I read this heart wrenching story in the book "Red Letters: Living A Faith That Bleeds" by Tom Davis, and it broke the deepest parts of my heart and opened my eyes to the injustice that is so prevailant in our world today.
“Adanna’s name is a beautiful African word meaning “father’s daughter.” But Adanna won’t live until the next harvest unless something drastic happens. In her home country of Zimbabwe, there are no jobs, there is no money, and the only thing certain is the death that surrounds her.
The expected life span for people in her country is only thirty-three. She has watched her mother, father, and her sister waste away to AIDS. Adanna is now in charge of her family. She is the head of the household.
She is ten years old.
Adanna’s parents left no way for her to care for herself and the rest of her family. She has exhausted every favor from her neighbors, every form of assistance from surviving relatives, and sold her last possession for food. But she and her brother and sister woke up starving again this morning.
There is only on way for them to survive. Adanna has heard about a group of local men who will trade food for sex. Dare she even consider such a thing? For all of her life she has dreamed of someday having a family of her own. She has protected her purity because she wants the man she marries to be the only lover she ever knows. Her mother taught her this.
Adanna’s dreams and her purity mean everything to her, but if she doesn’t eat soon, neither will matter. She will be dead.
Children grow up fast in Africa. She makes a decision. A terrible, necessary decision. She goes to these men. Perhaps they’ll have compassion for her. Perhaps they’ll give her food without asking anything in return. They look at her, they grab her, they fondle her, and they laugh. They refuse to give her food. “Why should we give you anything, you ugly little mongrel?” they shout.
They tell her to go into the back room of the store and wait. She steps into a room that smells of urine and mold. She is shaking. A sickly man is sleeping in the corner.
Suddenly, three men come in drinking and shouting. They approach her not as a human being but as a mere animal. She screams. She cries. Nobody is listening. Nobody cares.
And they steal her dreams.
She leaves with food. Enough to keep her alive. But what kind of life? She has just contracted HIV. She will die of AIDS within three years.”
Monday, November 29, 2010
13 Life Lessons
13 Things I have learned over my years...
1. God is the only one who never leaves and never hurts you. When the rest of the world turns their back, God remains. He is faihful and His love endures forever.
2. It doesn't matter what people say or how they think of you because in the end you are who you are and to the core you arent going to change for anyone. Maybe externally, but youre made the way you are for a reason...you might as well accept it and love yourself for who you are.
3. Don't be ashamed of the gifts God has given you, and be willing and open to use them. Don't compare yourself to others and let jealousy get in your heart, jealousy can destroy relationships...I have witnessed it firsthand and gone through it. (the relationship was restored though, praise GOD!)
4. Family is important. They are the ones that will always be there. They may get on your nerves sometimes and you may want to escape it, but in the end they are always there. Sometimes they hurt you and do things that cause pain, but you have to forgive them and move on. You are kinda stuck with the one you get with, forever. Make the most of it. Love them.
5. Always be grateful for what you have. When I went to Mexico I realized how selfish I was. I saw people that had nothing, and yet they were so happy and joyful. And we are discontented, always wanting more. Be grateful for your blessings and the life you have. If may not be the best, but it is better than a lot of people's. Be content, happiness isnt in materialism.
6. Friends are important. You cannot do life alone, I have tried, and I failed miserably and was at the lowest point in my life when I isolated myself from godly friends and relationships. I didnt have accountability or anyone to press me on in my walk, so I lost my faith. When I really dedicated my life to Go, I began to develop relationships that were deep and intimate. I've never really had any "true" friends until now. I have 2 of the best friends I oculd ask for and I never take them for granted. We are sisters by heart connection, even though it isnt blood, it is strong and deep and God centered. I love my friends. I need them, and thank God for them.
7. Life is unpredictable. Things happen that you have absolutely no control over, and they come from out of the blue. No one expects tragedy or pain, but its inevitable at one point or another in life. Dont try to tell when, because its not possible. I never expected my dad would have an affair and leave my family, but it happened and we had to deal with it. No one expects disease or premature death. Life is unpredictable. You never know what you are going to get.
