Ignite the Fire!

Wow!  What a great service yesterday!  If you missed it, the youth group gave their testimony about their experience in the Acquire the Fire conference.  The excitement for God was contagious.  The youth went to the pew to jump up and down and celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Suddenly, other church members stood up and praised and danced for God.  I wish all sermons were that way!  We just can't be Sunday Christians and go back to our NORMAL behavior during the week.  As the youth pastor said, "Normal is Not Enough".  We cannot be normal when it comes to serving and praising God.  God uniquely chose us for a reason and we need to show Him everyday that His sacrifice was worth every penny.  Ignite the Fire!  Get up and praise!  Serve and Love Him without pretext and without fear! Don't be normal in Christ!

The Moving Target

Today, I had a day off.  I decided to go to the archery range in Rock Creek Park.  I am just learning how to handle a bow and arrow but already I am starting to appreciate the importance of poise, patience, and relaxation if you want to hit your target.  Similarly, when we are pursuing the goals that we would like to achieve in Christ, we need to remember to calm ourselves, to be happy with our progress and to simply be patient.  Not all goals are achieved in one day.  Sometimes those that take the longest are the ones we remember and appreciate the most.  Today, stay focused and your moving target in life will settle. 

The Talent Within

I was just speaking to a friend that just obtained her doctorate. It was a very difficult journey but she was able to complete it. I was moved when she wrote "Thank you for all your support!"

Sometimes, we like to know that people believe in us. Sometimes, we need that extra push to bring out the natural talents and spiritual gifts we are born with. What we sometimes don't realize is that while we are feeling like we cannot accomplish the tasks that God intends for us to do, we have a whole army of God cheering us on.

Don't allow your fears, anxieties, and negativity get in the way of God's plan for you. God gave you unique gifts and strengths that no one else has. Cater to your strengths, believe that the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way and only then will you see the man or woman of God, that He intended you to be.

Sister Mary

Today, our members found out that one of our sisters, Mary Rodriguez just came back home from surgery. In this special weekend, let's not forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for us in the cross. His resurrection represents the love and freedom that we have to pour our love and hearts into the lives of others. Let's join in prayer for the healing and well-being of Mary and her family. If you have time this weekend, pay her a visit. I am sure that her family will appreciate it greatly.

The Case of the Double Mind (Part 2)

Voices, thoughts, emotions: each of these are culprits that play a huge role in your double-mindness. James 1:2-8 speaks about perseverance in faith and being careful to not become double-minded. Whenever, we hear these voices, many times it is the enemy or sometimes ourselves that aim to discourage the paths that God has forged for our spiritual growth. It is through these "trials of fire" that our true character will shine. Voices may say many things but determination and perseverance of your faith and what the Word of God says requires trust, awareness of what is happening, and simple but blind hope in God's works. Do not allow your emotions and thoughts guide your ways. Choose to be stable and consistent in the Lord.

The Case of the Double Mind

It is a dark night and you are alone. Suddenly, you hear a voice (it is your voice) speaking near your ear. The conversation is upsetting yet convincing. It tells you that those looks from your co-workers earlier that day were directed towards you. The voice says that no one at work likes you, that everyone thinks you don't amount to anything, and that you will be alone and disrespected for the rest of your life. As a Christian you claim "In Jesus's Name, get away from me Satan!" In an instant, the voice stops but not for long... This time, new voices appear and all voices state that "no one loves you", "you are not good enough", "you are not pretty enough", "you are not smart enough", "you don't deserve God's forgiveness".

You become desperate, you begin to sweat and anxiousness creeps in. It is almost as if you are running out of air. You try to reach out to God but you are overwhelmed. What do you do? Who do you confide in? In this new blog series, we will be solving the case of the double mind.

Wounded Healer (Part 4)

Wounded healer...hurt and healer; wounded soldier....tired and strong. These oxymorons are a perfect example of the contradictory meaning to these words. At a glance, they don't make sense but as you look more deeply, the truth slowly unravels. Towards the process of healing, we need to know the truth. We can't simply pray about healing if we don't know what the Word says about healing.

If you are looking for a good resource about healing, read "Healing Promises" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. It is a small book with really powerful messages and testimonies about healing. Healing is not only physical; it contains an emotional, mental, and spiritual element as well. Another important resouce is your pastor. He/she are great resources and can help guide you in the right direction. Truth of the matter is that if you want healing in your life, you need gain wisdom about healing through the Word. Be proactive.