Category Archives: Guidance

Will You Walk through the Fog?

Posted on by
2

“I have no words to say

Don’t know what I should pray

God, I need You

God, I need You

Oh Lord, my faith is tired

And tears fill up my eyes

But I will trust You, I will trust You”   

– lyrics to “Amen” by I Am They

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever been afraid to trust in God or have faith in Him and His will for your life? Is your faith tired? Is your faith worn out? Do you have faith in God’s promises? Do you truly believe God keeps all of His promises written in the Bible? Do you have faith that God will never leave you or forsake you? Or does having faith seem difficult when walking through the fog? Have you felt let down in life? Do you feel like your hope is fading?  Do you still believe the promises of the Bible are not for you? Do you find it challenging to have faith at this moment in your life? 

IMG_4665

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”  

– 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

God’s Word is filled with promises for us. I will only list a few:

  • Eternal life (read 1 John 2:25)
  • Christs’ return for us (read John 14: 1-3)
  • A heavenly home (read John 14: 1-3)
  • Spiritual blessings (read Ephesians 1:3)  
  • A new life in Christ (read 2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Abundant life (read John 10:10)
  • Provisions (read Philippians 4:9)    
  • Comfort in trials (read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
  • Rest (read Matthew 11:28-30)
  • Peace (read Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Strength (read Isaiah 40:28-31)
  • Power of the Holy Spirit (read Acts 17:6)

2 Corinthians 1:2 tells us that all of God’s promises to us are answered “yes” in Christ. It is by the power of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and by his death and resurrection that we are answered “yes” to all of God’s promises.    

IMG_4861

Hebrews 1:3 NIV says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…” John 16:33 NIV says,“….In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We can confidently walk through the fog knowing Jesus Christ sustains “all things by his powerful word.” No matter impossible the situation may seem, we can have faith in Christ, knowing that He is in control and that our victory in is in Him.

“Deep within my heart, I know You’ve won

I know You’ve overcome

And even in the dark, when I’m undone

I still believe it

I live by faith, and not by sight  

Sometimes miracles take time….

You’re faithful every day

Your promises remain

You’re faithful every day

Your promises remain”  

– lyrics to “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster

Dear Lord Jesus, thank for Your faithfulness. Thank you for being faithful to fulfill God’s promises in our lives. Please help us to have more faith as we walk through the fog. Whatever comes our way, please help us to be able to sing “Amen, let your kingdom come, Amen, let your will be done.” Amen.

Will You Step onto the Bridge?

Posted on by
2

Imagine standing at the edge a riverbank. The sound of the whitewater rapids crashing fills the air. You really can’t see what lies on the other side of the river. The fog is dense preventing you from seeing more than two feet ahead of you. This tumultuous river is the only thing separating you from the other side. You need to get to the other side. This river seems to be the only thing that is separating you from the answer to what you’ve been hoping and praying for.

Bridge fogYou have been praying for sometime when you see it. A narrow makeshift bridge swaying a couple feet above the rushing rapids comes into view. You have two choices. Either you will remain at the edge of the riverbank or you step onto the bridge. What will you do?

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”   

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Deep down, you know your prayers have led you here. A million thoughts race through your mind. How could this be a rational decision? The bridge looks old and flimsy. Who knows if it doesn’t have holes and the ropes you hold onto with your hands aren’t broken? You know very well you could slip through a hole at any moment or lose your balance and fall into the raging waters below. What will you do?  Will you wait for the mist to clear or will muster the courage to take a step of faith onto that bridge?

This seems to be where God brought you. You trusted Him to bring you this far. Will you trust Him to take you to the next destination? What will you do? Will you remain crippled by the fear of the unknown or will you step out in faith?

Psalm 16:8 NIV says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Sometimes we are going to face scary situations. Sometimes we will feel like God is leading us to step onto a debilitated makeshift bridge, but we don’t have to be afraid to take that step because we know that He will hold us up with His “righteous right hand.” Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” If we trust completely in God and surrender our lives to Him, we can be confident that He will direct us into the path He wants us to take.

“In a real sense faith is total surrender to God .”

— Martin Luther King Jr.   

