. We do not need to get it right before visiting God, we just have to get the confession right. Go to him messed up as you are and say, "I messed up, I don't know how to fix this, I don't know how to face you, but my heart pains to get it right and I know I can't, but I know you can breathe into me new life. I need love, real love. I need strength and guidance. I'm broken God and I'm returning to my creator who knows how to rebuild me and make me new. I'm so sorry, I don't want my sin anymore, I want you, I will give all of me to you."

God has been waiting. Open the door and let Christ in to clean house. To God be all the Glory! 

---

The 911 call

August 2010

"May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands," Psalm 149:6

Last night I went to the firehouse; I was there with my kids and we were honored with a tour of the firehouse. Within in an hour I was flooded with so much information. This was no regular tour. I was particularly impressed with the Rescue truck. At one point, the fireman pulled this cutting machine from the back and said, "You know how diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, well touch the tip of this blade, don't worry it won't cut you... the blade tip is made of diamonds this can cut through concrete".

Then we went to the back and met a few of the other firefighters who were kind enough to share with us the pranks and scares of their lives in the firehouse. Although we laughed, when the night ended we retrieved to our vehicle worried for the night the firefighters would have. Recently Bridgeport lost two firefighters, one who happened to be a veteran and one of the finest. They spoke of him as if he was the cream of the crop. The other a rookie, however this rookie entered a fire looking for a life to save. Our hearts were heavy, as we left not knowing what tomorrow would bring for each firefighter.

Today over 10,000 firefighters are walking in honor of those they lost. Why do I share this story? Because, although they fight, although they made mistakes that literally burned other firefighters, they acknowledged each other as family. Their bond was incredible to witness, their passion to save lives, courageous and their knowledge of what it takes to save lives phenomenal.

Fireman Isaiah said, "these skills are called perishable skills if you don't practice it you lose it" He also noted that when someone makes a 911 call it's because they have faith that without a shadow of a doubt these men and women who show up to the scene are going to save them. They have been trained and equipped to rescue.

Then I thought if only all the people of the congregations could be this way. Imagine walking through the fires together feeling comfortable you are not alone in the flames of life. Imagine feeling short of air but not worrying because in moments your brother and sister was on the roof piercing holes in it just so you could see and breath. Imagine moments without fires, but you get up in the morning preparing and practicing for the next battles life may throw at you, so you are prepared. Imagine that even when the world around you collapsed and you are below the concrete, that someone would come to you with the word, the hardest substance in the universe, which will cut through it and set you free.... Imagine.

If you're reading this, I need to inform you that you are the church. You are the firefighter; have you been training? Are you ready for when you are called on, like a 911 call; will you be ready? If not, begin training now. Don't wait for a fatality to know your role in the home, firefighters never do. They are always prepared to walk together. See why congregating is important? Are you ready?

In honor of our Firefighters. To God be all the Glory!

 

"Do not fear for I am with you, Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you"Isaiah 41:10  

We have a lot of freedom, and I'm not talking about the freedom that comes with being an American citizen. I am talking about the freedom we have just being us. We have our own thoughts, our own perspectives our own way of showing love. And we are free to think what we want when we want and act on what we want. We can shut our mouths but our hearts still speak.

Then there are our actions, the actions we justify with our hearts.

I spoke with a friend of mine recently who was having a hard time finding a church, yet he had a friend who is a Church leader. So I asked, "Why don't you go to his church?" His response, "We went out one time to talk and stopped at a restaurant, it was hot and he ordered a beer. I don't know about him, I just lost respect for him. I didn't think church leaders could do that". After questioning him for a few minutes I discovered that the church leader didn't get drunk, he just had a few sips of one beer on a hot day. I'm not justifying the leader's actions, but I'm sure the church leader would have, if questioned.

Take a moment to reflect on your actions. Could your actions be wrongly perceived by someone else? My friend didn't ask his friend the church leader anything or express to him how he felt about what had happened. No communication has happened between the two and the church leader does not know why he won't go to his church. The blessing of God sits across the street from him and he refuses to attend because he feels that this church leader, the one of many in the church, is a hypocrite.

That's what Paul is talking about in this scripture. I know the famous saying, "You shouldn't care what people think" but you should care if it causes them to stumble. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we are not all at the same level of understanding.

