Some like khaki pants, others just jeans.
Some like long sleeve shirts, others prefer them sleeveless.
Some prefer skirts, others some comfortable pants.
Some prefer ties, others just a t-shirt.
Some prefer sandals, others prefer closed toe shoes.
It's hard to find someone that will wear the exact same outfit you're wearing, unless you agree to wear the same thing on purpose, which some times happens.
As Christians, God calls us to have matching outfits all the time. This might not be obvious at the first impression, but as people get to know you, they'll realize that we're all wearing the same thing…
"Put on the garments that suit God's chosen people, his own, his beloved: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience" Colossians 3:12
"You have all put on Christ as a garment." Galatians 3:27
"Put on love." Colossians 3:14
If Christ has called us to put on these garments, to be otherwise dressed is inappropriate.
The clothes we wear are what people see. Only God can look on the heart. The outward signs are important. They reveal something of what is inside. If charity is there, it will become visible outwardly, but if you have no charitable feelings, you can still obey the command. Put it on as simply and consciously as you put on a coat. You choose it; you pick it up; you put it on. This is what you want to wear. (Elisabeth Elliot Devotional)
I once heard that we (Christians) might be "the only Bible some people will ever read", and this is true. Our behavior, attitude, language and even the way we handle every trial, is being closely watched by people that don't know Christ, so we have to "put on" the right clothes every day, in order that through them, they can see the Great Designer of the Universe…God!
If you are a Christian, you ought to dress like one, to honor the man that died on a cross, taking the place we should've been in.
Do you want to dress like one? Then put on Christ, who is love, patience, gentleness, humility, compassion…All these things might be hard to wear some times, but as we obey him every day, it'll get easier each and every time to throw away the old garment, and put on the new one.
So…What will you choose to wear today?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Finding your true worth
Oh yeah, I remember those days during my teenage years and part of my young adult life.
My wardrobe? Dark blue or black long shirts, dark blue jeans, a few beige shirts, but that was it. My hair rarely up on a pony tail because I didn’t want my face to be too “visible” to others. If I knew there was a way to get invisible, I would’ve done anything I could to find out how.
My house and especially, my room, became my favorite place to be. I loved people, but somehow I felt that people didn’t feel the same way about me. I felt unloved, rejected, insecure, so much so that I felt unworthy of so many things. My parents were always very loving to me, but I was never a favorite among my other family members because I was the middle child and a shy little girl.
Since my brother was the oldest and only boy at the time, my grandpa would take him everywhere and hang out with him the whole time. My sister was the baby of the family, so my grandma would take her to her house, buy her toys and cook her desserts. Somehow, I was often left out. I didn’t understand why, and I started to blame myself, which led to insecurity and no self worth.
As years went by, I grew up as a very insecure girl. I didn’t always have someone to try to convince me of the opposite, so I just allowed the enemy to keep feeding the lie. I didn’t have a lot of friends in high school because I didn’t drink or smoke, so I wasn’t considered “cool”. When you’re growing up and face all these teenage-giants, you feel “like a nerd” because you don’t do the same thing everyone else does.
When I went to school to be an architect, I thought I was never going to make it, but in the strive to prove everyone wrong, I gave my best…And ended up graduating with excellent grades and even winning a National Contest of Architecture with some friends from school.
I got to move to FL with a good job and felt like I was given an opportunity I didn’t deserve.
All my life, I tried to “hide” or just be “invisible”. I grew up hearing that your worth was based upon your looks and your personality. If you were a little chubby, forget it, nobody would ever even look at you. If you didn’t have the type A personality, you would never be able to make a lot of friends…Lies, lies and more lies, but back then, that was the only true I knew…And since I was none of the above, I felt I wasn’t worthy enough to be noticed.
All those things took a toll in my life. My heart was empty, I felt like I was walking around in circles with no purpose, thinking that life was only to be born, go to school, grow up, get a degree, have money, get married and have children. I somehow knew life had to be more than that, but since I had no compass, I was stuck in the pit I put myself in.
Then one day, after seeking and seeking, I found him…Or should I say, he found me? JESUS.
I couldn’t believe a love so strong, so pure. I remember that for the first time in my life, I felt UNCONDITIONAL love. I thought I didn’t do anything good to deserve it, and indeed, I didn’t. This Holy Man just wanted to save me, because He is SO GOOD.
As he drew me closer to Him, my eyes were opened to a whole new world. He told me that I was “fearfully and wonderfully made” Prov. 139:14. That he had engraved me on the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:15).