We don’t always understand why God is leading us where He is leading us, but we can rest assured knowing that He is with us and He knows what He is doing. We can’t see through the mist, but He can. Maybe God brought you to the fog, so you would grow in faith by walking through the fog? Maybe God brought you to the dilapidated bridge, so you wouldn’t rely on the strength of the bridge, but instead on His strength.

  “… for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 

 -2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Where has God led you? Has He led you to a place where you can’t see what lies ahead? Has He led you to an old dilapidated bridge? What will you do? The choice is up to you. Will you wait for the fog to clear or will you step out in faith?

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for always being with us. Thank You for Your guidance. Please help us to know when you want us to take the next step. And, when You want us to take action, please give us the strength to take the first step in faith. Amen.

When You Are Waiting for an Answer?

Posted on by
Reply

now IMG_4187 

“I live by faith, and not by sight

Sometimes miracles take time

While I wait, I will worship

Lord, I’ll worship Your name

While I wait, I will trust You

Lord, I’ll trust You all the same

You’re faithful every day”  

( lyrics to “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster)

Do you know what it’s like to hope for something with all of your heart? Do you know this feeling? Have you cried out to God asking for a request? In Psalm 27:7 NIV, the psalmist cries out to God, “Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.” What can we learn from the Psalmist? If you read the entire chapter of Psalm 27, you learn that the Psalmist faces many of the same enemies we face today. He faces fear and uncertainty. He knows that he could be harmed, abandoned, or take the wrong path. Instead of becoming overwhelmed and giving up, he chooses to focus on worshipping God. Psalm 27:4 says, “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.” Psalm 27:6 says, “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.” In the midst of uncertainty, the Psalmist found the faith necessary to trust in God and His promises. Psalm 27: 13-14 NIV says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:13-14 NIV  In the same way, we can be confident in God’s faithfulness knowing that God is with us and God is guiding us even when we can’t see where we are walking. We can be confident that God is working in the midst of our worship.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about 

what we do not see.”   

– Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great faithfulness. Please help us to worship You as we wait for Your answers. Please help us to place our confidence in You and You alone. Amen.

En Descanso… Nuevas Viajes… Publicaciones de Blog Regresan en Noviembre

Posted on by
Reply

B4C6C5FE-B2C4-4FDF-870B-642E717B55EC

Al entrar en la temporada de otoño, pienso en Ecclesiastes 3: 1 NIV que dice: “Todo tiene su tiempo, y todo lo que se quiere debajo del cielo tiene su hora.”

En cuatro días, mi mejor amiga (y prima) entra en una nueva etapa de su vida. Ella va tomar los votos del matrimonio. Espero poder compartir con ella en esta hermosa temporada de alegría. También entiendo que con cada temporada que ingresamos, debemos dejar atrás la temporada pasada. Con tristeza y alegría, dejamos una temporada de nuestras vidas atrás y entramos en una nueva temporada de nuestras vidas.  

“Todo tiene su tiempo, y todo lo que se quiere debajo del cielo tiene su hora…  tiempo de llorar, y tiempo de reír; tiempo de endechar, y tiempo de bailar;”  

-Eclesiastés 3: 1,4 GNT

  Las nuevas temporadas son emocionantes, pero tambien traen nuevas responsabilidades y nuevos desafíos. Los desafíos pueden ser beneficiosos porque nos empujan a crecer de nuevas maneras (espiritual, emocional e intelectualmente). Al entrar en nuevas estaciones, debemos tener fe en Dios y en sus planes para nuestras vidas. También debemos permitir que Dios nos guíe y nos transforme en individuos más parecidos a Cristo. Podemos estar seguros de que no importa a qué estación nos enfrentemos, Dios está con nosotros y su amor por nosotros sigue siendo el mismo.  

“Jesucristo es el mismo ayer, hoy y por los siglos.”

 -Hebrews 13: 8

 Tomaré un descanso de He Knows Your Name para viajar al sur para servir como dama de honor en la boda de mi mejor amiga y para viajar al otro lado del país para mirar nuevos lugares.

Con la voluntad del Dios, planeo reanudar las publicaciones del blog en Noviembre. Por favor, manténganme a mí y a mi familia en sus oraciones, ya que viajemos mucho este mes.  