Fortunately God doesn't grade us on our understanding, but he does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer to be thrown off track or confused. It might even mess up the conscious of the believer in what is right and wrong. See my friend came from a home of alcohol abuse, to him its wrong on all levels, now he is confused because he saw the leader sip from a beer, the same type of beer that destroyed his home years before.

The argument could go on forever on who was right and who was wrong. And you and I will say, "it's not a big deal" but put yourself in the predicament. Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up on what ever it is that causes your friend to question who you are.

It makes a difference when you risk your friend's salvation. Use sound judgment in your actions. To God be all the Glory!

Freedom comes with Responsibility

Happy 4th of July!

• While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice form the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”Matthew 17:5 

• “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” John 17:20 
• I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: John 17:22 

• Jesus prayed before his baptism, Luke 3:21
• Jesus prayed before he chose his disciples Luke 6: 12-13
• Jesus prayed before he suffered Mark 14:32
• Jesus prayed before he was transfigured Matthew 17: 1-5 

Our society cries for unity. A united nation, a united home, a united family. I hear of those who divorce because their spouse was not “godly” yet a godly person would not abandon the lost sheep. God didn’t give up on us.  Listen up… we are selfish and self-centered traditionalist. We follow our religious order and practice and pray. But we forgot to listen. We spew words from our lips revealing the depths of our heart and asking God to clean us up. God is not a janitor and we shouldn’t treat Him as such, but he will guide us in the clean up. Therefore I ask, when instructions come are you listening? Or are you doing all the talking in your relationship with God?  Maybe God is trying to stop us while were still speaking, envelope us and say something “listen”. To God be all the Glory

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Love is in the air!

February 2010- Z.Martinez

So what a perfect time to remind everyone what Love is.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Are you complaining about how someone disappointed you? How long is the list of the "keepin score" of how much you give? Or are you keeping score of the "mess ups"? Are you taking some delight inside of how the person who hurt you is now hurting?

John 15:12 "Love each other as I have loved you"

So let me ask you, how would Jesus handle this? Let's start with his disciples, His closest friends. They proved to be unreliable in his time of need. I recall in my readings that in his most tragic hour Jesus wanted his friends to pray with Him, and they fell asleep. Thomas doubted him, Peter denied him, and Judas betrayed him. Yet he forgave them and loved them anyway. "Having loved his own...he loved them unto the end (John 13:1)

Special note: Jesus did not love them because they were worthy of His love, He loved them because his love made them worthy. Isn't love grand!

You know what dumbfounds me? That God loves me. That with all my mess ups, my disillusioned mind sets at times, my imperfections, the wickedness I hide inside, he still loves me. I don't have to pretend to be anyone, nor hide my true inner feelings. And don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Have you ever been in a situation where you know what is right, and you do it, but your heart is in rage and demanding revenge? You don't act so, you're proud of yourself but if others could see what's really going on inside, I don't think anyone would stick around, they would be scared of you. But yet God still loves us. Go figure.

Therefore before we act in anger, let's remember God's grace. Use His son as an example, who loved those enough to make them worthy. His love makes you worthy. To God be all the Glory!

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THE NEW YOU

January 2010- Z. Martinez

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

I want to share something that helped me. See I know who I am, and I know who my parents are and their parents. I know the struggles that to me at times seem like generational curses. For a good while reflecting on my past brought more pain than good, till I read this story.

There was this man who was born in a difficult time. His grandfather was a murderer who sacrificed his own children for rituals, and his dad was a man who had no respect for the house of God, so he ravaged them and made fun of believers. His dad was only twenty four when he was killed, by his own friends. This guy was born in a time where prostitutes sold themselves, not outside, but in the house of worship. And if someone in the community was sick they would call on wizards to cure their diseases with chants.

Could you imagine walking in this man's shoes, his grandfather followed black magic and his dad was just no good, and to top it all off the nation was corrupt. The people assumed he would be just like his daddy. But they were wrong. This young man flipped through his family scrap book till he found himself an ancestor worth following and said, "I'm going to be like him".

We can't choose our family, but we can choose whom to follow. This is the story of King Josiah who chose to follow King David. Josiah had found the God of David and made Him his God. The world has known many Kings of wisdom, and strength, but this was a King of courage. He defied the odds, broke the trend and reformed a nation. Maybe it was for this very reason God sent him to be born in that difficult time, to such a dysfunctional family.