8. Perfectionism is boring. Why try to be something you are not? Why try to be perfect and obsessive about everything? Its not the way we were supposed to live. We all have quirks and we should embrace them. I am a self proclaimed nerd, and people think I'm weird a lot of times (which is true) but I say being a dork is crazy and FUN!!! I'm by no means perfect, my life is kind of a mess, but like my Aly sister says, "Its a holy and beautiful wreck. =)" I dont try to reach perfection because I know I cant attain it. I try to be better and let God work, but like spontinaity and craziness!
9. There is so much beauty in the world outside of our American bubble. We all think America is the greatest and some think others are inferior. But after 5 years of being in a church family of hispanics, let me tell you, they are some of the most beautiful people I know. They are incredible, and passionate, and fun, and sweet, and really care about you. Dont judge somebody based on the color of their skin. Thats not fair, you have to know a person before you have the right to make judgements. I love America, but hispanic culture takes up about half of my heart.
10. Love covers a multitude of sins. How many times have I sinned against God? Too many to ever count. I regret so much, but its in His love, every time, that I find forgiveness. He takes joy in forgiving us, it makes His day! He has washed my heart and is healing me, and all you have to do is ask Him and be willing. =) it doesnt matter what you do, He is faithful and just to forgive. And when you have been forgiven, how can you hold back from forgiving others? If His love is inside of you, forgiveness will flow out.
11. Childlikeness. Even Jesus said that "If you do not become like these little ones, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Kids trust easily, you dont have to tell them to trust. Kids dont fear, fear is taught to kids by individuals and the collective society and culture. Kids arent afraid to ask for things. Kids are full of wonder at the smallest, most simple things. People think I'm crazy, but I like to have fun and be like a kid sometimes. I grew up fast, and I like my random craziness! God is teaching my childlikeness and its hard, but important. I'm surrounded by kids all the time! I love watching them and seeing how innocent they are.
12. Life cannot be ruled by emotions. When you let your life be run by your emotions, it turns into a mess. Thre has to be a place for reason, for prayer and thought before decisions or acting on something, and asking advice from the people you trust. Not to say that emotins have no place, sometimes its best to follow your heart, but its not the way to live.
13. Leadership isnt necessarily always being on top, but it is taking the role of a servant and putting others before self in service to them and to God. I have learned leadership and life skills through my high school group at church, _tag, and have seen this idea in practice. Leadership is service, not shining the light on self and being prideful...leading is serving and becoming as low as you possibly can in order to elevate others
1. God is the only one who never leaves and never hurts you. When the rest of the world turns their back, God remains. He is faihful and His love endures forever.
2. It doesn't matter what people say or how they think of you because in the end you are who you are and to the core you arent going to change for anyone. Maybe externally, but youre made the way you are for a reason...you might as well accept it and love yourself for who you are.
3. Don't be ashamed of the gifts God has given you, and be willing and open to use them. Don't compare yourself to others and let jealousy get in your heart, jealousy can destroy relationships...I have witnessed it firsthand and gone through it. (the relationship was restored though, praise GOD!)
4. Family is important. They are the ones that will always be there. They may get on your nerves sometimes and you may want to escape it, but in the end they are always there. Sometimes they hurt you and do things that cause pain, but you have to forgive them and move on. You are kinda stuck with the one you get with, forever. Make the most of it. Love them.
5. Always be grateful for what you have. When I went to Mexico I realized how selfish I was. I saw people that had nothing, and yet they were so happy and joyful. And we are discontented, always wanting more. Be grateful for your blessings and the life you have. If may not be the best, but it is better than a lot of people's. Be content, happiness isnt in materialism.
6. Friends are important. You cannot do life alone, I have tried, and I failed miserably and was at the lowest point in my life when I isolated myself from godly friends and relationships. I didnt have accountability or anyone to press me on in my walk, so I lost my faith. When I really dedicated my life to Go, I began to develop relationships that were deep and intimate. I've never really had any "true" friends until now. I have 2 of the best friends I oculd ask for and I never take them for granted. We are sisters by heart connection, even though it isnt blood, it is strong and deep and God centered. I love my friends. I need them, and thank God for them.
7. Life is unpredictable. Things happen that you have absolutely no control over, and they come from out of the blue. No one expects tragedy or pain, but its inevitable at one point or another in life. Dont try to tell when, because its not possible. I never expected my dad would have an affair and leave my family, but it happened and we had to deal with it. No one expects disease or premature death. Life is unpredictable. You never know what you are going to get.