Querido Señor Jesucristo, gracias por amarnos siempre de la misma manera sin importar en qué estación de nuestra vida estemos. Por favor, bendice y guie a mi mejor amiga y a su futuro esposo cuando entren a esta nueva temporada de sus vidas juntos. Por favor manténganme a mí ya mi familia seguros mientras viajamos. Por favor, rodeé a los lectores de He Knows Your Name con Tu amor infinito. Amén.

 

¿Cómo Orar Cuando la Vida no Tiene Sentido? (Parte 2)

Posted on by
Reply

“Y sabemos que a los que aman a Dios, todas las cosas les ayudan a bien, esto es, a los que conforme a su propósito son llamados.”  

-Romanos 8:28 RVR 1960   

FullSizeR Cross

Si elegimos y oramos para vivir en la voluntad de Dios , debemos entender que a veces Dios nos permite luchar y sufrir no solo para cambiarnos, sino también para prepararnos para sus planes futuros. En Mateo 26: 36-42 (Refiérase a la Parte 1 de Cómo orar cuando la vida no tiene sentido [Parte 1]), Jesucristo fue con sus discípulos al Getsemaní a orar. Jesucristo sabía que era la voluntad de Dios dar su vida para pagar la deuda por nuestros pecados. Jesús oro “… Padre mío, si es posible, pase de mí esta copa; pero no sea como yo quiero, sino como tú.” -Mateo 26:39 RVR 1960 Cuando Jesucristo oró esta oración, esperó el mayor dolor y sufrimiento que jamás haya existido, la crucifixión (el sacrificio máximo para la humanidad). Dos veces, Jesús oró por la voluntad de Dios y no por su propia voluntad. De la misma manera, debemos orar. Las letras de una canción cantada por Hillary Scott son las siguientes: “Estoy tan confundida que sé que te escuché fuerte y claro / Entonces, la seguí / De alguna manera terminé aquí No quiero pensar / Quizás nunca lo entiendo / Que mi corazón roto es parte de tu plan / Cuando trato de orar / Todo lo que tengo se lastima y estas cuatro palabras / Hágase tu voluntad… ” Cuando oramos por la voluntad de Dios, debemos tener la actitud correcta. “Podríamos orar esta oración en una actitud de derrota. No lo dices porque lo quieres, sino porque Dios es más fuerte que tú. También puedes decirlo con amargo resentimiento y en ardiente ira hacia Dios. Sin embargo, Dios quiere que lo recemos en completo amor y confianza porque sabemos que Dios solo tiene nuestros mejores intereses en el corazón … Antes de que podamos estar en perfecta armonía con la voluntad de Dios …, debemos estar sintonizados con Su perfecta voluntad en amorosa sumisión (Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope, p. 14 de mayo).” 

“Justificados, pues, por la fe, tenemos paz para con Dios por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo; por quien también tenemos entrada por la fe a esta gracia en la cual estamos firmes, y nos gloriamos en la esperanza de la gloria de Dios. Y no sólo esto, sino que también nos gloriamos en las tribulaciones, sabiendo que la tribulación produce paciencia; y la paciencia, prueba; y la prueba, esperanza; y la esperanza no averg:uenza; porque el amor de Dios ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones por el Espíritu Santo que nos fue dado.” -Romanos 5:1-5 RVR 1960

 Romanos 5:1-5 nos recuerda que hay un propósito para el sufrimiento. El sufrimiento no solo nos da corazones más compasivos para la gente que nos rodean, sino que nos enseña a confiar más en Dios y a recordarnos la esperanza de la vida eterna que nos tenemos en Jesucristo. Así como Dios permite que la oruga lucha por sí misma para salir del capullo una mariposa, también nos permite soportar las dificultades para transformarnos en la gente, que Él predestinó a convertirnos. 

swallowtail-butterfly-swallowtail-butterflies-papilio-machaon-butterfly-54596

“Las dificultades muchas veces preparan personas ordinarias para un destino extraordinario.”  