I can't imagine that Josiah grew up feeling overwhelmed with love. How about you? Do think if you grew up in a different home, with a different family things would be different? Do you excuse your own bad habits and rough exterior on those you claim to have "molded you this way".

One of God greatest gifts is the gift of free will. I refuse to give the glory to those who try to oppress me, those who tried to destroy me or "mold" me.

If they aim to steal your joy, aim to smile in the face of your oppressor. If they aim to steal your value, let them know that you traveled up your family line and found yourself face to face with God. Then remind them that anyone who comes face to face with God can't walk away unchanged. This is a new year, a new beginning, a new change. To God be all the Glory!

November 6,2009

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalms 56:8 KJV

You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book Psalms 56:8 Message Bible

I was watching TV one day and saw one of those specials where they were opening ancient tombs and in one of the tombs, there was a great amount of jars. The archeologist explained that in that time during the time of mourning everyone would cry his or her tears into a bottle. Then they would put the jars in the tomb, so in the event the person would wake, in the afterlife, they would know they were loved. The more jars the more important you are.

Then I opened a magazine article of a crime that was solved due to the DNA found in a puddle of tears.

There is something important to learn about our tears.

Your tears are unique, they carry your signature, and with every tear, it leaves a humble message, “I was here, and my pain was real”.

Every time you shed tears, God seizes each one in a bottle. Reflect for a moment and just try to contemplate counting each painful moment that brought tears to your eyes? Now think about the current pain your enduring. Now think about how lonely you feel in this pain, and how no one seems to care. How life around you continues while your life feels at a standstill and you cannot seem to find healing, sympathy or love.

Now come back to reality and read Psalm 56:8 aloud.

How important are you? Apparently very important, because each tear is accounted for. How loved are you? Apparently very much, because God has a record of every ache. When you see the bottles of your tears lined up against the wall it will seem endless and you will not be able to say, “They can’t all be mine”, because each bottle is sealed with your DNA to make sure there is no confusion.

You are important; you are loved!

Lord, only you can see the heart of us all. You have been here and continue to be here. You capture every tear and record every heartache your child suffers. I ask that you give us courage in the midst of chaos, memory of your words in the midst of loneliness, love in the moments of persecution, and healing in the midst of brokenness. Help us love one another as a sign of Your great love. For we are never alone.   To God be all the glory! Amen

Why do I seek Love? 

October 2, 2009

    ³¹" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

I had no intent on publishing this but after sharing it with a dear friend I was encouraged to do so.  

Ever feel like people just don’t want you to forget your past? They honestly think you need a reminder of what you already carry as shame. It frustrates me when I hear someone talking about another person in church.

“hmm… I know where he was last week… and it sure wasn’t Christ like”

“That girl ministering; I know her history… I don’t know who she thinks she is trying to help people. ”

“That sermon was great but I wonder if that Pastor practices what he preaches”

“Behind the pulpit, they are one thing, I want to know what they are like behind the scenes”

First of all you don’t need to be behind a pulpit to pull someone out of the pit, but talking like this isn’t going to help anyone. Reputations are hard to break. It seems like people don’t want you to forget who you once were. But I emphasize the word “were”.  Every day we are TRAINING to be Christians. The real deal, is a big deal, and it doesn’t come over night. It takes training, not trying, training. We are going to make mistakes, stumble, and come across some shameful moments. That’s why Paul warns those that feel they are walking straight, that they too can fall.

Yesterday is over, today is a new day to walk in a new light and the God of the infinite universe knows how sincere you are in your change. To God be all the Glory!

September 19,2009
"Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham." Galatians 3:7 NIV

"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent" Acts 13:26

Every morning I tell my kids "remember who you are". There are times where I do not get the opportunity to say it and they respond with, "I know remember who I am". However, recently I said it to someone else and he wrote me a text message saying, "You say that all the time, who am I?"

My heart was saddened by the question. I'm sure there are many more people out there wondering who they are. The truth of the matter is that until you know why God created you, and what purpose God has for you, you will never experience true joy.
The desires of your heart he instilled in you, all to drive the passion of the movement to bring Him Glory.

How can God's handy work be put into play in a people who do not understand who they are. There are people out there who do not know or understand their worth.