8. Perfectionism is boring. Why try to be something you are not? Why try to be perfect and obsessive about everything? Its not the way we were supposed to live. We all have quirks and we should embrace them. I am a self proclaimed nerd, and people think I'm weird a lot of times (which is true) but I say being a dork is crazy and FUN!!! I'm by no means perfect, my life is kind of a mess, but like my Aly sister says, "Its a holy and beautiful wreck. =)" I dont try to reach perfection because I know I cant attain it. I try to be better and let God work, but like spontinaity and craziness!
9. There is so much beauty in the world outside of our American bubble. We all think America is the greatest and some think others are inferior. But after 5 years of being in a church family of hispanics, let me tell you, they are some of the most beautiful people I know. They are incredible, and passionate, and fun, and sweet, and really care about you. Dont judge somebody based on the color of their skin. Thats not fair, you have to know a person before you have the right to make judgements. I love America, but hispanic culture takes up about half of my heart.
10. Love covers a multitude of sins. How many times have I sinned against God? Too many to ever count. I regret so much, but its in His love, every time, that I find forgiveness. He takes joy in forgiving us, it makes His day! He has washed my heart and is healing me, and all you have to do is ask Him and be willing. =) it doesnt matter what you do, He is faithful and just to forgive. And when you have been forgiven, how can you hold back from forgiving others? If His love is inside of you, forgiveness will flow out.
11. Childlikeness. Even Jesus said that "If you do not become like these little ones, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Kids trust easily, you dont have to tell them to trust. Kids dont fear, fear is taught to kids by individuals and the collective society and culture. Kids arent afraid to ask for things. Kids are full of wonder at the smallest, most simple things. People think I'm crazy, but I like to have fun and be like a kid sometimes. I grew up fast, and I like my random craziness! God is teaching my childlikeness and its hard, but important. I'm surrounded by kids all the time! I love watching them and seeing how innocent they are.
12. Life cannot be ruled by emotions. When you let your life be run by your emotions, it turns into a mess. Thre has to be a place for reason, for prayer and thought before decisions or acting on something, and asking advice from the people you trust. Not to say that emotins have no place, sometimes its best to follow your heart, but its not the way to live.
13. Leadership isnt necessarily always being on top, but it is taking the role of a servant and putting others before self in service to them and to God. I have learned leadership and life skills through my high school group at church, _tag, and have seen this idea in practice. Leadership is service, not shining the light on self and being prideful...leading is serving and becoming as low as you possibly can in order to elevate others
Oh, How He Loves Us!
We serve a jealous God who loves us with unmeasurable affection and wants us to love His with all we are and have. :)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
This is What I Seek
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Emmanuel: God with us.
Have you ever taken a minute to think about what Christmas actually means? Me explico: Yes, we know that Jesus came as a baby and that is what we are celebrating, but, have you ever really thought about the significance of it all?
The day Jesus was born was the day God's eternal plan hit earth.
The birth of Jesus was the start of EVERYTHING.
I mean, how incredible is that?
The God of everything wrapped Himself in human flesh, spent 9 months in the womb of a mother, and became one of us...to save us. This act is the single most amazing gift that has ever been given.
Imagine the scene: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit sitting up in Heaven, looking down on earth. There is pain and suffering plaguing their creation. People dying without knowing the truth. People killing each other, betraying each other. Disease and sickness. Hatred. Sorrow. Everything bad that happens on our earth, nothing is hidden from the eyes of God. God the Father weeps over what is happening, and says "They need a Savior." Jesus steps forth and says, "I will go."
Now I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, as sending Jesus has always been the eternal plan of God to save mankind, but I like to think that Jesus, stepped forth like a superhero and offered Himself up to save us.
So Jesus came, as a baby, knowing full well the suffering that He would have to endure as a man. Yet, still He chose to came. He didn't have to be convinced or bribed with something such as...reigning forever at the right hand of the Father and having all His enemies as His footstool...No, He CHOSE the path. He chose to become a man, and to die for us.
I have a confession to make: I broke out the Christmas music 2 weeks early this year. I just couldn't resist. As I listened to is, I began to cry. Jesus gave Himself that we might be saved. There is no greater love than that of our Savior.
Hear some of the words of these songs:
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till' He appeared and the soul felt its worth."
"Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother. And in His Name, all oppression will cease."
"Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace."
