Is it a bad intuition strong enough to subdue you? Let’s Celebrate Life and not death!

 

In a not very far kingdom Life was in jeopardy due to a great famine. There was no rain for a long time and, therefore, no vegetation, or outgrowth. The provisions finished and it seemed like there was nothing to nourish anyone. The seas and rivers dried out; fish bones were all over, and the animals were disappearing for they ate each other. People were constantly dying and the terror took over. They were horror-struck against the king who had entrenched himself since he still had some provisions. But he did not want anyone to die so he provided for a solution which would make everyone live. He advised everyone about it and sent out the solution, but the people were so mad at him that did not care to even try it and did away with it. All they wanted was to brake into the castle and destroy the king and everything else around. Led by their anger, they did and also died after provisions ended.

The provisions of our God do not end, and He’s NOT unattainable. He does NOT want us to perish in the SIN sinking world of ours where WE have let ourselves be overcome by the scarcity of wisdom, letting ungodly perceptions rule our beliefs and actions. He gave us a solution He sent his only begotten Son. We can not let the ungodly spirit ruin OUR season. We are in CHRISTMAS, not a “holyday” SEASON. It’s all about the birth of CHRIST who is the ONLY solution for living. That is, of course, if you want to live. Yet, the apostle John said: For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:17)

Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you I am the door . . . All who came before Me are thieves and robbers. . ..I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  (John 10.7-10)

Even though we do not deserve it, God sent us a solution for life. Then, let’s celebrate it and do not let the hating crowd push us into destroying our season. They might have anger, or disappointment, or whatever ungodly feeling that makes one do the wrong thing to not truly see that Christ is the only one worth celebrating. He also said: I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through ME. (John 14:6)

If you want to celebrate LIFE and not death, just ask Him to come into yours, and He will.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW LIFE!

Is there something in your life worth thanking GOD for?

You do not see it? . . . Don’t feel it?   Perhaps you’re too tired or disillusioned for something that has gone “wrong” and can not forget about it. I personally have the experience, YET I tried to get over it and pleaded with HIM. Let me tell you that the blessings I have received have been greater than my losses, especially with what I have learned, because it was when I became aware of a truth the Lord was giving me, because

 God causes ALL things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8.28)  

And who are those who are purposely called?  Can you believe it is everyone? Yes, every one of us. That is why He sent his only begotten Son so he could die and pay off humanity’s debt for having sinned, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3.16)

I knew that before my accident. And if I had known about that one before, I would have probably cursed my future and never realize the greater blessings I had coming so I am counting my blessings and for what does not seem a blessing too for everything has a purpose in everyone’s life and only when you love the Lord you will understand it. As the scripture says: In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 5.18)

Whether there is something or not for you to be thankful for, think about the opportunity you still have to try living “happily EVER after”

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5.23)

   Happy Thanksgiving Day! (which is NOT the turkey day, but the day of the ones who will eat it.)

Who controls you?

I have heard the wrong answer many times: “Nobody controls me, because I won’t let them!” How sad they do not recognize that by giving that answer they are already asserting how badly they are being controlled by Pride. People do not realize that an answer to a simple question tells more about you than what you are willing to say because it is not “what you say” but, how you say it.

I myself have been working on how I say things because sometimes they might sound aggressive to others and I have been told. I could sin by justifying myself for being somewhat “hard of hearing” or because I have many people around making noise and I want to be heard. I do not realize it but people at home tell me and they think I am mad. I am, really, not mad, but it might sounds like it because of the gestures I use.

Some people don’t have to even talk to show who or what controls them, the expression of their face says it all. If they feel bad-tempered due to an unpleasant experience they’ve had during the day, when they get home at night, their attitude towards the people around them at home becomes edgy and most probably will trigger an argument that would develop a fight. Whose fault is it?  Is it the person that provoked the original unpleasant experience or the person at home who failed to recognize your bad tempered face and did not treat you with care?  . . . Neither one of them. It is the wrath that controls them.