I wish I could stand amongst the congregation that Paul and Barnabas spoke to when the Jews became furious for their preaching the good news to the Gentiles. It says,
'I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. "

Maybe we could carry the same appreciation today. If we knew that God held us all in the depths of his heart. If we knew that the desires within us were created by his hands, so we could be a people of progress and success. If we knew that no matter the mistakes, "God always gives us the grace we need" 1Peter 5:10. That for every tempted window He provides an escape. That we were created to have victory to bring Him Glory. That through Him all things are possible. That He is our provider, and our peace. That we have a chance and a choice for salvation. That the promise of love is within our grasp. That the God of the infinite universe is giving us the liberty to choose him. If we only knew.

Then we would remember who we are; then we would be able to move without doubt. Remember who you are! To God be all the Glory

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

I read a story recently of a man who sent a post card to his wife. The post card was of two people embracing with a promise written on the back, "I will write again". Although the story may seem common to the ear, the surprise is that the post card was once lost and discovered and delivered 82 years later with a one-cent stamp. The Postmaster believed that it would be a good keepsake for the family, however sadly not one member in the family lives today.

82 years later this man's love whispers beyond the grave, letting all who know the love story he shared with his wife. Paul writes in Corinthians that when the dust settles what remains is faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:8,13

We all wither away and come to our ends, but love screams beyond grave; a legacy never forgotten. So is the word of God. Thousands of years, under attack but still speaking. The problem lies within ourselves as when chaos hits we close our eyes, cover our ears, and silence our hearts until they are cold. One can complain of all the atrocities that surround us, but what do you do when the evil is within your own heart? The heart can not exalt what the mind rejects and when chaos finds its way tramping our hearts, the first thing our mind does is rejects. "No" "this can't be happening"

So much has happened within the past few days. Chaos, disappointment, heartache, betrayal and as the dust settles I am looking and wondering where is God. I know I am not alone in the sentiment. This is why I write, so as you read you know you are not alone. The voice of one can shed light onto what another feels is darkness. In Song of Songs Solomon states, "For love is as strong as death". Song of Solomon 8:6

There was a play written some time ago of Lazarus who laughs. The story was of a man who threatens to kill Lazarus and Lazarus responds with laughter upsetting the man who threatens him.  Eventually the man is fed up and says to Lazarus if he laughs one more time, he is going to kill him. Again, Lazarus cracks up hysterically in his persecutors face and responds with, "haven't you heard death is dead". See Lazarus knew death; he was there and was resurrected by the hand that is the very essence of love. I guess you cannot scare a man who knows first hand what death is. Or should I say what LOVE is?

We have all heard sin brings forth death, but note Lazarus was dead. As a matter of fact his body had already begun to decompose. The air carried the stench of death, there was no doubt, and he was indeed dead. But Love came along and changed that.

No matter the circumstance or the consequence or the reality of what one will live. The point is "one will live". No matter the error that brought forth death in the spiritual sense, LOVE can and will resurrect. Love does conquer, love is strong, love resurrects from the dead. Love speaks beyond our lifetime; it was there in the beginning and will be there beyond our physical years. LOVE has a name, its Jesus Christ. Don't give up hope, as you read this, know that he is speaking to you directly and ready to touch you with healing hands. Right now will pass, shut the rage and open your heart for the promise of tomorrow. Take a knee, and cry out to the Lord who hears. LOVE. To God be all the Glory.

LET TODAY BE THAT DAY! 

July 24, 2009
Weekly Encouragement

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" - Matthew 24:36

My son is a bit of a thrill seeker so when we have our movie nights he picks the movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat, hoping the characters on the screen will escape their death. Last night was one of those nights where he selected the movie and we sat together, just the two of us, and we watched the movie the, "Knowing". If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. Although the director tried to give it an alien like feel, you can tell who ever wrote the story was trying to send a very strong Christian message.

After every movie I sit in silence thinking of how I am going to have a conversation with my children of what we saw and what is there to learn, however the phone rang. It was his dad in Florida. My son did not hesitate to ask him, where he was in his faith, and then said, "Dad if the world ended tomorrow I know I'm going to be ok, because I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. But if Christ came tomorrow I don't want to know I'm leaving my dad behind". Let me tell you- I was a mess of tears ease dropping on his conversation with his dad. He spent the next twenty minutes preaching to his father.

Today, reflecting on what I learned last night, I wondered. I want your imagination to take a stroll with me. If you knew of the next natural disaster, the date, the time, down to the second. What would you do in your last days? What would you change about you?