He gave me a whole new meaning of what my worth is based upon. It’s not about the looks, not about a personality, not about just being “lucky”, not about being cool, not about having luxuries and wealth, not about anything this world says it’s about.
It’s about a Father who loves His creation so much, that even when He doesn’t need us, He actually wants to use us. It’s about a Father that wants to “team up” with me for His glory. It’s about a Father that saw the desert in my soul, and poured out living water. It’s about a Father that loves me just the way I am, but so much, that He wants to change me for my own good. It’s about a Father who saw me, when I was invisible to many others. It’s about a Father who even when I didn’t believe in myself, knew I was capable of many things. It’s about a Father that even when I make mistakes every day, is always willing to forgive me and give me another chance. It’s about a Father whom I’m sure, is looking forward to the day we’ll see each other face to face. It’s about a Father that loves me so much, that sent His own Son to save me. It’s about a Father that thinks I am worth His own Son’s blood, even to the last drop.
God spells LOVE a little different than we do…He spells it JESUS. I am worth the blood of LOVE, the blood of JESUS… And in Jesus’ blood, is where I realized how valuable I am, AND SO ARE YOU!
Brained washed?
I've been wanting to write this blog for a while, but sometimes thought that people might get offended, and that's the last thing I want to do…But then, Pastor Doug Sauder told us that we should be revolutionaries for Christ, and since Jesus IS and will ALWAYS BE my biggest love, I decided to speak up, no strings attached!
Last year, I was having a conversation with someone that I love very much, and somehow we started talking about Christ, the Bible and how I LOVE going to Church and serving there.
This person is not saved…YET! So it's hard for him to understand how important this is to me, and foremost, how REAL!
I was told that I had been "brain washed", that I shouldn't believe everything that the Bible says, and especially, think that God can really speak to me.
He read the WHOLE Bible years ago, and told me that he never heard or felt God speaking to him…At that very moment, something that Pastor Bob once said came to my mind and I told him "well, that's maybe because you've read it with your head and not with your heart". How different are the eyes and ears of our minds, from the eyes and ears of our hearts.
All these words obviously broke my heart, especially because this was coming from someone that I love VERY VERY MUCH.
Some times you wish everyone you know could understand this burning fire in your heart, this love that no words can describe, this man, who changed the course of history, and hanged on a cross to save a world of lost sinners…like me!!
I've had the same problems with close friends, that think that I'm crazy or not "open minded enough". I remained silent for a long time, while my heart wanted to SCREAM that I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART.
So…
If wanting to be a better person every day, even when I fail,
If treating people with respect, even when sometimes they might not deserve it,
If not saying bad words anymore,
If not having an outburst of anger because someone cut me off while driving,
If believing that a union should be between a man and a woman, just how God intended it to be,
If believing that homosexuality is not a birth defect that is very normal,
If believing that you shouldn't be dating or sleeping around because you have to remain sexually pure for your future husband/wife,
If reading the Bible every day,
If praying in the morning, at nights and even at work,
If taking classes to know more about my Savior and how to share my faith,
If trying to speak up when I see someone being treated unfairly,
If singing to Jesus to the top of my lungs,
If listening mostly to Christian music,
If praying for a friend in need,
If wanting to get involved in Church to serve MY LORD,
If telling someone that they're being disrespectful,
If being against abortion,
If now hating to talk about someone behind their back, gossiping,
If wanting to be obedient to God's calling, even if that means going in a Prison full of women convicted of murder to tell them about a Savior that loves them,
If going on a Friday night to a city with bars and motels to evangelize on the streets,
If deciding not to go dancing to a club anymore because of the things I get exposed to,
If believing that getting drunk is not OK,
If deciding not to watch movies with sex scenes anymore,
If thinking that men shouldn't cheat on their wives and vice versa,
If giving part of my monthly income to feed a child in Africa,
If giving money to my Church home,
If thinking that prayer is all so powerful,
If believing that Jesus DOES talk to me,
If believing that there is no sin that He won't forgive,
If firmly believing that EVERYONE deserves to be forgiven if they truly repent, no matter how terrible their sin,
If volunteering to shampoo the homeless' heads or feeding them,
If posting this blog to speak up,
If knowing that Jesus was raised from the dead and will come back again SOON!!
If all these means being brain washed...
Then YES, I guess you can say that I have been brain washed…And not with just any cheap detergent, but with the blood of the spotless Lamb of God, which is like CLOROX BLEACH!!! And PRAISE GOD for that, because the dirt is gone!!!