The truth is that something always controls us, and we will always act the way that which controls us wants. If it is good, our actions will be good. When we are controlled by love, we are happy and smile all the time. We might then understand and learn many things, thus becoming easy going.  If we are controlled by evil, it will destroy us. The people who really let God control them are at peace with every one and are happy all the time. They could be angry, though, it would not be enough to destroy anything or anyone because they are moved by love.. A wise man said: Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4.26, 27)

If we do not ask God to control our life, we are giving the devil the opportunity to do it and make us miserable on this earth to work our way to a more miserable eternity where there is NO WAY BACK. You might not believe in the devil, but he is the one who controls the deeds of the flesh which might have power over us. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.. (Galatians 5. 19-21) The only way we can fight those is by letting in us the fruit of the Spirit which is: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things THERE IS NO LAW. (Galatians 5.22-23)

What are we coming to?

That is the question many people ask when they see all evil that’s going on around us in this civilized country, The United States of America, and there’s no one, I mean NOT ONE that does anything about it. The apostle wrote it: There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless (Romans 3:10-12)  This one is falling, like all the great empires of the World. Because our governors are NOT doing their job, they are not enforcing the laws of the founding documents which made this nation prosper “UNDER GOD”

Everything has become so liberal in order to be politically correct that is turning ungodly, and that is because we have let the wrong people take office, people who do not care to enforce the good things God likes, but the bad ones He despises. And they want to change it all for the goodness of whom? . .the people, or the governors?  I could mention many things in which “government” has all the benefits while the people who support it have the worst, starting with "Obama Care" which will not apply to government people. And I could dare anyone to argue if that is not Communism (power to the leaders, penury to people), but I will not lose my time for there are more important things like “What can we do about it?”

For starters, we have to prepare our kids who are the “hope” to the world like a great writer said and take them to Sunday school at church, not to learn Religion, but to learn how to be socially smart and wise, so nobody can lie to them. If they are well prepared in the Lord’s ways there will be no one who can get them involved in the wicked ways many “serious” and big institutions have in their agenda. But people are still thinking “there’s no such thing as the “devil”. The Word of God says it: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (even though our enemy uses them to fool us), but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6.12) Those are the ones who make us sin, who will involve us in evil to the point of  NO RETURN if we are not prepared. Read to your kid the whole chapter 6 of Ephesians and get him ready to Trust in the Lord so they will not be deceived.

We do not have to drown in the flood of wickedness if, on time, we get a hold of the Ark of the Lord which is Jesus Christ.. So, what are we coming to? To Jesus, if we want to be free from evil and end up in salvation. God will always win for the goodness of those who believe.

-Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil

  day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)

-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding have all those

  who do His commandments. (Psalm 111:10)

-For the commandment is a lamp and a teaching is Light (Proverbs 6:23)

-Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

-Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

Are we working on the basics to live?

I did not want to use the word “working” because it implies an effort and actually the “Good News” is precisely the fact that Jesus Christ did ALL it had to be done in order to offer us salvation to have the Eternal Life we do not deserve, but by Grace we obtain:

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so whoever believes in Him does not perish, but have Eternal Life. (John 3.16)

How wonderful! All we have to do is to BELIEVE. And, how do we do that? Well, in order to believe, for instance, that a device works, is trying it first. If we need to believe in something we try it, but if we need to believe in someone, we search on his background, on his life doings, on his curriculum vitae or anything that gives us his or her experience to find out how credible that person is. We also listen to people’s testimonies on their experience with that person.

In the case of GOD and his son Jesus Christ, we have His word, The Bible which is a compendium of books of history, laws, poetry, prophesy, biographies, letters, stories, and all there is to know about any aspect of life to live it to His liking. You can find fables in It (see Judges 9.8), and even recipes (Ezekiel 4:9).  If you want to know Him all you have to do is read about Him. Jesus said: I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through ME. (John 14:6)  

So, if we want to LIVE our eternity, and not suffer it, we have to know about Him. Search for Him, read about Him and learn to pray so we can start living the joy of really knowing Him. That is the basics and as soon as we do that we will learn to trust and love Him. And if we do, we will belong to Him and no one can separate us from His love. Like Paul apostle said:

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? Just as it is written,

“For your sake we are being put to death all day long;

We are being considered as sheep to be slaughtered,”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer  through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

Are we ready to deal with the outcome of a choice?

