The Mistake of Underestimating

I think the worst mistake people can make in regards to me is to underestimate me. It's pretty easy to do that actually.
Do this: think of the first time you saw me or if you haven't met me go according to my posts. If you think real hard you'll have the same outcome as when you see most people for the first time. I seem shy. Don't get me wrong I am, but to a certain extent. That doesn't mean I will always be or that I wont dare to do anything crazy. You would be behaving pretty cliche by "Judging a book by it's cover" if you thought that way. People like my family and really close friends will definitely agree that I am "something else". I get pretty weird. But not just that, I will dare to do what others wont. If I see something wrong in a situation, when most people would stay out of it or step back and wait it out, I wont. I will do something to try and fix the outcome. If something is not fair, I will speak out. If there is a famous person close to me, I will get them to notice me. If someone seems like they need help, i will help them. Even if deep deep inside I am scared beyond anything, I WILL DO SOMETHING.
When someone treats me wrong and thinks I'm just going to cross my arms and let them, they are proved wrong. When I see a well known pastor or bishop, when others just stare from far away and wish they'd get noticed, I go up to them and introduce myself. When I see Prince Royce backstage, I make him remember me. I will do things that others wont even dare think about. I guess what I'm saying is don't ever underestimate anyone. Don't think that you can have control over them. If you are the predictable type (that will not dare do anything crazy) try it out! Just don't make a fool out of yourself. Be smart about it. You wont regret it.

"If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God" - 2 Corinthians 5:13




Just a Girl ;)

The Refiners Touch

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi.  As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"  He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Birthday Reflection

Everyday is a blessing. Two days ago I celebrated 22 years of life (August 11th). It's amazing what can happen in one year, let alone 22 years. Just 10 years ago I was suicidal, depressed, and angry at the world. 10 years later I am delivered, blessed and baptized with the Holy spirit. My life has been a roller-coaster with a lot of ups and many downs yet I'm still on the ride. This weekend I was looking back at everything and I couldn't help but smile. Everything I've been through has only made me stronger, and believe it or not happier. If I hadn't gone through my life exactly how it happened, I wouldn't be how I am today. It's crazy, everything fell into place like a puzzle. The Holy Spirit makes me see everything differently. A way that not everyone can see, I can distinguish what I will benefit from and what will only bring me down. I can make the right decision with the help of the Holy Spirit. But I am just so thankful for my life, you have  no idea. I can't even explain really. This birthday I wasn't expecting much. Just the usual birthday wishes. I actually just had such an amazing time, everyone seemed to remember. I got surprised with a birthday cake at church and it was just an amazing feeling with people who share the same faith and love you for who you are. Overall I had a blessed birthday and I love all the people who are still in my life: My birth parents and my 2nd parents, my BFF Laura, my buddy Carlos, my pastor & his wife, my sisters (of blood & of faith), my brothers, and every single one of my friends.

A Letter from Hell

 Occasionally, this video ends up on my wall or on my dash. It always gets to me.

Not everyone that dies goes to a "better place" as people always tend to say. It's just not like that. It is written:

MATTHEW 7:21
Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.

That means exactly that!... Not everyone is getting into heaven... Only those who chose to obey His word, His commandments. Just because someone died does not automatically mean they're in heaven. If it was like that, where would the fairness be? God is a judge, as a judge HE has to be fair. Imagine all this time we are obeying His word, practically sacrificing our time on Earth then, there's someone who does as they please and in the end we ALL end up in Heaven... that does not seem fair to me at all. Matthew 7:21 would not be in the Bible if we all were. So don't assume that in the end we will all be together because the sad reality is we wont. We like to assume that when someone dies, they'll go straight to heaven but the truth is we don't know if they really are. It's hard to take in, but as I always said... the truth hurts.

Here is the written version of a letter from hell.


"Dear Zack,
I died today. It’s a lot different than I expected. You see, I always thought that dying would bring me to a world that is foggy and hazy. But this place is crystal clear… It’s even more real than my life on Earth.