Have you been brain washed too? Join the club!
Last year, I was having a conversation with someone that I love very much, and somehow we started talking about Christ, the Bible and how I LOVE going to Church and serving there.
This person is not saved…YET! So it's hard for him to understand how important this is to me, and foremost, how REAL!
I was told that I had been "brain washed", that I shouldn't believe everything that the Bible says, and especially, think that God can really speak to me.
He read the WHOLE Bible years ago, and told me that he never heard or felt God speaking to him…At that very moment, something that Pastor Bob once said came to my mind and I told him "well, that's maybe because you've read it with your head and not with your heart". How different are the eyes and ears of our minds, from the eyes and ears of our hearts.
All these words obviously broke my heart, especially because this was coming from someone that I love VERY VERY MUCH.
Some times you wish everyone you know could understand this burning fire in your heart, this love that no words can describe, this man, who changed the course of history, and hanged on a cross to save a world of lost sinners…like me!!
I've had the same problems with close friends, that think that I'm crazy or not "open minded enough". I remained silent for a long time, while my heart wanted to SCREAM that I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART.
So…
If wanting to be a better person every day, even when I fail,
If treating people with respect, even when sometimes they might not deserve it,
If not saying bad words anymore,
If not having an outburst of anger because someone cut me off while driving,
If believing that a union should be between a man and a woman, just how God intended it to be,
If believing that homosexuality is not a birth defect that is very normal,
If believing that you shouldn't be dating or sleeping around because you have to remain sexually pure for your future husband/wife,
If reading the Bible every day,
If praying in the morning, at nights and even at work,
If taking classes to know more about my Savior and how to share my faith,
If trying to speak up when I see someone being treated unfairly,
If singing to Jesus to the top of my lungs,
If listening mostly to Christian music,
If praying for a friend in need,
If wanting to get involved in Church to serve MY LORD,
If telling someone that they're being disrespectful,
If being against abortion,
If now hating to talk about someone behind their back, gossiping,
If wanting to be obedient to God's calling, even if that means going in a Prison full of women convicted of murder to tell them about a Savior that loves them,
If going on a Friday night to a city with bars and motels to evangelize on the streets,
If deciding not to go dancing to a club anymore because of the things I get exposed to,
If believing that getting drunk is not OK,
If deciding not to watch movies with sex scenes anymore,
If thinking that men shouldn't cheat on their wives and vice versa,
If giving part of my monthly income to feed a child in Africa,
If giving money to my Church home,
If thinking that prayer is all so powerful,
If believing that Jesus DOES talk to me,
If believing that there is no sin that He won't forgive,
If firmly believing that EVERYONE deserves to be forgiven if they truly repent, no matter how terrible their sin,
If volunteering to shampoo the homeless' heads or feeding them,
If posting this blog to speak up,
If knowing that Jesus was raised from the dead and will come back again SOON!!
If all these means being brain washed...
Then YES, I guess you can say that I have been brain washed…And not with just any cheap detergent, but with the blood of the spotless Lamb of God, which is like CLOROX BLEACH!!! And PRAISE GOD for that, because the dirt is gone!!!
Have you been brain washed too? Join the club!
Me, God? How?...Amazing Grace!!
I'm still amazed and overwhelmed at the goodness of my God...
Last Friday night we went with a group of the Everyday Evangelism class to Las Olas and A1A for a Street Evangelism outreach.
I was afraid to volunteer for this event because, for those of you that know me well, you can tell how shy I am when I don't know a person and although I love to talk (specially about Jesus) if I've never met you before, it might take me a little bit to get comfortable and really talk to you (right Barney?...sorry, I meant Jen?).
I signed up for the EE1 class because I knew that God had been calling me to do it, so I obeyed and did. The class has been AMAZING!
When they were asking people to volunteer to the Street Evangelism, I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone, take a step of faith and do it.
I even told one of the girls who was signing people up that I was a little scared because I've never done something like that before, but she smiled and said that everything would be alright.
My heart started pounding when they were asking for volunteers and I knew where all that was coming from.
I wrote down my name on the sign up sheet, not really knowing what I was doing, just trusting God with it.
I even thought it might have something to do with the vision He gave me when the EE1 class started (while we were looking at a video) of what his future plan is for me. The friends I said this to even told me to write it down, mail it to myself and store it somewhere, and see if a few years from now, I'm doing what God told me in that vision…And I did!