 

– C. S. Lewis

“La gente muchas veces elabora su propia agenda para Jesús y luego no esperan nada más de Él. Su trabajo se extiende mucho más allá de lo que cualquiera de nosotros podría pensar o soñar “.(Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope, p. 14 de mayo) Pero, tenemos que estar dispuestos a permitir que Dios nos quite nuestros planes simples y nos suplanta a los Sus planes divinos, incluso si significa sacrificar nuestros sueños y / o tomar un camino más difícil. Aquí hay más de la letra de Thy Will cantada por Hillary Scott: “Sé que eres buena / Pero esto no se siente bien en este momento / Y sé que piensas / De cosas que nunca podría pensar / Es difícil contar todo es alegría / distraído por el ruido / estoy tratando de encontrar sentido / De todas tus promesas / A veces tengo que parar / Recuerdo que eres Dios / Y no lo soy / Así / Tu se hará … Sé que me ves / Sé que me oyes, Señor / Tus planes son para mí / La bondad que tienes almacenada. Como un niño de rodillas, todo lo que viene a mí es / Hágase tu voluntad … ”

Querido Señor Jesucristo, por favor darnos corazones que son siempre dispuestos a someterse a Tu voluntad. Amén.   

Referencia: Solly Ozrovech, Una temporada de esperanza. Vereeniging: arte cristiano, impresión.

Publicado en Ingles el 31 de mayo de 2017

Published in English on  May 31, 2017

Please click on the date to read this post in English.

 

Finding the Right Road

Posted on by
1

Have you ever felt confused about your life? Did you reach a point where you didn’t know what step to take next? Maybe every part of your life always made sense and then suddenly everything came crashing to the ground? Perhaps you have had a series of setbacks over the course of your journey, which made you question God’s will for your life? You are not alone.   

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.”  

– Psalm 143:8 NIV 

asphalt-clouds-fields-56832

 

In Psalm 143:8, the psalmist despite his dire situation, wrote, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” His words reflect his trust in God’s faithfulness. Perhaps God seemed far away. But, this prayer is bold. He doesn’t just ask God to help him whenever. He writes, “Let the morning bring me word…” He trusts that God will make a way and show him the way he should go. In the same way, we should confidently come to God, our Father, knowing that if we completely surrender our lives to Him, God will show us the way to go.  

Think about the lyrics from the song, “Help me find it,”  by Sidewalk Prophets:

“I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own
I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go
I will trust in You

 If there’s a road I should walk Help me find it…  

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone
Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go
I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You…
I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need…”

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for always being there for us even when we feel confused and alone. When we feel lost, please help us confidently trust in You and Your unfailing love. Please help us to find the paths you would have us to walk. Amen.

¿Cuáles son las 7 Marcas de un Buen Mentor?

Posted on by
Reply

“Timoteo, hijo mío, te encargo este mandamiento para que, conforme a las profecías que antes se hicieron acerca de ti, presentes por ellas la buena batalla y mantengas la fe y la buena conciencia, que por desecharlas algunos naufragaron en cuanto a la fe,”

1 Timoteo 1: 18-19 RVC 

Screen Shot 2017-04-03 at 11.20.29 AM

En 1 Timoteo 1, tenemos un ilustración de la relación entre el apóstol Pablo y Timoteo. Pablo llama a Timoteo hijo. Timoteo no era el hijo biológico de Pablo, pero Pablo lo vio como un hijo. Y, Timoteo vio a Pablo como un padre y un mentor espiritual. ¿Qué es un mentor (mentor espiritual)? “Un mentor es alguien que le pasa las verdades a su estudiante. En este siglo apresurado, nos inclinamos a olvidar esto. Necesitamos la ayuda de un mentor con nuestra lectura, pensamiento y nuestro trabajo. Necesitamos a alguien que nos ayude a ver el panorama completo. Alguien, que a través de su experiencia transmitirá el conocimiento y la sabiduría a sus alumnos de una manera que ellos entenderán. Como Jesús enseñó a Sus discípulos. “(Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope, p. 24 de marzo) ¿Tiene alguien así en su vida? Si es así, ¿qué te hizo creer que esta persona podría ser su mentor? Creo que un buen mentor se distingue por un determinado conjunto de características/ cualidades.