Many times we make choices that at the moment seem perfect, but as time passes by, we become aware that they were not so good after all. What do we do? Is it possible to undo them? Sometimes we have to live with them and suffer the consequences, whether they are good or bad, because it takes more than a desire to undo what became a problem. If the problem could be solved with time, we just have to wait and pray it passes by quick. Occasionally we have the solution at hand to undo the problem but it might be so tough, that it becomes worse than the problem itself and it is better to let go on said solution.

It all depends on the nature of the problem itself, whether it’s social, political, economical, sentimental or other; and if it’s feasible to fix or not. For some people any problem is “no problem”. If they are the kind to have their way, no matter what, they would take the risk, whatever its consequences. They just do not stop to think how much worse matters can get and/or how much they could hurt someone in using that particular solution, probably with no benefit for anyone. And if we do not do anything about it, we might still be uncomfortable with the original problem. That is why we should be certain that the actions we originally take are in accordance with God’s will. And how do we know that? We simply ask Him. We pray about it and God has a way to let us know. If we do not ask and things go wrong, we will hurt. The fixing is not easy, and perhaps not even possible. It could be very painful; but there’s a way out through prayer. And in the process we will move the mountain which was on the way, or the storm that threatened with destroying us. Of course it takes perseverance and faith. If we are Christian, we know there’s nothing better than to ask God for guidance. Although, for the non believer it might seem a little odd, but trust me, it works. What seemed to be the problem will disappear. We start feeling comforted and accepting reality as the will of God is obeyed which will ALWAYS be to our benefit: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8.28)

We all have to deal with the “outcome” of a bad choice we make, or a situation God has permitted Satan to mess with, but we know He is always in control and would never forsake us. So, it is not that we have to deal with bad situations, but HOW, by letting God take over. We could do things “our way” and have Satan, who hates us, make fun of us when things get worse for listening to him or we can put them in God’s hands  to be content. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (Romans 8.37)

We do not have to be afraid with whichever solution the Lord permits for:

1- It will always be good for us.  (Romans 8.28)

2-It will make us winners. Romans 8.37)

3- God is with us: Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the  

    world. (I John 4.4b)

Are we really free?

We could be celebrating the independence of our country from the one which settled us and made us abide by their rules instead of having rules of our own like we do now.  But in our personal lives, are we free?

We probably do not think about it, but if we are dependent on something in order to go on living, we are its slaves; and we are really dependent of something or someone. When we are babies we depend on our mother, to be fed, cleansed, and teach us our first steps. When we are a little older, we depend on our father, other family or person to give us an education to be a little independent. Yet, we owe respect to that one that cared when we were puny. And when we are completely in our own, to feel good, we will still need a dependence on something. Now, that “something” could be anything depending on:

1-     The way we were brought up.

If our parents decided we would be wise people, they worked up on that formation. If they decided it was up to us, they left the way free to “whoever’s influence”.

2-     The experience we have had on the way.

If we have a great encounter, we might follow its inspiration.

3-     The reasoning due to studies you make on your own.

If we are convinced of a great way to live, we will look it up, study and follow it.

So we are not really free ever. But we have the power of choosing whom or what we can give our self to. If we give it to something that will own us it becomes our possessor and it could destroy us, but if we give ourselves to our Creator Lord, He would free us.. Jesus, the son of God, said: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”

(John 8:31-32)

If we study His word, nobody can lie to us and make us slaves of theirs, therefore we are completely free. God wants us to learn the truth for our own liberation so we do not have to perish and be slaves of the ones who could control our choices if we let them. So if you think you’re free when you do not study His word, think twice. God said:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your

God, I also will forget your children.” (Hosea 4:6) 

Are you sure about your destiny?

X

I do not know about you, but I’m certain about mine. I am going home to my father’s house. And what could be better than home. When I’m out on vacation I get excited for all the new places I visit. I love to see other towns and be a part of their history. But when I get back home I feel very good. I recall a vacation of my brother and his wife’s, a trip they made to Europe and could not make it back on time for work in more than a week, staying at different airports; sleeping uncomfortably, eating whatever there was available and washing up in public rest rooms, offering anything to get back home. That could be exciting when you’re young and have no responsibilities, but when you do and have properties of your own . . . How great to be home!