"God and sinners reconciled."
"Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel."
"Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth."
"Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight."
Jesus has come.
His Name is Emmanuel: "God with us."
Not only did Jesus come, but He remains. He is God with us. Through His we have access to the Father, and He has given us the counselor of the Holy Spirit. No more let sin and sorrow reign, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found.
Christmas means: life, salvation, healing, freedom, hope, and eternal communion with the Living God.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
10 Things I Love
1. Starting each morning driving to work or school with worship music blasting through my car speakers, singing at the top of my lungs.
2. Venting everything that is in my heart and head onto a piece of paper (or 10).
3. The rare occasion when I can go without makeup and still feel beautiful.
4. Dancing in a spring rain, letting it wash away and cleanse my spirit.
5. Having to sound of Spanish fill my ears.
6. Deep and meaningful conversations about things that are much bigger than me.
7. Laughing with my friends until we cry and our abs hurt.
8. Spending hours at my church just talking and fellowshipping with my church family.
9. Long hugs. I love hugs. I hate side hugs and really short hugs. Give me a big, long hug and I’ll be the happiest person ever.
10. Sunsets. When God paints the sky, He does it to show me His heart and love and whispers to me, “I love you, darling.”
What are 10 things you love?
Thankfulness.
Psalm 69:30 “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
I have to admit, this is one of my favorite holidays. It is the one day out of the year that is devoted to being thankful, and partaking in the gifts God has given to us. Although, shouldn’t everyday be a day of thanks? Why do we only dedicate one day to thanking God? Each morning we should wake up, look at our King and say “Thank You, Lord, for giving me this day and for the blessings and hardships that wait for me today. I love you.” This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
So, I would like to take a moment to express what I am thankful for.
1. First and foremost, I am thankful for Jesus. I am so thankful that He came as one of us, wrapped in flesh, experienced what we experienced, and died a criminal’s death in order to save us. He was innocent and blameless, yet He sacrificed Himself, for us… the guilty ones. The Bible tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. What incredible love. Its overwhelming, really, to think about. I am thankful that He thought of me, that He saved me through His amazing grace, even though I don’t deserve it. I am thankful that no matter how many times I screw up, He always forgives me and picks me back up. I am thankful that I get to be immersed in a divine romance with Jesus, with His am my bridegroom. He is my faithful best friend. I am thankful that God has proven Himself as my perfect Father. God is my friend, my King, my Savior, my Lover, my Hope, my Shield, my EVERYTHING.
2. I am thankful for my family. I love my family so much, and although sometimes we don’t get along the greatest, we love each other a lot and they are such a huge blessing in my life. I thank God for my incredible mother, who has been the backbone and strength of this family since the day our dad left us. She has sacrificed so much for us and thinks more about us than she ever does about herself. She is so full of love, grace, and passion. She presses us to be the best that we can be. I love my siblings so much. They are some of my best friends in the world.
3. I am thankful for my friends. I have been surrounded by the greatest people who love me and I love them. They have been rocks in my life. I am so blessed to know each and every one of them.
4. I am thankful for my church. I am part of the most beautiful and incredible church ever, Centro Familiar Nueva Vida. My pastora, Ivette, has been used by God in such an amazing way to impact and change my life. If it weren’t for her love, wisdom and guidance, I assure you I would not be alive today. She has been with me through so much and helped me through some of life’s worst seasons. She taught me the most beautiful language in the world, but also has taught me about life, godliness, walking with Jesus and what love and family is. The church is my big extended Hispanic family! They are amazing people. I have grown so much spiritually in the 5 years I have been at CFNV. The presence of God is always there and so present.
5. I am thankful for all the suffering, hardships, and tests I have been through. They have broken me, molded me, given me character, experience, and made me who I am today. My pain and struggles can now be used as a testimony and hope for others who have been through similar things. I have been through the fire and came out refined.
6. I am thankful that I have a house to live in, a car to drive, food to eat, water to drink, a job to support myself with, and clothing to keep me covered. So many people around the world have so little, even nothing, I am so rich in the place I am right now.
I encourage you, even challenge you to think upon and write down the things that you are most grateful for. It will make your heart feel so full, and take the focus off of yourself.