I can think. I can talk. I can even feel.

Right after the wreck I could feel my spirit leaving my body. It was the weirdest thing, Zack. I thought I heard you screaming out to me, man. Must have been just imagining things.

At first I was just standing in line, getting registered I guess. They asked me for my name…and began to look in this thing they called the Book of Life.

I guess they couldn’t find it though because this huge angel standing next to me grabbed me by the arm and started dragging me away. I was terrified. I had no idea what was going on. I asked the angel where he was taking me, but he didn’t answer. So I asked him again…

Finally, he told me that only those, whose names were written in the Book of Life, could enter into Heaven and the rest would be condemned to Hell forever.

Man I was scared. The angel threw me into some kind of holding cell. Where I’ve been sitting and thinking for a long long time. Do you want to know what I’ve been thinking about?

I’ve been thinking about YOU.

Zack, You’re a Christian.
You told me so yourself. I mean we talked about it three different times today.

Kelly brought it up and you laughed it off. Coach Adams brought it up and you changed the subject.

I mean, it came up right before the wreck. Well the question I can’t get out of my mind is this, Zack. Why haven’t you ever told me about how to become a Christian?

You say you are my friend, but if you really were you would have told me about this Jesus and told me how to escape this terrible place that I’m headed for.


I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, the angels who have been chosen to cast me into hell are coming down the hallway. I can hear their footsteps.

I have heard of this Hell. They call it the Lake of Fire.

I can’t stand it, Zack. I am terrified. No! The angels are at the door. Oh no, no! They’re coming in and they’re pointing at me. They’re grabbing me and carrying me out of the room.

I already can smell the burning sulfur and brimstone. I can see the edge of the cliff where Hell burns.

This is it. I am without hope.

We’re coming closer, closer, closer. My heart is bursting with fear. They’re holding me over the flames. I am damned forever.

This is it. They are throwing me in. Fire, Pain, HELL.

Why Zack? Why didn’t you ever tell me about Jesus?

Your friend,
Josh

P.S. Wish you were here. "






Here is the video:

PLEASE GOD, I’M ONLY 13!

Today I dreamed I was walking through the wrong neighborhood. I knew I should not have done this, but I took a crazy chance, ESE. I was smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer. I was enjoying my freedom man, I was having fun.

The last thing I remember was walking down the street with my homeboy and seeing this carrucha pulling up next to me going awfully slow. I heard the words, “where u vatos from?” I heard a loud bang and felt ringing in my head and a terrible jolt to my whole body. My body flew to the ground, ESE. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream. I don’t know what happened to my homeboy.

Suddenly, I awakened. It was very quiet. A police was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was in pieces. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of the buckshot from the gunshot were piercing my body all over, strange; I could not feel a thing.
Hey! Don’t pull that sheet over my head, ESE! I can’t be dead! I’m a homeboy of only 13. I’ve got to meet my homeboys tonight, ESE. I’m supposed to grow up and have a firme life. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead, man.

Later I was placed in a drawer. My jeffita had to identify me. Why did she have to see me like this? Why did I have to look at my jeffita’s eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? My jeffita suddenly looked vieja. She told the vato in charge “Si, el es mi hijo.”

The funeral was a weird experience, ESE. I saw all my relatives and my homeboys walk toward my casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. Some of my homies were crying. A few of the rucas touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.
PLEASE… SOMEBODY….WAKE ME UP!!! Get me out of here! I can’t bear to see my jeffita so broken up. My abuelitos are so racked up with pain, ESE. They can barely walk, my little carnal, Toñito, mi hermana, Rosa, are like zombies. They move like robots in a daze. EVERYONE!!! No one can believe this, and I can’t believe it either, ESE!

Please don’t bury me! I’m not dead! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again, I want to sing and dance. Please don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, I’ll stay away from drugs and gangs. I promise to love my family and be the best son in the world. I promise to do my schoolwork and to be the best student my teachers ever encountered. I promise to help my raza and to be the best educated homeboy America ever knew.
All I want is one more chance!
PLEASE GOD, IM ONLY 13!!!