I can tell you my concern. It is easy to talk about Christ to believers, but now I think of the many people I have passed on the street, where unconsciously I do not make eye contact or smile; "men will take it as an open invitation" (this is what I was taught in NY). I think of the girl who serves me my coffee at my local coffee shop. I think of the person who works across the street from my house who watches me and my children get in the car every morning, and I do not even know his name. I think of ill patients in my neighborhood hospital who get no visitors. I think of the little boy who rides his skateboard in my driveway that I never invited to our youth groups at the church. I think of those who do not have the benefit of knowing such an amazing God. In addition, I think of the many gifts God has given me, and wonder have I put them all to work for God's glory?

Maybe someone in Hollywood "knows" and is trying to send us all a message. Should we be ready and prepared today? Absolutely, because no one knows what tomorrow brings. Maybe you need to ask yourself the question, are you ready? Are you ready to stand before God and give account to how you used His gifts to you, for His Glory? Have you prepared your home and family? Is it time for change?

Let today be the day. Why wait? To God be all the Glory!

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12

Have you ever stopped to listen to the divine message in the mess?
Just take a moment and think of the times you said, "They did this to me!", "How could he hurt me this way". "I'm the victim here, he owes me an apology", "Why is this happening to me?"

Now think of other times where you knew you did wrong. Think of the times where somewhere somehow, not intentionally, yet you hurt someone. Think of the times where you begged for forgiveness, when your eyes opened to the fact that this was your fault. Think about the guilt because sometimes it helps to put things in perspective.

This is why Paul writes, "So if you think your standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" with an explanation point. Because we all fall short, we are all vulnerable. We will all have been there or will be there and in the same measurement, you forgive others, you will be forgiven.

"For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:14-15

Everyone wants forgiveness but when you are victim, the grudge wars begin. Not only spiritually but physically you do damage to no one but yourself. Remember we live in a world with imperfect people and that imperfection travels into the church so do not hold God accountable for man's mistakes. The church was perfect until we walked in it. We create the mess; God is kind enough to let us pay the consequences. It teaches us, if there were none to pay, we would repeat the mistakes. We all have more in common than what differentiates us. So let it go, and forgive. When you forgive someone, you set yourself free from bitter resentment. The only one loosing sleep over it is you. So whether they want it or not, forgive them. In addition, keep in mind that your freely given forgiveness will return to you from whom it really counts, God. In addition, don't overlook to forgive yourself.

To God be all the Glory!

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5

This past Sunday during the children's Sunday school lesson we studied the attitudes of Christ. Then we learned that when you put these attitudes into practice they bring forth blessings. The word that stood out the most was meek. All the kids raised their hands with the same question, "What's meek?" When the class was over the word meek resounded in my head. Then this morning I hear someone on the radio say, "Meekness is strength under control, its not weakness."

It's in those moments when you know you hold the upper hand and can give your opposing challenger the verbal lashing of a lifetime, yet you walk away from it. It's the opportunity you may get to get even, and you choose otherwise. Now you know that's hard to do.  Have you ever had the desire to put someone in their place? Like enough is enough. You just can't take it anymore and you have to tell this person off.  Meekness is not being a coward; it's a calm temper of mind that is not easily provoked.

The example that comes to mind is David in the desert running and hiding from King Saul. David had the opportunity in his hands to get even with Saul and end it all, but he showed meekness and prostrated himself on the ground before the King Saul.

How many of you feel like your running in the desert right now? How many of you feel like you're pressed up against a wall of a cave hiding, trying to find peace. If this is you, the desert isn't a curse it's a way to the promise. The desert and the cave is your refuge. Feel blessed if this is you, because what you thought to be the thing that would destroy you is the very thing God is using to protect you. Although someone is chasing you, God says he will not deliver you to the hands of your enemy. The desert you may feel like you're in, is the refuge God is using to protect you. And the desert has so much to teach, one being humility. However there is one thing you must keep in mind, David was successful because he consulted with God and waited on God to give him guidance and in a moment where he could have sought revenge he demonstrated a Christ like attitude. Right now, might seem too much and taking too long however keep this in mind:

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
We all need to learn that in order to be first in God's eyes we need to be last to ourselves. To God be all the Glory!