Now, this Thanksgiving holiday…go stuff your faces full of delicious food. Then run 5 miles so it doesn’t stay with you
I am also thankful that I get to eat this year, as 2 years ago and even last year I was battling with an eating disorder. But THANKS be to God, I am now free!
Jeremiah 30:19 ”From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing.”
I have to admit, this is one of my favorite holidays. It is the one day out of the year that is devoted to being thankful, and partaking in the gifts God has given to us. Although, shouldn’t everyday be a day of thanks? Why do we only dedicate one day to thanking God? Each morning we should wake up, look at our King and say “Thank You, Lord, for giving me this day and for the blessings and hardships that wait for me today. I love you.” This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
So, I would like to take a moment to express what I am thankful for.
1. First and foremost, I am thankful for Jesus. I am so thankful that He came as one of us, wrapped in flesh, experienced what we experienced, and died a criminal’s death in order to save us. He was innocent and blameless, yet He sacrificed Himself, for us… the guilty ones. The Bible tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. What incredible love. Its overwhelming, really, to think about. I am thankful that He thought of me, that He saved me through His amazing grace, even though I don’t deserve it. I am thankful that no matter how many times I screw up, He always forgives me and picks me back up. I am thankful that I get to be immersed in a divine romance with Jesus, with His am my bridegroom. He is my faithful best friend. I am thankful that God has proven Himself as my perfect Father. God is my friend, my King, my Savior, my Lover, my Hope, my Shield, my EVERYTHING.
2. I am thankful for my family. I love my family so much, and although sometimes we don’t get along the greatest, we love each other a lot and they are such a huge blessing in my life. I thank God for my incredible mother, who has been the backbone and strength of this family since the day our dad left us. She has sacrificed so much for us and thinks more about us than she ever does about herself. She is so full of love, grace, and passion. She presses us to be the best that we can be. I love my siblings so much. They are some of my best friends in the world.
3. I am thankful for my friends. I have been surrounded by the greatest people who love me and I love them. They have been rocks in my life. I am so blessed to know each and every one of them.
4. I am thankful for my church. I am part of the most beautiful and incredible church ever, Centro Familiar Nueva Vida. My pastora, Ivette, has been used by God in such an amazing way to impact and change my life. If it weren’t for her love, wisdom and guidance, I assure you I would not be alive today. She has been with me through so much and helped me through some of life’s worst seasons. She taught me the most beautiful language in the world, but also has taught me about life, godliness, walking with Jesus and what love and family is. The church is my big extended Hispanic family! They are amazing people. I have grown so much spiritually in the 5 years I have been at CFNV. The presence of God is always there and so present.
5. I am thankful for all the suffering, hardships, and tests I have been through. They have broken me, molded me, given me character, experience, and made me who I am today. My pain and struggles can now be used as a testimony and hope for others who have been through similar things. I have been through the fire and came out refined.
6. I am thankful that I have a house to live in, a car to drive, food to eat, water to drink, a job to support myself with, and clothing to keep me covered. So many people around the world have so little, even nothing, I am so rich in the place I am right now.
I encourage you, even challenge you to think upon and write down the things that you are most grateful for. It will make your heart feel so full, and take the focus off of yourself.
Now, this Thanksgiving holiday…go stuff your faces full of delicious food. Then run 5 miles so it doesn’t stay with you
I am also thankful that I get to eat this year, as 2 years ago and even last year I was battling with an eating disorder. But THANKS be to God, I am now free!
Jeremiah 30:19 ”From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing.”
Bible Nugget of the Day [Edition 1]
Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Trust.
Trust. You hear the word almost everyday, if not everyday. But what does it really mean? And how many of us really know how to actually do it? When you hear somebody say “You can trust me.” or, “Trust me”, or, “Do you trust me?” Do you actually know what it means? Do you know what it means to trust in somebody?
God calls us into a lifestyle of trust. In Him. And in the people that He has surrounded us with.
The dictionary defines Trust as this:
1. Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2. Confident expectation of something; hope.
3. A person on whom or thing on which one relies.
The one that catches my eye is the first one. ”Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability…of a person or thing; confidence.”