I remember a song I used to listen to a long time ago which said: “I’m getting closer to my home.”  That’s because it is exciting to get there, it means resting when you feel comfortable in it, there’s no better place than home. And that’s how we feel, for instance, in a place where we’re surrounded of people who think, feel and believe as we do, like church which is our Father’s house. And when we are in our Father’s house, everyone there is our family. And when we are surrounded by family, we are home. If our destiny is to spend our eternity in a place like home, then we will be joyful . . . all the time.

Many people have told me they just do not feel good in a certain place to have to spend an eternity there. Can you imagine having to spend an eternity, for instance in prison? . . . Or working hard to exhaustion?  Would you like to be surrounded by mean people? Our heavenly father is inviting us to spend it with Him and assuring us we will have an exciting time forever: but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the hearts of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)

 Dad, on this, your celebration month, why don’t you give yourself a present which will bring joy to all your family by simply asking God to enter your heart so you  can offer your loved ones the great destiny. It is very easy. You do NOT have to have a fat good deeds file, nor money to buy your way in. All you need is to ask Him to include you in the registration list. It’s free! Jesus already paid for it.

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. (Acts 16:31)

Happy Father’s month!

Are we going to go through the “Great Tribulation”?

That seems to be a question not many Christians agree on. First, you would have to know what “that” is in order to talk about it. If you read the 13 chapter of the book according to Mark or the 24th of Mathew, you might have an idea, if someone who knows is willing to explain it to you. That it is hard to understand? Perhaps, and that is why I think Christians are wise, because they study the book and argue about it.

 I saw a program on a Christian TV where there were about many pastors and all of them had different opinions on that matter, based on different parts of the Bible. Some say that Christ is coming for his church before the tribulation comes and others think the opposite. That tells me, though, that I should learn and ask God for discernment to know what to believe, and wisdom to understand His Word. Do not follow a tradition because of “how great” or “how rich” it is because what is “great” to people is NOT necessarily great to God. God’s standards are not the same as people’s even though He uses people to teach and preach, and to reveal God’s principles.

We know that God created us to his image, so we are smart enough to reason what is proper and why. For instance, I have heard a commercial on the radio that says: “If you do not wear a Seat Belt, you’ll get a ticket” Why? Because that is what matters to the majority: the economy. When they used to say “If you do not wear the Seat Belt there’s a great chance you’ll die, in case of an accident.” everyone excused himself: “Oh, that’s not going to happen to me for I’m very careful.” Or “One in a million chances like the Lotto”. . . But someone does get it.  Life is more important than a ticket, but it does not seem to “sell.” It seems taboo to talk about death. That is what happens to us, Christians, when we give out the message, yet many people find an excuse to not believe even at the expense of their lives. Perhaps a ticket would do.

Are we going to go through the “Great Tribulation”?  Many Baptist preachers think not. My mother in Law (sister of one) said she read something in Isaiah about it. Some Presbyterian Pastors I know do not talk much about it, others think we’re going through it right now.[I agree on this from what I’m seeing is happening in the Christian principles country which I had never seen before, where the Non Christian religions are being honored (over Christianity), yet in their countries of origin they kill Christians, and here they are welcomed.] I have not heard the also Christian Catholics’ opinion on the “tribulation” theme. It seems as though the Christians have difference of opinion so why am I still one? Because the Non Christians think through their religion and penitence they are good enough to deserve paradise. Despite our non important differences Christians focus on Christ. It is NOT about us or religion. It is about the ONE who came to this world to PAY our debt for being imperfect. Jesus said: I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE; NO ONE comes to the Father but through ME.

(John 14:6)

Tribulation or no tribulation, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philip. 4:13) Besides, you will not get a ticket for not having believed, but simply there’s NO salvation without Christ. The Truth will make us FREE. (John 8:32)

Do you have the correct ammo?