Anyway...I prayed all last week about the outreach. I was convinced that God already knew who were the people He was going to put in our way that night, so I just prayed for a successful outreach and for him to speak thru each and every one of us.
As Friday approached, I was getting more and more nervous, but trusting God that He was going to do all the work thru me, because there was NO WAY I was going to be able to do it on my own.
So Friday night comes...As I was driving down to Las Olas I was praying and singing to Jesus and repeating that everything was going to be OK. When I parked I said a prayer and then told him "OK, I'm here, now you have to do the rest".
One of the girls who had been in this outreaches before came to talk to me and as I told her how nervous I was, she said that there was nothing to be nervous for and that once we prayed, I was going to feel much better.
When the 21 volunteers were there, we went to the beach and under the beautiful star filled sky, we worshiped and prayed before going out to talk to people.
I can tell you that after we were done, my fears were GONE!!
As we were worshiping, I noticed a guy sitting by the lifeguard stand who kept looking at us, and in my heart, I felt he was one of the people I had to go talk to.
When we were done, we split up in groups of 3 or 4. I was with 2 guys, Julio and Dave. Julio had done this many times before and it was Dave's first time also.
Then Julio said something that left me perplexed...He said "I know who God wants us to talk to"...and he points out to the same guy that I saw, the one seating next to the Lifeguard stand...Ohhhhhhh!!!! How amazing is that Julio and I, who ended up in the same group, felt that God was telling us to talk to that same guy...Can you already see God's hand in all these???
To fill you in a little bit...This guy, John (named changed for respect to him) was drinking beer and smoking a cigarette.
We went up to him, said hi, introduced ourselves, and he gave us a look like "oh no, what do you want?" He was a little drunk and looked very very sad.
Julio started the conversation, asking his name, where he was from and other things to make him feel a little more comfortable with us.
Then Julio started asking "the" questions...I was amazed at the fact that he knew a lot of Scripture.
He told us that he had lost EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (parents, wife, etc) about 10 years ago, and ended up on the streets. He was very angry at God because he said that He took everything he loved the most.
Julio asked him if he knew the story of Job, and to our surprise, he did, but said that Job's story was nothing compared to his.
He was an ex-military and had seen a lot of people die in combat and also his mom and his beloved wife years before…You could tell he was deeply hurt as a result of all these things.
Julio was doing all the talking at this time, and I felt inside of me that all I needed to do that moment, was pray and pray.
As John kept talking, my heart was filled with compassion for this man that thought that God was somehow punishing him.
He said that one time he even put a gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger and didn't shoot. The next day, he pointed the gun up to the sky to see why it wasn't working and BANG, it shot!!!!
Julio told him that God had a plan for him, because he tried to kill himself and couldn't.
John said that whatever God's plans were for him, he didn't want them, he just wanted God to take him and end all his pain.
He also said that he wasn't good enough for God to use him.
I could relate to John a lot, because before I came to have a relationship with Jesus, I was very angry at him. I felt that I wasn't good enough for whatever He wanted to do with me...A lot of John's words were the same words that came out of my mouth years ago.
I felt the LORD telling me at that point "talk to John, tell him where you were and where you are now that you know me"...I had an internal battle, because I was like "no way, I can't talk LORD, you know I can't", to what He kept saying "yes you can, trust me, yes you can". This went in my mind for a good 45 mins. (yes, that long)
I kept seeing all this signs that I HAD to speak up, but I was too afraid...There was no way I could be as good as Julio talking.
Suddenly we were all quiet...and I knew I had to talk, or else I would regret it for the rest of the night.
My mouth was opened and a question came out of it. I asked John if I could tell him my story, and he smiled and said "yes".
I started telling him my testimony and that I could relate to him because I was at that same point of anger with God. I felt very sad, very broken, but God put people like Julio and Dave in my life, to let me know that He loves me, and that I had 2 options...Get out of my misery and trust him, or just continue to be broken and miserable for the rest of my life. I decided to trust him and follow him.
I told him that when I felt that the whole world turned its back on me, Jesus turned to me and opened his arms and embraced me.
I kept talking and I felt a peace inside of me, like God was putting all those words in my mouth. John just sat there smiling and listening.
When I was done, he still said that he didn't want what God had to offer him, he just wanted to die...But at least I know I said what God wanted me to say.
We spent a whole hour with this man, who that night had a divine appointment with God...We ministered to him, we loved on him, we gave him socks, but most importantly, we watered the seed that someone had already planted some time ago.