Another definition of Trust that I like, and to make is in all simpleness, is FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith is being certain, confident, and believing in what we cannot see. We can’t see God, yet we believe in Him and put our hope in Him. Yes we can see Him working and moving, and we can feel Him in our lives, but we cannot see Him with our physical eyes. Yet, faith, which is required in our Christian walk, is to be certain of what we cannot see. Faith is parallel to Trust. When we have faith, we believe what God has told us, in what He has promised us, and in what He is doing. We trust in His strength, ability, and love. We have hope that He is who He says He is. When God says, “Trust me.” We should just at the opportunity to hope in the God who holds everything in His hands.
God is calling, He is asking each one of us a question. He is saying:
“Do you trust me?”
And we cannot answer this question without much thought. And I believe, that if most of us were to examine our hearts, the answer would be a clear “No.” See, most of us profess that we trust in God, but in actuality we don’t. Our words don’t match up with reality. For most of us, it is hard to trust God. What should come easy, doesn’t. Because in our humanity, we like to be able to see things and then believe. When our physical eyes cannot see God, part of us decides that maybe we can’t trust in Him. We ask questions like, “Where is He?” “What if He doesn’t come through for me?” Our questions are filled with doubt.
This is where faith comes in. Faith is the complete opposite of doubt. When we doubt, faith and hope cannot live in us. The enemy wants us to doubt God, cause when we doubt God we tie His hands and keep Him at a distance. When we have faith in God, He has an open canvas to paint, to do His work on, and to create a masterpiece. Only when we trust in God can He work in our lives. To have faith is to Trust. To Trust is to have confidence. To have confidence is to have hope. The have hope is to have Christ.
Even though we cannot see God, it is key that we trust in Him. Even when we don’t understand completely what it means to trust, if You ask Him, He will lead you and show you what it means. Even when things don’t make sense. Even when you don’t understand. Even when your world is crashing in around you. Even when things are great and everything is going fine.
Even when God asks you to do something crazy. Whatever the circumstance, Trust in the King, that is the key to living.
Without God, we are and we have nothing. With Him, anything is possible.
I challenge you to examine your heart. Let God ask you His question, “Do you trust me?” And don’t answer right away. Really think about it. If your answer is “Yes”, great, continue to trust in Him. But if it is a “No.”, then let the Holy Spirit speak to you, guide you, and teach you what it means and what it looks like to trust in God. Let Him break down the walls that are keeping you from trusting God. He will do His work, but first yo have to let Him.
What are you waiting for? Life is waiting for you, all you have to do is trust
God calls us into a lifestyle of trust. In Him. And in the people that He has surrounded us with.
The dictionary defines Trust as this:
1. Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2. Confident expectation of something; hope.
3. A person on whom or thing on which one relies.
The one that catches my eye is the first one. ”Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability…of a person or thing; confidence.”
Another definition of Trust that I like, and to make is in all simpleness, is FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Faith is being certain, confident, and believing in what we cannot see. We can’t see God, yet we believe in Him and put our hope in Him. Yes we can see Him working and moving, and we can feel Him in our lives, but we cannot see Him with our physical eyes. Yet, faith, which is required in our Christian walk, is to be certain of what we cannot see. Faith is parallel to Trust. When we have faith, we believe what God has told us, in what He has promised us, and in what He is doing. We trust in His strength, ability, and love. We have hope that He is who He says He is. When God says, “Trust me.” We should just at the opportunity to hope in the God who holds everything in His hands.
God is calling, He is asking each one of us a question. He is saying:
“Do you trust me?”
And we cannot answer this question without much thought. And I believe, that if most of us were to examine our hearts, the answer would be a clear “No.” See, most of us profess that we trust in God, but in actuality we don’t. Our words don’t match up with reality. For most of us, it is hard to trust God. What should come easy, doesn’t. Because in our humanity, we like to be able to see things and then believe. When our physical eyes cannot see God, part of us decides that maybe we can’t trust in Him. We ask questions like, “Where is He?” “What if He doesn’t come through for me?” Our questions are filled with doubt.
This is where faith comes in. Faith is the complete opposite of doubt. When we doubt, faith and hope cannot live in us. The enemy wants us to doubt God, cause when we doubt God we tie His hands and keep Him at a distance. When we have faith in God, He has an open canvas to paint, to do His work on, and to create a masterpiece. Only when we trust in God can He work in our lives. To have faith is to Trust. To Trust is to have confidence. To have confidence is to have hope. The have hope is to have Christ.