Un buen mentor es:

Un Ejemplo.   

Al buscar un mentor, querrás encontrar a alguien a quien deseas imitar. Su vida debe estar llena de las frutas de El Espíritu Santo. Mateo 7:16 RVR 1960 dice, “Por sus frutos los conoceréis. ¿Acaso se recogen uvas de los espinos, o higos de los abrojos?“¿Esta persona es alguien, que es fuerte y maduro en su fe? “Acuérdense de sus pastores, que les dieron a conocer la palabra de Dios. Piensen en los resultados de su conducta, e imiten su fe.”– Hebreos 13: 7 RVC  

Sabio

Un buen mentor tendrá mucha sabiduría, conocimiento y consejos experimentados para ofrecerle. Proverbios 13:20 RVR 1960 dice: “El que anda con sabios, sabio será;Mas el que se junta con necios será quebrantado.” Sin embargo, como estudiante, debes estar dispuesto a aceptar no solo el consejo de tu mentor, sino también sus reproches. No reprendas al cínico, para que no te aborrezca; Corrige al sabio, y te amará.Da al sabio, y será más sabio;Enseña al justo, y aumentará su saber. “-Proverbios 9: 8-9 RVR 1977 “El camino del necio es derecho en su opinión;Mas el que obedece al consejo es sabio.”(Proverbios 12:15 RVR1960)

Confiable

Cuando buscando un mentor, debes buscar a alguien que conozcas en quien puedas confiar. 1 Corintios 4: 2 RVC dice: “Ahora bien, de los administradores se espera que demuestren ser dignos de confianza.” ¿Esta persona es alguien en la que puedes confiar?

Un Vencedor

Un buen mentor es alguien que ha experimentado un fracaso. Buenos mentores han cometido errores y tienen remordimientos. Esta persona es alguien que se ha caído, pero se ha fortalecido. Miqueas 7: 8 RVR1960 dice, “… aunque caí, me levantaré; aunque more en tinieblas, Jehová será mi luz.” Esta persona te dirá dónde están las trampas en tu camino.”¿Quién de vosotros oirá esto? ¿Quién atenderá y escuchará respecto al porvenir?” -Isaías 42:23 RVR 1960 Como alumno, debes estar completamente abierto y dispuesto a aprender de las fallas de tu mentor.

Un Visionario

A un buen mentor es un visionario. Esta persona es alguien que tiene la capacidad de ver tu potencial. Esta persona puede ver más allá de el exterior. En 1 Timoteo 1:18 NVI, Pablo le recuerda a Timoteo las profecías hechas acerca de su futuro y anima una persona a continuar en el buen trabajo del Señor. De manera similar, un visionario ve todo lo que eres capaz de hacer, cree en ti y te anima a seguir luchando.

Un Retador

Un buen mentor no solo verá tu potencial, sino también verá tus debilidades. Le ayudará a identificar tus puntos débiles y te desafiará a superarlos. Un mentor no tendrá miedo de decirte las cosas tal como son. “Hierro con hierro se aguza; Y así el hombre aguza el rostro de su amigo.” (Proverbios 27:17 RVR 1960). Cuando dos superficies se rozan entre sí mismos, generalmente hay fricción. Como estudiante, debes estar dispuesto a enfrentar los desafíos que su mentor le presente. A un buen mentor lo desafiará a convertirse en tu mejor versión de ti.

Un Nurturer (protector)

Un buen mentor ama y nutre a su alumnos. Hay un cierto desinterés en ellos. Un buen mentor siempre piensa en lo que más le conviene a su estudiante. Esta persona te guiará de una manera suave pero fuerte como lo haría una madre. Pablo escribe: “Antes fuimos tiernos entre vosotros, como la nodriza que cuida con ternura a sus propios hijos. Tan grande es nuestro afecto por vosotros, que hubiéramos querido entregaros no sólo el evangelio de Dios, sino también nuestras propias vidas; porque habéis llegado a sernos muy queridos.”. -1 Tesalonicenses 2: 7-8 RVR1960 Un buen mentor te protegerá de cometer errores del pasado y te animará a ser mejor que ellos.