We didn't see him come to Christ, but I know that now that he is in our prayers, sooner or later, John will surrender his life to him...I just know it!
At the end, HE PRAYED FOR US. He prayed that God will continue to use us to "refresh" people like him, and we felt blessed with this stranger's heartfelt prayer.
As I drove back home, I was amazed and humbled on how God used me, a "former" shy girl, who was afraid to talk, who many times felt rejected, to minister to a broken soul.
God used ME? I have nothing to offer him, but I know that all He needs me to do, is step out of my comfort zone and be obedient to his call...He'll do the rest, with his amazing grace!
So if you feel that you have nothing to offer God or that He could never use you, let me give you a little encouragement and tell you that He not only CAN, but WANTS to!!
Just step out of your comfort zone...it's hard, but it's WORTH IT!!!
Don't miss out on the amazing plan God has for you.
...And always remember "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called".
Last Friday night we went with a group of the Everyday Evangelism class to Las Olas and A1A for a Street Evangelism outreach.
I was afraid to volunteer for this event because, for those of you that know me well, you can tell how shy I am when I don't know a person and although I love to talk (specially about Jesus) if I've never met you before, it might take me a little bit to get comfortable and really talk to you (right Barney?...sorry, I meant Jen?).
I signed up for the EE1 class because I knew that God had been calling me to do it, so I obeyed and did. The class has been AMAZING!
When they were asking people to volunteer to the Street Evangelism, I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone, take a step of faith and do it.
I even told one of the girls who was signing people up that I was a little scared because I've never done something like that before, but she smiled and said that everything would be alright.
My heart started pounding when they were asking for volunteers and I knew where all that was coming from.
I wrote down my name on the sign up sheet, not really knowing what I was doing, just trusting God with it.
I even thought it might have something to do with the vision He gave me when the EE1 class started (while we were looking at a video) of what his future plan is for me. The friends I said this to even told me to write it down, mail it to myself and store it somewhere, and see if a few years from now, I'm doing what God told me in that vision…And I did!
Anyway...I prayed all last week about the outreach. I was convinced that God already knew who were the people He was going to put in our way that night, so I just prayed for a successful outreach and for him to speak thru each and every one of us.
As Friday approached, I was getting more and more nervous, but trusting God that He was going to do all the work thru me, because there was NO WAY I was going to be able to do it on my own.
So Friday night comes...As I was driving down to Las Olas I was praying and singing to Jesus and repeating that everything was going to be OK. When I parked I said a prayer and then told him "OK, I'm here, now you have to do the rest".
One of the girls who had been in this outreaches before came to talk to me and as I told her how nervous I was, she said that there was nothing to be nervous for and that once we prayed, I was going to feel much better.
When the 21 volunteers were there, we went to the beach and under the beautiful star filled sky, we worshiped and prayed before going out to talk to people.
I can tell you that after we were done, my fears were GONE!!
As we were worshiping, I noticed a guy sitting by the lifeguard stand who kept looking at us, and in my heart, I felt he was one of the people I had to go talk to.
When we were done, we split up in groups of 3 or 4. I was with 2 guys, Julio and Dave. Julio had done this many times before and it was Dave's first time also.
Then Julio said something that left me perplexed...He said "I know who God wants us to talk to"...and he points out to the same guy that I saw, the one seating next to the Lifeguard stand...Ohhhhhhh!!!! How amazing is that Julio and I, who ended up in the same group, felt that God was telling us to talk to that same guy...Can you already see God's hand in all these???
To fill you in a little bit...This guy, John (named changed for respect to him) was drinking beer and smoking a cigarette.
We went up to him, said hi, introduced ourselves, and he gave us a look like "oh no, what do you want?" He was a little drunk and looked very very sad.
Julio started the conversation, asking his name, where he was from and other things to make him feel a little more comfortable with us.
Then Julio started asking "the" questions...I was amazed at the fact that he knew a lot of Scripture.
He told us that he had lost EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (parents, wife, etc) about 10 years ago, and ended up on the streets. He was very angry at God because he said that He took everything he loved the most.
Julio asked him if he knew the story of Job, and to our surprise, he did, but said that Job's story was nothing compared to his.
He was an ex-military and had seen a lot of people die in combat and also his mom and his beloved wife years before…You could tell he was deeply hurt as a result of all these things.
Julio was doing all the talking at this time, and I felt inside of me that all I needed to do that moment, was pray and pray.
As John kept talking, my heart was filled with compassion for this man that thought that God was somehow punishing him.