Do you feel unworthy?  Sometimes I do . . . when I try to do something and I can not . . . when circumstances make me feel not capable . . . when people make sure others know I am not. . . And on the other hand, if I can not do something people expect I can easily do, I feel even worse.

Last week I felt like that. I felt like I was good for nothing. Then all the blues started to hit me and the imaginary serpent attacked me: “God took your productive life and turned it into a chaos.” . . . “He gave you a writing gift that has not given you a penny, but only debts.” . . . “You’ve been looking for years and no one gives you an opportunity because you’re not worthy.” . . . “Do not keep on trying, you’re too old now.”

For a little consolation I start searching in my wisdom rich counseling book, the Bible, and I come across of: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40: 28-31).  Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Then I start shooting back: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13). . . The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1). . . God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. (Romans 8:28a). . . But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

All of a sudden I start feeling good and worthy, knowing that God loves me whatever the circumstances. He is with me and He has chosen me to work for His purpose and  knowing that any bad feeling is a scheme of the devil, I do as the Scripture says for I know in whom I have trusted: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so you will be able to stand FIRM against the Schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything (girded with truth, breastplate of righteousness,  the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is The Word of God)  to stand firm.   (Ephesians 6:10-17)

What does it really count?

There are rules for most everything and especially in writing because a well written piece is a synonym of excellence.  Of course, in my case, English is my second language, and though I try to be as clear as possible, an appraiser will find many errors in what I write as my writing professors did on my home works or my English teacher daughter does now. To me, though, the most important fact is that I can “transmit” a message, whether I use “pass on”, “communicate” or “diffuse.”  When I start my writing, I pray first, nevertheless I know that if I send it to any of my children or my native friends they start crossing words out and soon there would be more red scratches than words. I do not get angry for I know it is for my good, but whatever words they change to make my writing better is simply “not me.

By the way, I have started doing what my “Speech and Drama” teacher told me to not ever do: Apologizing. Each writer has his/her own style, though. For instance, the apostle Paul had his. Although he always identified himself in his letters, there is another way scholars could identify his texts: His doctrine whose message was Christ ONLY, nothing else. No circumcision or any “yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). Jesus’ death and resurrection did it all and that’s the message. We have to do NOTHING but to believe.

Therefore, the “message” is what really counts. Of course, some people send the “wrong” message because their main interest is what people do to be grateful, perhaps, and that’s why their message is on “prosperity” which is what some people like to hear.

My message to you is that God will prosper whoever He knows is going to be within His will and He heals whoever He wants, according to His purpose. He gave us intelligence to use and the wisdom is in learning HIS MESSAGE. Read it, study it, get together with others and praise Him for all He’s done for you and ask with faith and He will act, and NOT because we did this or that. Here are some of God’s messages:

-Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2)

-And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God. (Romans 8:28)

-Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.  (Hebrews 12:14)

-These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the World. (John 16:33)

And my God will supply ALL your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:19)

Are we celebrating death?

Some people might think we would be sad during this week we celebrate the passion of Christ. Actually, we are happy. Not because Jesus was slandered, beaten up, spat at and finally crucified, but because he could comply with the Father’s will which served to bring salvation to all who care to believe in Him. It was not easy for Him for He was one hundred percent human. He even pleaded God in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Mathew 26:39)

Some Christians have even told me when I have spoken of the beautiful music we sing during these days: “we only celebrate “Easter’ because we do not celebrate death, but only life.”  But, it so happens, that Jesus Himself said it: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal”

 (John 12:23-25)  So we celebrate that He wanted to bear much fruit so you and I could live eternally. Therefore, we celebrate His death and after three days, His resurrection. We are NOT sad for Him, but for all the ones who are so blind and insist in not seeking the truth, that in Him we’ll be forever well.

Back in the time of Moses, when he led his people out of slavery in Egypt, and towards the Promised Land, God revealed all the laws to him (over 600 of them including the Ten Commandments.). It was also established the feast of the “Passover” of the Lord to celebrate their freedom. The families were to slay a Passover lamb to eat and apply some blood on the lintel and the doorposts of their house “For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.” (Exodus 12:23-24)

Centuries later, John the Baptist said when he saw Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)  He is the Lamb who precisely in the feast of the Passover was slain to free us from our sins, and that’s worth celebrating.