Querido Señor Jesucristo, ayúdanos a ser buenos mentores y aprendices. Ayúdenos a reflejar su amor como mentores y alumnos. Amén.

Solly Ozrovech, Una Temporada de Esperanza. Vereeniging: arte cristiano, impresión.

Publicado en Ingles el 3 de abril de 2017.

Published in English on April 3, 2017

Please click on April 3, 2017  for the English version

Faith in the Fog?

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever been afraid to trust in God or have faith in Him? Do you have faith in His promise of Salvation and eternal life with Him in Heaven? Do you truly believe God keeps all of His promises written in the Bible? Do you have faith that God will never leave you or forsake you? Or does having faith seem difficult? Have you felt let down in life? Do you feel alone and hopeless?  Do you believe the promises of the Bible are not for you? Do you find it challenging to have faith in your daily life?

rocks-fog-path-foggy

“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

 – Galatians 3:14 NIV

Just as God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would be heirs to the promised land (and hope in the Savior that was to come), God has promised us that we will be heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Galatians 3:7-14 NIV says, “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”  So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.  For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”  Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. –Galatians 3:7‭-‬14 NIV God sent Jesus Christ, His perfect only Son to pay the penalty we needed to pay for under the law. It is by God’s grace and love that we are given the promise of Salvation and so many other promises.

 “And this is what he promised us—eternal life. ”

 –1 John 2:25 NIV

 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” -2 Corinthians 1:20‭-‬22 NIV Jesus sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. Romans 8:16-18 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Abraham didn’t know where God was leading Him, but He had faith in God and obeyed Him. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. “
-Hebrews 11:8 NIV No matter how hard things get, we can have faith in God and His plans for us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for all of Your promises. Please help us to have faith like Abraham. Amen.

 

 

 

 

¿Estás Preocupado por Algo?

Posted on by
2

“Así que, no os afanéis por el día de mañana, porque el día de mañana traerá su afán. Basta a cada día su propio mal.”

-Mateo 6:34 RVR 1960

 sparrow-bird-animal-nature-86591

Parece casi imposible que no se preocupe de nada. Hay tanto que consume nuestras mentes sobre una base diaria e incluso cada hora. Peor aún, toda esta preocupación puede afectarnos en un nivel más profundo: nos impacta emocionalmente, espiritualmente, psicológicamente, socialmente y físicamente. Esto nos hace pobres mayordomos de lo que Dios nos ha dado. ¿Cómo podemos pedir más, si no cuidamos de lo que tenemos? Si no podemos confiar en Dios en poco, sin duda tendremos un tiempo más difícil confiando en Dios con mucho. Sin embargo, la idea de estar fuera de control (cuando se trata de la mayor parte de las cosas que suceden a nuestro alrededor) puede ser increíblemente desalentador e incluso frustrante para nosotros simples humanos. Sin embargo, Dios no tenía la intención de que seia de esa manera para sus hijos. 1 Pedro 5:7 RVR 1960 dice: “echando toda vuestra ansiedad sobre él, porque él tiene cuidado de vosotros.” No tenemos que preocuparse de nada. La canción, Gorriones escrito por Jason Gray nos recuerda: “Si es capaz de sostener el mundo que Él puede sostener este momento … el gorrión sabe que Él  sostene mañana” Mateo 10:29-30 RVR 1960 dice: “¿No se venden dos pajarillos por un cuarto? Con todo, ni uno de ellos cae a tierra sin vuestro Padre. Pues aun vuestros cabellos están todos contados.”  

 Piense en la letra de la canción, gorriones por Jason Gray:

“No se puede añadir

un solo día, por ansioso que

usted tendrá que preocuparse hasta echar su vida

Oh, no se preocupe hasta echar su

Usted no puede cambiar una sola cosa por flipando

apenas va cerca que en

Oh no deje que el problema gana

puede sentirse solo,

pero no está en su propia

si es capaz de sostener el mundo que  

Él puede sostener este momento

no es un campo o flor escapa de su notificación

Oh aun el gorrión

sabe que tiene mañana

apoyarse y es difícil no ver

todo puede cambiar

cuando lo hace Suyo

Oh quiere llevarlo

tranquilamente bajo el cuidado de Dios

Cuando lo dejas ir

encontrará que Él es suficiente

Oh nunca salir de su amor

no camina solo …

no hay una sola estrella que está fuera de lugar

no hay nada roto no puede rehacer

Si andas buscando esperanza cuando tienes miedo mira

Oh, ante la gorrión

mirada en el gorrión

Si es capaz de sostener el mundo que

 Él puede sostener este momento

No es un campo o una flor se escapa de su notificación

Oh aun el gorrión

sabe que  Él sostiene mañana…”