He said that one time he even put a gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger and didn't shoot. The next day, he pointed the gun up to the sky to see why it wasn't working and BANG, it shot!!!!
Julio told him that God had a plan for him, because he tried to kill himself and couldn't.
John said that whatever God's plans were for him, he didn't want them, he just wanted God to take him and end all his pain.
He also said that he wasn't good enough for God to use him.
I could relate to John a lot, because before I came to have a relationship with Jesus, I was very angry at him. I felt that I wasn't good enough for whatever He wanted to do with me...A lot of John's words were the same words that came out of my mouth years ago.
I felt the LORD telling me at that point "talk to John, tell him where you were and where you are now that you know me"...I had an internal battle, because I was like "no way, I can't talk LORD, you know I can't", to what He kept saying "yes you can, trust me, yes you can". This went in my mind for a good 45 mins. (yes, that long)
I kept seeing all this signs that I HAD to speak up, but I was too afraid...There was no way I could be as good as Julio talking.
Suddenly we were all quiet...and I knew I had to talk, or else I would regret it for the rest of the night.
My mouth was opened and a question came out of it. I asked John if I could tell him my story, and he smiled and said "yes".
I started telling him my testimony and that I could relate to him because I was at that same point of anger with God. I felt very sad, very broken, but God put people like Julio and Dave in my life, to let me know that He loves me, and that I had 2 options...Get out of my misery and trust him, or just continue to be broken and miserable for the rest of my life. I decided to trust him and follow him.
I told him that when I felt that the whole world turned its back on me, Jesus turned to me and opened his arms and embraced me.
I kept talking and I felt a peace inside of me, like God was putting all those words in my mouth. John just sat there smiling and listening.
When I was done, he still said that he didn't want what God had to offer him, he just wanted to die...But at least I know I said what God wanted me to say.
We spent a whole hour with this man, who that night had a divine appointment with God...We ministered to him, we loved on him, we gave him socks, but most importantly, we watered the seed that someone had already planted some time ago.
We didn't see him come to Christ, but I know that now that he is in our prayers, sooner or later, John will surrender his life to him...I just know it!
At the end, HE PRAYED FOR US. He prayed that God will continue to use us to "refresh" people like him, and we felt blessed with this stranger's heartfelt prayer.
As I drove back home, I was amazed and humbled on how God used me, a "former" shy girl, who was afraid to talk, who many times felt rejected, to minister to a broken soul.
God used ME? I have nothing to offer him, but I know that all He needs me to do, is step out of my comfort zone and be obedient to his call...He'll do the rest, with his amazing grace!
So if you feel that you have nothing to offer God or that He could never use you, let me give you a little encouragement and tell you that He not only CAN, but WANTS to!!
Just step out of your comfort zone...it's hard, but it's WORTH IT!!!
Don't miss out on the amazing plan God has for you.
...And always remember "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called".
A Mountain to climb...PART II
The last months have probably been the hardest of my life...so far at least!
God put in my heart the desire to start serving in a new Church, Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale and had to leave the choir in my old Church, the Pageant and everything I loved, to start all over again. But God puts blessings in a package that follows our obedience.
Little did I know that attending a new Church would bring along a lot of trials and testing. Don't get me wrong, they've all been for my good, but you know that when you're in the middle of the ocean during a Storm, it's hard to see the shore.
Now after a few months, I can look back and understand why God brought me here. It was time for new challenges, which would bring along more restoration in my heart and the renewal of my mind. It was time for God to show me the next step so that I could keep climbing up to the top.
I wrote the poem "A Mountain to Climb", inspired by all the things that had been happening to me during these last months and specially, by the love of Jesus and his patience with me all thru that time.
I used to write more often when I was a teenager and my inspiration were mostly the guys I had a crush on at that time. But that quickly disappeared as I grew up and got caught up in the busyness and craziness of this world.
After I came to know Christ almost 3 years ago, the transformation He started in me has been beyond human understanding...And now, after all these trials, I feel him closer than EVER...And found in him my new inspiration to start writing again. The awesome thing is that that inspiration will never go away, because Jesus is not like those crushes I used to have, that come and go, He will be there FOREVER...
Now...Don't you some times find yourself in front of that huge mountain? Don't you look at it sometimes and feel that it's literally IMPOSSIBLE to get to the other side?? I've felt that way, MANY TIMES!!!