A Cry for Help!

You know, from personal experience, I've learned NEVER to give up on anybody. I know, I know, sounds pretty cliché to say but It's amazing how fast you can forget to care about someone who seems not to have hope. Let me speak a little clearer. I am going to use myself as an example. Please bear with me until the end for there is a point and NO it's not so you can feel sorry for me or what not, for this is the past!
Exhibit A: Young girl who grew up attending church since she was six. Definitely knows about God. Back then there was an age limit for Sunday school, and that was 12. I was a good kid, I think at least. Not a trouble maker, well until i hit that age of 12. Sunday school is special for many reasons, well for one you are leading kids the right direction, God. But the most important factor is that the kids are being taught in their language, in a way they understand. That's great! When I "outgrew" Sunday school I had no problem with it in the beginning, I pretended to understand what that pastor was talking about when in reality, I had no idea, for it was not the type of language I understood. Just like anyone who goes to church to warm up a chair I began to get bored. I was too old to be in Sunday school, yet too young for youth group. So I was left "floating" around clueless in church. Some of my Sunday school buddies also outgrew Sunday school and began to join me in the service. From then on every church service for us was a reunion, catching up, laughing, joking, all meanwhile the service was on. I began to get rebellious not just with my parents but with anyone who I believed thought they had authority over me. This infinite list included the pastors, their wives, all the assistants, my parents, and any grown up who intended to tell me what to do. It got so bad, I was asked to leave the service numerous amounts of times by the pastor. When any assistant tried to help me and give me advice, I'd back talk to them. All my "friends" thought I was cool and that's all that mattered. But frankly something started to change in me. I was no longer happy, I began to get depressed out of nowhere. The times I cried myself to sleep is too many to count. I began to self harm. Cut. Obvious cuts actually for they were all on my arms. I'd lock myself in my room and listen to music and cry. I wanted to end my life, yet I was too much of a coward to actually do it. I wanted help. Deep inside I was yearning for help from anyone. All this was undercover though, for in front of anyone I was as tough as a nail and always with a smile, never admitting that I needed help. No one knew, and I was too "tough" to say anything. As time went by and the number of assistants that talked to me went from about 13 to 0, because everyone had lost hope in me, and that included pastors. I don't blame them, I was horrible. anyway as time went by I got worse. I lost hope in myself and lost hope that anyone would look deep enough into my eyes and see that cry for help. But God didn't. He sent me an angel, someone who would go into hell and pull me out. She cared for me without even knowing me. She saw what everyone else decided not to see, Hope. She prayed for me, fasted for me, gave part of her life just to save me and that makes me who I am today. I'm not going into detail for there is far more to this experience and my point is made.
Sometimes there are those who seem to have no hope, but their cry for help is louder than their pride and we must not give up on them for they are a precious soul. All we have to do is look deep enough, care enough........ and never lose hope, never give up, never stop fighting.

Just a Girl :)

I'm Not Perfect

I would like to make this clear... Just because someone has given their life to Jesus DOES NOT mean they are anywhere near perfect. I am so tired of people telling me I think I'm perfect just because I'm always at church and what not. Listen, I do not think I am perfect, nor do I want you to think I am. I made a life changing decision, just like some people decide to join the army, to become a lawyer, to become a doctor, my decision was to accept Jesus as my one and only savior, and live according to his word (the Bible). There was only ever once a perfect man on earth and His name was Jesus. It's not right to assume someone thinks they're perfect because they have decided not to follow the flow of this world. People are so easily Judgmental, they say oh you can't listen to this because you go to church, you can't say that because you go to church, or you can't do that because you go to church...NO! You know what that is??? It's JUDGING! When someone does something wrong in the eyes of the Lord, it's between them and God.. no one else, ever. Another point I'd like to clear is this one. Just because I go to church doesn't necessarily mean that worldly things will burn my eyes or ears off. I am human just like you are, I make mistakes, I fall, I get back up. The only difference might be that I am property of Jesus meaning I have Him to guide me, to help me get back up when I'm down, to make me happy when I 'm sad, to complete me and get rid of the void most of humanity is always trying to fill. No matter what happens, I'd like to continue in the right path without people assuming I think I'm perfect.