Estimado Señor Jesucristo, por favor ayudenos a poner toda nuestra confianza en Ti, sabiendo que lo que sucede es para nuestro bien, de acuerdo con Su propósito y planes. Amén. 

 

Publicado en Inglés el 2 de diciembre, 2016

What You Can’t Do Without This Thanksgiving?

Posted on by
Reply

pexels-photo-619421

It was a cold November morning and I was wishing the summer weather didn’t have to end so abruptly or ever for that matter. My thoughts drifted to warm days when I could go swimming or enjoy an evening outdoors without thinking about the need of a sweater. Then, reality hit me. I saw the advertisements filled with Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas sales. Winter was here and the majority of people couldn’t wait for Thanksgiving. As a child, I always viewed Thanksgiving as an excuse to feast.

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving? The first Thanksgiving dates back to November 1621, when colonist in Plymouth shared a feast with Wampanoag Native Americans to celebrate their first autumn harvest. It was viewed as a time of thankfulness, acceptance, and sharing. But, today’s society paints the holiday in a different light. Perhaps, you have received some of these subliminal messages? You need to buy the most and the best quality food. It’s not Thanksgiving, without this or that— but, what if you are lacking? What if you don’t have the best dinner with all of Thanksgiving trimmings? What if you aren’t the best cook? What if your house doesn’t have the best decorations or look the best? What if you don’t have everything that you wanted and aren’t the best at what you do? What if you feel frustrated, stressed out, and burned out? What if you aren’t very excited for the holidays? What if all just seems lackluster?

Then, perhaps we’ve lost sight of the meaning of Thanksgiving? Maybe Thanksgiving should be about more than just eating a feast.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”  

– Psalm 100:4 NIV

As Christians, we always have something to be thankful for; God’s never-ending love for us and our Salvation in Christ Jesus (read John 3:16). “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1 NIV

Thanksgiving season is a time to thank God for everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “[A]ll circumstances”?! Yes, we need to be thankful even if we don’t have what we wanted and things aren’t going the way we planned. If we focus too long on what we don’t have, we fail to see what we do have.

This reminds me of the lyrics to a song called “Thank God for Something” by Hawk Nelson.

“… If you’ve got a lot
Or a lot of nothing
Go ahead and thank God for something
You’re gonna see the good
If you’re good at looking
So go ahead and thank God for something

We have a lot or have a little
It’s really nothing new
Happiness should never be a slave to revenue…

In the wonder In the heartache
In the good times And the mistakes
No matter what I am going through
I can always say Thank you
When the blessings are in disguise
Let gratitude open my eyes
Cause I’ve just been given too much
To do anything but

1, 2, 3, 4
Count my blessings
1, 2, 3, 4
Count my blessings…”

But, do we really need to “give thanks in all circumstances”?! Yes, we need to be thankful whether things are going well for us or they are not going well for us. Romans 8:28 says, “… all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even when things don’t seem to be going well, God is at work. We need to be thankful for not only the doors that He opens for us but also the doors that He closes. We need to thank God for what He has done, for what He is doing, and what He will do. We need to not confine thanksgiving to this season, but make it a part of our daily life.

“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.” –C.S. Lewis

And, in turn thanksgiving will bring the fruits of a joy in the Lord, a stronger trust in God, a deeper relationship with Christ, a greater acceptance of others (even if they are different from us), and a desire to share with others (even if it means not having the best for ourselves).

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving us so much that You were willing to pay the ultimate price of Your life on the cross for our Salvation. Thank You for giving us life and everything else You bless us with. Please help us not to get distracted by what we don’t have, but to instead be thankful every day for what You have given us. Amen.