Nevertheless, at the third day  He arose from death because He is also one hundred percent divine and as it is written: So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them (the disciples), he was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  (Mark 16:19)

So, by the observance of the Holy Week we are really celebrating LIFE.

                          HAPPY EASTER!       

How Much Does a life of a person cost?

Have you ever made yourself that question? Think only on the oxygen we inhale. How much would it cost us if we had to pay for it? Thanks GOD we have it free! Yet, how much does it actually cost to a person, for instance, who has a breathing problem and needs it in order to live? Could we afford it if all of us had to pay for it? And do we thank God for that one we do not have to pay for, everyday?

I know people who take it for granted and never thank God for anything, yet they’re the first ones to make him responsible for every misfortune, calamity, accident or anything that it is not provoked by Him, yet they are so quick to attack with obscenities.

It is sad that we are so ungrateful for all the goodness He blesses us with, yet geared up to sentence Him as soon as something goes wrong. He, who left all His Glory (Jesus himself said it: My kingdom is not of this world-John 18:36) in order to repair something He was not guilty of, to give us the life we do not deserve; and what did we do?  We accused Him of an impostor and had Him crucified, we, the people, yes. Shame on us!

Many people might think of the fact of His dying as a useless one, because He did not try to keep on living in this world, healing and teaching, perhaps imposing a new political system like the “wise” people do. What for, though? He had already done what he came to do here, which was to die in the cross for the salvation of humanity so “we, the people”, the ungrateful ones, the ones who always obey Satan and once yelled “Crucify him!” could live eternally because He paid the price. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

So Salvation is FREE for anyone who believes, for Jesus paid the price so we would not have to. That is how much it cost for us to live. Do you want to accept the gift our Lord gives us? It is up to us to accept the offer; we do not have to pay or sacrifice anything  Jesus already did, and he admonishes us while there’s still time: “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”(Revelation 3:20-21)

Is it “smart” to be an atheist?

I was told of an atheist who said to a friend that he was an atheist precisely because he was smart and when one is very smart does not believe in fairy-tales.

I did not want to feel dumb, so and I went to the dictionary to find out the definition of smart which is an adjective. It gave me several meanings and synonyms like:  mentally alert, bright, witty, clever, shrewd, knowledgeable —by the way, in English I use Merriam Webster COLLEGIATE Dictionary, 1993 edition —. Of course I did not see any “atheist” as one of the meanings, so, I looked it up and it simply said: one who denies the existence of God.  It did not say “smart scholar”, or “bright person”, or “witty professional”, or for that matter, it did not say the opposite either.

Knowing the place of origin of the person, I just knew his reaction was a reflection of what he learned in an atheist school and it made me sad for his apathy. The worst part, though, was the fact he’s a Christian off-spring.  Maybe he thinks the parents are not “smart” enough for embracing a point of view that gives them the joy of knowing that no matter what, they have hope of being loved by our Lord and Savior, Creator of everything that surrounds us. And in His love, He wants us to enjoy His inheritance with Him. Like Jesus said: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to My self, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

I am NOT going to say that anyone who does not believe in God is not smart enough, but if they really were knowledgeable, like the dictionary says, first of all they would study the Bible to find out why we Christians believe, and not only in  the Bible which is the most sold/read book in the world with the predictions of hundreds of years in advance, and later the stories of the happenings; the amazing miracles that took place; the historic and astounding acts of deliverance. . .are they all really fairy tales?  Then our whole existence is a fairy tale because it is full of facts that prove everything the Bible says is real. Some facts are the life long dispute between Jews and Arabs, the finding of paintings and scrolls over the years in the caverns and other places in the old country, the historic mosaics of their true characters, the chronicles of the old empires’ history, and everything else like live testimony of millions which only prove veracity of them. Why does Jesus birth set a division for the world of BC and AD?  Why did an important Roman emperor like Constantine legalize Christianity when it had been a “doomed” religion? Why did the veil of the temple was torn in two and the earth shook when Jesus died? (Mathew 28:51)  And many, many more facts I have no space to mention.