I'm Just a Girl :)

Demasiado Tarde?

Know what I mean?

You know when you miss someone and there is no way to get in contact with them because the last time you talked to them you ended in disagreement and just never really spoke to them again? Well that's how I feel right now. It's not sadness its just that I miss them. I don't even know if they care that I still exist. But whatever, it's no use feeling this way. It's pointless because It's not like I can just fix anyhting. I do know that if I were to see them now I would try to fix things between us, but as for now, all I can do is wait and let time take care of the time and place. Anyway It's been pretty lonely around the house since my mom's still in Mexico, not super tough just ughh, I miss her and although I talk to her almost everyday it's not the same as having her here at my side :) She'll be home soon. Sunday to be exact. Anyway, I'm just letting it out, it feels better that way. Well if anyone does read this, thannks :)

God Bless You

Just a Girl <3

Way to go

I'm not the type of person that let's just any little thing get to me. I don't let anything get to me, anything. I always say, if it happens, there's a reason. But, what to do if it actually gets to you. I mean you try not to get all upset and you start thinking of other things and go on with your day. well not today. It was all going great, last day of school before spring break and my presentation had gone great, I was all done. Happy as can be, I mean nothing had gone wrong. Until something happened, i'm not going into detail and i'm not going to say what happened but it just got to me. I tried to move on, and not even pay attention to it, but it was in the back of my head. And eventually managed to ruin my day, my mood, everything. What exactly do I do? I mean I guess I shouldn't accept it and I mean tomorrow is a brand new day, but what if it happens again? Idk, sometimes i just want to disappear for a while. My life isn't perfect, and I'm looking to God for strength.


Just a Girl

The Perfect Two

"On Friday, February 24, 2012, two Belvidere North High School Junoirs, Brenda and Thalia, were driving on their way to a home game when they lost control and went into the other lane. An SUV hit their car and Brenda and Thalia were found dead at the scene. It only takes seconds for your life to be taken away. Tell your family and friends you love them and live every day like it's your last." -ForeverHannah25

Two really young girls gone. Just like that. They were 16. It just proves how we don't know when we're going to die. We have no idea when, how. and why, But we know that we are eventually going to die. The big question is when we do, where are you going? It's something to really meditate on. What kind of life have we been living? How have we made the right choice? Have we truly been saved or have we just made everyone think we are?... The reality is this, you are never too young to accept Jesus as your savior, as well as you are never too young to die.

It's Our World, Planet Universal

If you haven't joined Planet Universal, shame on you. Lol, I'm joking. Still, this place is great. For us who look to always remain in faith and watchful for our salvation, it's better than Facebook. In Facebook all you find is your "friends" posting pictures of their "crazy weekend", they curse, they post inappropriate videos, and even mock your faith. It's not something you can really run away from. Facebook is still great to stay connected with far away family members, but not so great to stay connected to God. Planet Universal on the other hand is the perfect place where you can remain connected to God. There you will find fellow Universal church members who share their experiences through their blogs, inspirational videos, church event invites, church groups, and most importantly the same faith. My favorite part about planet is the assistants group. Bishop Mauzer is taking care of us and helping us remain watchful. He posts words of wisdom, videos, and definitely makes us think. For all of you that don't have a profile on Planet yet, get one. Let your pastor know you want to become a member and he will send you an invite. (You can get in with an invite ONLY) & PLEASE.... when you become a member add groups, share stories, post pictures, inspirational videos, and leave comments... don't just get a profile and leave... there will be no point. 


Everyday I'm Planeting!
Just a Girl :)

Why I Hate Religion, but LOVE Jesus!