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory of God. James 12:42-43

During the 2009 Miss USA pageant, Carrie Prejean was asked by pageant judge, whether she believed every U.S. state should legalize same-sex marriage.She responded, "Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. You know what, in my country, in my family, I do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and I believe that it should be between a man and a woman."

I didn't watch the pageant, but I did hear all the ridiculing remarks on Prejean, so I decided to look it up myself. There were hundreds of blog sites demonstrating hatred for Carrie's stance. I was at the computer over an hour watching the various interviews that followed the event where Carrie Prejean, publicly on national television declared her faith in a Sovereign God.

Before millions of people she decided to not be "politically correct" and not conform, even at the cost of the crown. I personally don't care what Carrie Prejean did before this event or what pictures may have surfaced to tarnish her image. I care about the moment that she seized to influence a nation of believers not be afraid to say who they are, and who they praise. In one interview she said she felt that God was testing her character, and I'm really proud of the decision she made to take hold of integrity and answer such a controversial question honestly. . CS Lewis once said, "If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumble."

God has the Glory either way. Several interviews later proclaiming faith, millions of people inspired by the host whom have interviewed Prejean sharing the same faith, and a vote to let her keep the Miss California title it's a win. In a moment she made a choice and she preferred God's glory over her own.

As a side note, don't put your faith in man; put your faith in God. We all fall short of the glory. Today some seem holier than thou, and then the next day they are in the tabloids for their sins. That should not cause our faith to stumble in a Sovereign God. Stay encouraged. Learn to filter out the bad and keep the light, and then share the light with those around you. And don't loose the hope in our brothers and sisters who have fallen, God is working with them. The enemy has but a moment in the spot light, but you can't hit a child of God and not feel God's wrath. They will be back, more humble and contrite and stronger than ever, so keep praying for them.

Don't be afraid, don't love human glories more than God's glory; it will leave you with a God size void. To God be all the Glory!

"Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar" Psalm 138:6

We all yearn for something. Daily I listen to life goals spewed off the lips of young and old. School, health, career, relationships, task or chores, understanding, and much more; daily we wake up with a new goal. Some face disappointment in failing, however others meet the goal and yet are never satisfied. Once there, another goal has surfaced and our hearts never satisfied.

Then I thought of those before us. The Israelites were free yet yearned to be slaves. A politician works to one day to be a judge, yet once seated in the seat misses the days of the thrill of the fight. The higher up we go, we still find reasons to look back and miss something we have been freed from. We are not content now, and we won't be content when we meet our goals, yet we all desire the "pursuit of happiness", our constitutional right.

The same concept is found within the church. You find yourself in leadership, goals are met, things are happening, you look around and see the fruit of God's work in your children and family yet you still feel hollow. These are the words of St Augustine: "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

Life is full of disappointments and I thank God for them. I have learned that true leadership is within the hands of servant hood. I have learned that true servant hood is within brokenness. And I understand St Augustine's quote because God didn't create workers, he created His children. The disappointment is a huge blinking traffic sign that we are moving in the wrong direction. The disappointment is a huge legal U-turn sign because all the work in the world will not satisfy a restless heart. And the world imposes its view in your philosophy and doctrine with; it's your right to be happy.

How is it that the rich and famous are committing suicide? How is it that the brand new house with the latest of furnishings doesn't fulfill your emptiness? Because somewhere in the pursuit you either unknowingly or knowingly turned your back on God, yet you thought you were in the "RIGHT".

Now to turn around and face the Creator you turned your back on in your lost pursuit of happiness, requires admitting your wrong. It requires feeling convicted. It requires swallowing your pride. It requires your hardened heart to be broken. It requires the façade of "I got it together" to admit you need help. It requires humility and that's not something this world teaches.

However, its there; on your knees, in brokenness, in full confession of your wrongs swallowing your pride, before the almighty God, there on your knees humble and contrite you find rest. And I find that this is not a one time event. I find that through the life of the Christian you will find pieces of your life broken in intervals. I thank God for his mercy and patience as I know I can't handle it all in one shot. Goals are good, but its better when you have God with you. Therefore if you are restless or when you become restless I pray the voice of truth projects like a bull horn, to remind you of the words of wisdom that St Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." To God be all the Glory!

ZION DAUGHTERS OF DISTINCTION
www.daughtersfaith.org
zdod1@bellsouth.net