But the good news is that when we receive the Salvation thru Jesus Christ, we really are given that tool box! We dig thru it but most of the times think that it's contents are never enough to help us climb up that mountain...Love isn't enough, compassion isn't enough, understanding isn't enough, praise isn't enough, joy isn't enough...And we find that we don't have enough FAITH inside of that tool box to put Grace into practice.
Well, when are we going to be satisfied then?? Do you think that if that tool box had a nice car would be OK? or a nice and big house? A bank account with a lot of money in it?? A closet full of the most expensive outfits? Lots of girlfriends? Lots of boyfriends?
I'm sorry to be realistic, but these things won't feel the void in our life. They could make us "happy" but won't give us joy, could make us have some fun for a little bit, but won't give us peace.
We are that tool box. God has given us all these things and MORE, to be able to climb the highest mountain. When you stand in front of one, remember that man who stands there with you all along...Jesus.
Make sometime to read the book of Knowledge on how to climb a mountain, His Word...For when we buy something new, we always go to the manual to learn how to use it, otherwise, we won't be able to put all the pieces together.
Realize that joy, praise, courage, patience, compassion, understanding and love, are all the things you need to climb up that mountain. And if you find the way too slippery or the top too windy...Remember that Jesus promised He'll ALWAYS be there...He'll just be...a prayer away!!!
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
God put in my heart the desire to start serving in a new Church, Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale and had to leave the choir in my old Church, the Pageant and everything I loved, to start all over again. But God puts blessings in a package that follows our obedience.
Little did I know that attending a new Church would bring along a lot of trials and testing. Don't get me wrong, they've all been for my good, but you know that when you're in the middle of the ocean during a Storm, it's hard to see the shore.
Now after a few months, I can look back and understand why God brought me here. It was time for new challenges, which would bring along more restoration in my heart and the renewal of my mind. It was time for God to show me the next step so that I could keep climbing up to the top.
I wrote the poem "A Mountain to Climb", inspired by all the things that had been happening to me during these last months and specially, by the love of Jesus and his patience with me all thru that time.
I used to write more often when I was a teenager and my inspiration were mostly the guys I had a crush on at that time. But that quickly disappeared as I grew up and got caught up in the busyness and craziness of this world.
After I came to know Christ almost 3 years ago, the transformation He started in me has been beyond human understanding...And now, after all these trials, I feel him closer than EVER...And found in him my new inspiration to start writing again. The awesome thing is that that inspiration will never go away, because Jesus is not like those crushes I used to have, that come and go, He will be there FOREVER...
Now...Don't you some times find yourself in front of that huge mountain? Don't you look at it sometimes and feel that it's literally IMPOSSIBLE to get to the other side?? I've felt that way, MANY TIMES!!!
But the good news is that when we receive the Salvation thru Jesus Christ, we really are given that tool box! We dig thru it but most of the times think that it's contents are never enough to help us climb up that mountain...Love isn't enough, compassion isn't enough, understanding isn't enough, praise isn't enough, joy isn't enough...And we find that we don't have enough FAITH inside of that tool box to put Grace into practice.
Well, when are we going to be satisfied then?? Do you think that if that tool box had a nice car would be OK? or a nice and big house? A bank account with a lot of money in it?? A closet full of the most expensive outfits? Lots of girlfriends? Lots of boyfriends?
I'm sorry to be realistic, but these things won't feel the void in our life. They could make us "happy" but won't give us joy, could make us have some fun for a little bit, but won't give us peace.
We are that tool box. God has given us all these things and MORE, to be able to climb the highest mountain. When you stand in front of one, remember that man who stands there with you all along...Jesus.
Make sometime to read the book of Knowledge on how to climb a mountain, His Word...For when we buy something new, we always go to the manual to learn how to use it, otherwise, we won't be able to put all the pieces together.
Realize that joy, praise, courage, patience, compassion, understanding and love, are all the things you need to climb up that mountain. And if you find the way too slippery or the top too windy...Remember that Jesus promised He'll ALWAYS be there...He'll just be...a prayer away!!!
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
A Mountain to climb
I found myself in front of a mountain
It’s top as high as the heavens,
I had to climb it
To get to the other side
Something called Paradise
I started analyzing all the possibilities,
as a human, over thinking responsibilities
Too rocky one of the sides looked,
Too slippery and covered with ice the other one stood,
Too windy looked one of the ways
The other one covered with trees
Would be a disgrace
How would I ever get there?
I checked inside a tool box that I had,
What could be helpful?