This is epic! I agree with him 100%.

Wake up or get up?

This happens often. You wake up on time. You lay in bed, awake, for a few minutes. A few minutes turns into ten, then fifteen, then when you look at the time, you're late! Yes you were awake on time but that didn't get you anywhere. The moment you get up is when you actually progressed.
When you live a "normal" life you're spiritually sleeping. Nothing really happens. You constantly "go with the flow" of where life takes you. If it's "in", you're "in". That's all it is. You fit in, you're normal. You DON'T make a difference. Trust me. When you realize that all that you have ever done in life makes no impact on anything or anyone, that you have been ungrateful to God.You realize you need help. You realize that you need God more than anything in your life. That, my dear friend, is called "waking up" (spiritually speaking) Yet, you've woken up, and your life should change now right?? WRONG! Sure it makes a difference that you "woke up", now you are aware of what is going on. But just "waking up" is not going to take you anywhere. In order to start a relationship with God you need to get up. In order to leave an addiction you need to get up. In order for you to change your life you need to GET UP!!! Getting up means doing something about it. Start talking to God, He's listening. Start reading the bible, He's speaking. Start thanking Him, He loves you! Look for anything you can do to be a better person. but DO IT!!! Use the Nike motto... Just Do It!

Have you been sleeping in faith?
Have you woken up or gotten up?



Just Saying. Your life changes when you do something about it.

Just a Girl :)

So there's this book...

ok ok, I admit it. At first I did not intend on reading "The V-Woman". It's just... I don't know, I didn't think it would be anything I wanted to read. Like I've said before, I'm not girly. I thought this book would just be another book talking about being a "girly" woman of God.  I had it on my book shelf for about 2 months. Seriously. I kept making excuses like: "oh, I don't have the time right now to read" or "I have to focus on my studies before I can read it". It wasn't until I was talking to a Pastors wife about the book that I decided to start reading it. But boy was I WRONG!!! This book I recommend to EVERYONE to read!!! It completely made me realize how wrong I've been in many situations, I've come to think of everything before I do anything. I'm not going to get into detail because You have to do the reading. I am even going to re-read it to make sure I don't miss any of the details of how to be like this V-woman. Thank you God for inspiring Mrs. Cristiane on writing this book. I even have a different perspective of the Author herself. I am glad I read this book!
Don't have this book?


Buy it here.




Just a Girl :)

Changes

Change is good! right? anyway, I've changed a lot. Matter of fact, I change everyday, just a little bit, but I do! Some things never change, ever. Some take a while to change, but in the end they do change. Some other things always change. It's a new year, we're in 2012. Looking back I've experienced quite a few changes. I have a complete different view on life. Nothing matters anymore but my Salvation. I don't care if I "miss out" on the fun. I've got my sight on Jesus and that's all. We've all heard of the teen death rate, it's really high. Someone died in a car accident, someone got hit by a drunk driver, someone overdosed, someone got shot, etc. It's the same story over and over. That is something that doesn't change. I changed for the good. I am happy and I know that God is with me. I know I don't want to end up dead because of a stupid decision. But some things never change. I still love purple, I dress in jeans and t-shirts, I love vans, and I love Jesus! The point here is, don't be afraid to change for good, especially if it's for God.
God has a plan for everyone, it is up to us to let it happen!!!!

I continue the 4th Fast of Daniel in faith!

God bless everyone!

Just a Girl :)

I mocked God

In 2011:
I laughed, drank, grew, evolved, deluded myself, enjoyed myself, learned, went out, had fun, but I did not die...
I cried, kissed, dreamed, made mistakes, had a good time, I made it...
I fought, fell in love, changed, danced, enjoyed life, I remembered and was remembered, I met new friends and, finally, I LIVED!
In spite of that, I'm not dead...