I am sorry for the atheist, we love them, but if they do not study, they will not pass the exam in wisdom.

Yet, Jesus said to Thomas after He arose from death: “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are those who did not see and yet believed.” (John 20:29)

What is more important the WHAT (we are) or the HOW (we perform it)?

 

It is obvious that anybody can say they are “whatever” and not be able to perform what it involves or implies. Just because a paper says you are something, does not mean you will be able to perform it if you do not try it first, or have some kind of practice. That is why it is said that “Practice makes perfect.”  Some people may know their thing but they simply do not try it. Some even say “Do as I say and Not as I do” because it is easier to know something, than to do it. That seems to me that the HOW is more important than the WHAT.

That seems to work out in most instances on thinking creatures. Although it does not mean, that you could get a very important job, for instance, without "the little paper from the university, which endorses you as a professional". I meant that in many cases what people say we are is not necessarily true unless we can prove it with our performance. And if rumors threaten with ruining our reputation think that our performance might prove otherwise. The performance could be overcome, though, with the motivation.  And if we are in the right track our motivation will always be good and our performance will be great, no matter what we are. In other words, if we are in the right track (in the truth of God), our motivation (the love of God) will make us act well, no matter what, or how many times we failed in the past.

What are we? Sinners, all of us: As it is written: “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE, ”. . . “DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN. THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.” (Romans 3:10-12, 16-18)

That is why the WHAT God did for us without the help of our HOW, becomes the most important of all. That is why we should remember, in this month we celebrate LOVE, the greatest WHAT and HOW of God’s which demonstrates all the love in the entire universe:

 But God demonstrates His own LOVE toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

We do not have to be perfect or earn salvation from God. The WHAT and the HOW Christ Jesus already did for us. All we have to do is believe:

For, God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:17) .

Do we have our priorities straight?

 

What is the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning? Do you give thanks to the almighty God for letting you live another day or do you take it for granted?

When I was young and about to get married, I went to visit my parents at the home of a pastor friend, when they arrived to this country. I recall an incident where the clothes washer broke. They called for a repair man who came in and charged them for the visit, only to let them know that it was beyond repair and they needed a new one. This got me to thinking about my future and all of the “extra” expenses we would have to incur in our daily lives, and became scared.  The mere thought of the cost of living in this new country (for me) nearly traumatized me.  I was, after all, leaving behind the concept of “not having a care in the world” and entering the” real world”, and that in itself gave me the creeps.  Especially, since I did not have a job to fall back on.  Eventually, I became employed thanks to the help of my family and friends, and I survived.  But the main reason why I succeeded was the fact that I never ever let go of my Lord’s hand. Not even when things got so bad, that I even contemplated wanting to die because I was so sure  that my life was meaningless and thought no one cared for me.  I no longer had the desire to exist anymore; who was going to miss me? 

How wrong I was! And I thank God everyday for reminding me.  I came across some of God’s promises that continue to resonate. Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he’s old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)  . . . The Lord keeps all who love Him. (Psalm 145:20)  . . .  My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves. (Proverbs 3:11-12) . . . “Are not five Sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7) . . . Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)

And I called upon Him and He showed me all of the blessings I had coming to me, including nine grandchildren who I am thankful for. He gave me peace and most importantly, He gave me HOPE for I know there are better things yet to come. So do not worry for material things which might ease up your path on this earth, “But seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mathew 6:33)

Do you look and do not see or listen and can not hear?

It is impossible not to be subjected to magical feelings when it comes to the nativity story:  The virginal conception of a teenager, the rustic place of birth of a virgin’s son (can you imagine?), the appearance of the praising angels to announce the birth to the most insignificant people, and the coming of the rich and wise to worship Him, which is what we celebrate today, The epiphany.

The coming of the wise men, or The Magi (read Matthew 2:1-12) is the manifestation of the Light to the Gentiles (the people who are not Jewish). He came to his own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even those who believe in His name. (John 1:11-12) Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us, Jews and Gentiles that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16b)

So if you can not see or hear, ask God to do the miracle so you can also celebrate the feeling of inclusion that only Jesus can give. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land. The Light will shine on them. (Isaiah 9:2)