Climbing up that high mountain
Would be an adventure
Some experience from the years I could use
Godly Wisdom could help me make it thru
A thick rope of Understanding seemed to help,
But applied without some Patience
I thought would make it fail
I found some nice boots made of Love
But I thought that wouldn't be enough
To keep me warm
Then I saw a book called "Knowledge on how to
Climb mountains",
I didn't have time to read it,
So I kept looking thru
I found Grace that could come in handy
But digging inside, there wasn't enough Faith
So one without the other?
I didn't think it would be OK
What is this? I asked to myself
And pulling out some gloves
Realized Compassion was part of the box
Something called Joy had a bright color
And Praise promised to take away the sorrow
Then I saw something inside burning
A Holy Ghost that was yearning
To be used on this journey
Of climbing up that mountain and learning
I found myself hopeless,
How would these things
Even help me find a way
Thru that mountain, today?
I realized a man
Had been watching all along
He introduced himself as Jesus
The one who died on the Cross
"Did you come to my rescue?" I asked
"Maybe if He carries me over
I can complete the task"
He looked at me and said
"What are you waiting for
To be on your way?"
"I have nothing" to him I said
"To help me climb the mountain
And not be led astray"
"All the ways look so hard to climb,
I rather stay and conform to this life"
With love He looked and me and replied
"All you need is in that tool box,
Put together for your good,
That mountain will be nothing,
Once you put those things in use"
I grabbed some of the Courage that was inside,
Got up on my feet to finally start
"Would you stay with me?" I said
Lovingly looking at me He replied
"Always, all you need to do
...is Pray".
Written by ~Ursula~
It’s top as high as the heavens,
I had to climb it
To get to the other side
Something called Paradise
I started analyzing all the possibilities,
as a human, over thinking responsibilities
Too rocky one of the sides looked,
Too slippery and covered with ice the other one stood,
Too windy looked one of the ways
The other one covered with trees
Would be a disgrace
How would I ever get there?
I checked inside a tool box that I had,
What could be helpful?
Climbing up that high mountain
Would be an adventure
Some experience from the years I could use
Godly Wisdom could help me make it thru
A thick rope of Understanding seemed to help,
But applied without some Patience
I thought would make it fail
I found some nice boots made of Love
But I thought that wouldn't be enough
To keep me warm
Then I saw a book called "Knowledge on how to
Climb mountains",
I didn't have time to read it,
So I kept looking thru
I found Grace that could come in handy
But digging inside, there wasn't enough Faith
So one without the other?
I didn't think it would be OK
What is this? I asked to myself
And pulling out some gloves
Realized Compassion was part of the box
Something called Joy had a bright color
And Praise promised to take away the sorrow
Then I saw something inside burning
A Holy Ghost that was yearning
To be used on this journey
Of climbing up that mountain and learning
I found myself hopeless,
How would these things
Even help me find a way
Thru that mountain, today?
I realized a man
Had been watching all along
He introduced himself as Jesus
The one who died on the Cross
"Did you come to my rescue?" I asked
"Maybe if He carries me over
I can complete the task"
He looked at me and said
"What are you waiting for
To be on your way?"
"I have nothing" to him I said
"To help me climb the mountain
And not be led astray"
"All the ways look so hard to climb,
I rather stay and conform to this life"
With love He looked and me and replied
"All you need is in that tool box,
Put together for your good,
That mountain will be nothing,
Once you put those things in use"
I grabbed some of the Courage that was inside,
Got up on my feet to finally start
"Would you stay with me?" I said
Lovingly looking at me He replied
"Always, all you need to do
...is Pray".
Written by ~Ursula~
Paid in full
After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end.
The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor."
He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me.
He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney,
a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.
He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.
As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell."
He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible
Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely
forgotten about.
As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not
Offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, "This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench.
The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty.
I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court.
"Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations.
And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine."
My Lord continued with, "Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.
This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done."
"I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down.
The following words bellowed from His lips.
"This woman is free." The penalty for her has already been paid in full.
"Case dismissed."
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"
Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you,
~Paid In Full~
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!"
"The most important things in life, are not things."
The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor."
He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me.
He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney,
a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.
He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.
As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell."
He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible
Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely
forgotten about.
As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not
Offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, "This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench.
The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty.
I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court.
"Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations.
And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine."
My Lord continued with, "Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.
This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done."
"I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down.
The following words bellowed from His lips.
"This woman is free." The penalty for her has already been paid in full.
"Case dismissed."
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"
Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you,
~Paid In Full~
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!"
"The most important things in life, are not things."
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