Even though we cannot see God, it is key that we trust in Him. Even when we don’t understand completely what it means to trust, if You ask Him, He will lead you and show you what it means. Even when things don’t make sense. Even when you don’t understand. Even when your world is crashing in around you. Even when things are great and everything is going fine.
Even when God asks you to do something crazy. Whatever the circumstance, Trust in the King, that is the key to living.
Without God, we are and we have nothing. With Him, anything is possible.
I challenge you to examine your heart. Let God ask you His question, “Do you trust me?” And don’t answer right away. Really think about it. If your answer is “Yes”, great, continue to trust in Him. But if it is a “No.”, then let the Holy Spirit speak to you, guide you, and teach you what it means and what it looks like to trust in God. Let Him break down the walls that are keeping you from trusting God. He will do His work, but first yo have to let Him.
What are you waiting for? Life is waiting for you, all you have to do is trust
Born for Greatness
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Nelson Mandela-
-Nelson Mandela-
Yo Te Creo
Creo en las promesas de mi Dios, aunque nadie me cree, yo sé lo que mi Señor me a dicho. Aqui está una canción super bella. (escrita por Jeremías Tamarez.)
“Tus promesas fueron para mi, y yo lo creo.
De cada una tomo posessión, y me hago dueño.
Hoy a la duda yo le digo “No.” Pues Tu boca ya lo habló.
De Tu palabra tengo convicción y yo Te creo.
Yo lo creo cierta y firmemente,
Yo lo creo con mi alma y mi mente.
Yo lo creo porque simplemente lo dijiste Tú.
Yo lo creo por sobre mis dudad.
Yo lo creo aunque sea locura.
Yo lo creo, lo creo y lo creo.
Soy guerrero y conquistador, hoy lo confieso.
Tu me has dicho, “Yo contigo estoy, no tengas miedo.”
Voy a pelear como peleó Jacob, de Tu tesoro quiero lo mejor.
Si persevero seré campeón, y yo lo creo.”
“Tus promesas fueron para mi, y yo lo creo.
De cada una tomo posessión, y me hago dueño.
Hoy a la duda yo le digo “No.” Pues Tu boca ya lo habló.
De Tu palabra tengo convicción y yo Te creo.
Yo lo creo cierta y firmemente,
Yo lo creo con mi alma y mi mente.
Yo lo creo porque simplemente lo dijiste Tú.
Yo lo creo por sobre mis dudad.
Yo lo creo aunque sea locura.
Yo lo creo, lo creo y lo creo.
Soy guerrero y conquistador, hoy lo confieso.
Tu me has dicho, “Yo contigo estoy, no tengas miedo.”
Voy a pelear como peleó Jacob, de Tu tesoro quiero lo mejor.
Si persevero seré campeón, y yo lo creo.”
May the Lamb Receive the Reward of His Suffering.
Authored by Dale Anderson (http://forallnations.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/the-worthy-lamb-history-of-moravian-missions/)
[ My note: I identify deeply with this story of the Moravian Mission movement. Take a moment to read it and be inspired. ]
“John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are names you may not readily recognize. John was a potter and David a carpenter. Ordinary occupations. Extraordinary men. They are men who left the security of their jobs and families in Copenhagen to become the first Moravian missionaries in 1732.
John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are unsung heroes.These men were not going on a nice short term mission to the Caribbean, or even Africa or China but they sold themselves into slavery to answer the call ‘come and minister the gospel to us’. It gives new meaning to the phrase “sold out for Christ”. They became slaves in order to have the opportunity to reach the slaves of the West Indies for their Lord. Their life’s purpose was to follow the Lamb who had given His life for them and for all the souls of the world. Their mission statement was “Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him.”
One of the men left his wife and children begging on the wharf for him to reconsider and stay. But the call and heart of God for these slaves in the West Indies was even greater than the pull of home. As the ship pulled away from the docks the men lifted a cry, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering” which became the resonating heartbeat of the Moravian Missions movement.
The men felt their sacrifice paled in comparison to the sacrifice of their Saviour. They loved Jesus with everything they were and did, and desired to walk in obedience, knowing that the God who called them is the God who gives the courage, grace and anointing for the task. Even to spend a life of hard toil, with meager provisions and hardship. They experienced and modeled the truth of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Moravian Movement, that sent out David and John, was founded by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (born in 1720), in the early 1720’s. He initially founded it as a refuge for Christians in a papist Europe, but soon it attracted those with a desire for intimacy with God and a zeal for prayer and evangelism.
In May 1727, Count Zinzendorf and the leaders of the community felt God calling them to prayer at a deeper level. They committed themselves to praying round the clock, beginning a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted over100 years involving not only the adults but the children of the movement. In August of that the minister at the Sunday morning service was “overwhelmed by the wonderful and irresistible power of the Lord.” A move of God broke out, with people testifying that “hardly knew whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to heaven. We saw the hand of God and were all baptized with his Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst.” Over 10 years later John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church visited the community where the revival was still taking place. He experienced a powerful encounter with God that was to shape his own personal relationship with God and his ministry.
It was in this environment and atmosphere that David and John grew in hunger of God, His Word and His Lost. They epitomized the Count’s personal life motto; “I have one passion: It is Jesus! Jesus Only!” They knew that the secret to been able to sell themselves into slavery in order to minister to their fellow slaves was to be totally in love with their Lord. With their eyes upon Him they could lay their lives down and carry the cross of slavery.
These two men birthed a missions movement, not by persuading men to “Go” via flashy display boards, brochures and messages, but David and John, and the men that followed their example, lived the message and just did it. They lived the “Go”. John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman inspired their generation, and generations to come to lay down their lives for The Lamb.”
[ My note: I identify deeply with this story of the Moravian Mission movement. Take a moment to read it and be inspired. ]
“John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are names you may not readily recognize. John was a potter and David a carpenter. Ordinary occupations. Extraordinary men. They are men who left the security of their jobs and families in Copenhagen to become the first Moravian missionaries in 1732.
John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman are unsung heroes.These men were not going on a nice short term mission to the Caribbean, or even Africa or China but they sold themselves into slavery to answer the call ‘come and minister the gospel to us’. It gives new meaning to the phrase “sold out for Christ”. They became slaves in order to have the opportunity to reach the slaves of the West Indies for their Lord. Their life’s purpose was to follow the Lamb who had given His life for them and for all the souls of the world. Their mission statement was “Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him.”
One of the men left his wife and children begging on the wharf for him to reconsider and stay. But the call and heart of God for these slaves in the West Indies was even greater than the pull of home. As the ship pulled away from the docks the men lifted a cry, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering” which became the resonating heartbeat of the Moravian Missions movement.
The men felt their sacrifice paled in comparison to the sacrifice of their Saviour. They loved Jesus with everything they were and did, and desired to walk in obedience, knowing that the God who called them is the God who gives the courage, grace and anointing for the task. Even to spend a life of hard toil, with meager provisions and hardship. They experienced and modeled the truth of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Moravian Movement, that sent out David and John, was founded by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (born in 1720), in the early 1720’s. He initially founded it as a refuge for Christians in a papist Europe, but soon it attracted those with a desire for intimacy with God and a zeal for prayer and evangelism.
In May 1727, Count Zinzendorf and the leaders of the community felt God calling them to prayer at a deeper level. They committed themselves to praying round the clock, beginning a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted over100 years involving not only the adults but the children of the movement. In August of that the minister at the Sunday morning service was “overwhelmed by the wonderful and irresistible power of the Lord.” A move of God broke out, with people testifying that “hardly knew whether they belonged to earth or had already gone to heaven. We saw the hand of God and were all baptized with his Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst.” Over 10 years later John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church visited the community where the revival was still taking place. He experienced a powerful encounter with God that was to shape his own personal relationship with God and his ministry.
It was in this environment and atmosphere that David and John grew in hunger of God, His Word and His Lost. They epitomized the Count’s personal life motto; “I have one passion: It is Jesus! Jesus Only!” They knew that the secret to been able to sell themselves into slavery in order to minister to their fellow slaves was to be totally in love with their Lord. With their eyes upon Him they could lay their lives down and carry the cross of slavery.
These two men birthed a missions movement, not by persuading men to “Go” via flashy display boards, brochures and messages, but David and John, and the men that followed their example, lived the message and just did it. They lived the “Go”. John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman inspired their generation, and generations to come to lay down their lives for The Lamb.”
Se Fuerte y Valiente
This is the passage that God has given me for my life. I choose to walk in faith that wherever He sends me, He will be with me and guiding every step I take.
Joshua 1
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’”
But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you after he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!”
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