Daiane de Sousa Albuquerque

 <------Watch Video


This Was a really strong message. Alot of youths nowaday are like this. I'm not even going to get into this. The message speaks for itself. You are never too young to give your life, soul, and heart to God. You might think you are "getting away" with enjoying life now that you are young. What guarantees you that you will have a future when you can give your life to God? The devil is working really hard to take as many souls as possible to Hell along with him. Oh, You only live once? Then what are you waiting for?



Seek God now before it's too late. 
Find the nearest UCKG here.

The Fast of Daniel- Day Twenty One

God’s timing

When we submit to the discipline of the Kingdom of God, everything that happens works out for our own good. Do you know why?

Because the Almighty is in perfect control of everything in His Kingdom. Do you believe this?

One of the most serious problems for the people of God, is their love life.

But let’s look at how our Lord and King goes about solving this problem:

When a subject, servant, priest and child loves Him with all his heart and with all his soul, with all his strength and with all his understanding, God in turn sends him a special gift that satisfies the desires of His child: a wife/husband.

As it is written, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18.22

That being the case, a cross is formed: the vertical pole (you and God) + the horizontal bar (you and the one you love).

At times it may seem that it’s taking a little too long. But that does not mean there’s a delay. In fact, He is preparing the right person for you, or preparing you for someone who is already ready.

If this describes your situation, don’t be uneasy, worried or anxious—those who believe do not give up, are not in a hurry and do not run away.

On the other hand, it is also written that the time for the promise to be fulfilled is approaching, and will not fail. “If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”Habakkuk 2.3 NLT

This word applies to the promises of God, but only for those who believe. Do you believe?

What tactics has the devil used against God’s elect? He knows our needs, especially when it comes to our love lives, and so he has used his children to create anxiety in the hearts of God’s elect.

When are you getting married? Do you have a boyfriend? Be careful, or you’ll end up gathering dust on the shelf, etc. In so doing, the devil is able to weaken the faith of some believers. A second attack would be to cast doubt on the promises of God. And so on…

If believers do not take along the extra oil, their lamps might go out and they will be left in the dark.

Do not be deceived! Do you really think that our Lord will fail us? Do you think He lacks the power to take care of us? Shouldn’t He be able to meet the needs of the subjects of His kingdom? Only a fool would doubt this!

Work at pleasing Him, and He will fulfil the desires of your new heart.

Stand firm and keep the faith, because God’s timing is never late, and never early. Everything happens at exactly the right time.

When you least expect it, you’ll receive the answer.

Be blessed in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and may your dreams come true in the time of Your Father.

Do you believe?

Well then, let’s extend the Fast of Daniel—another 21 days, the first of 2012.

The Fast of Daniel- Day Twenty

Two kingdoms, two territories, two masters…
The Kingdom of Light vs. the kingdom of darkness;
The land of Good vs. the land of evil;
The Lord God—Father of His children vs. the lord and father of the children of the world.

Who is the master of your life? What kingdom do you belong to?

Your dreams might not have been realized yet, but if you belong to the Kingdom of God you will find shelter beneath His protection. Nothing can happen to you without the permission of the Almighty.

And if by chance something that seems bad should happen to you, down the road you will understand how it was for your own good.

"A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you."Psalm 91.7

Having said that, those who leave the Kingdom of Light no longer have this protection. This means they automatically enter the kingdom of darkness. From then on, any choices they make, even if they seem right, will still be wrong and will have serious consequences in the end—suffering, pain and worst of all, eternal death.

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness..."John 8:12

This means: those who do not follow Me, walk in darkness.

What kind of protection is there for those who walk in darkness?

Many ruin their lives by choosing to marry the wrong person. They eventually get divorced and marry someone else. Later on, they get divorced again and marry another person. In their frantic pursuit of happiness, they keep trading spouses but are never able to stick with anyone—a vicious cycle from hell.

Worst of all, while drifting down this path children are being brought into the world. What future will these children have? They have one father today, another one tomorrow, and the day after, still another...

These little ones will inherit this curse and pass it on to other generations—a snowball effect.

When the spirit does not think, the body and soul will reap the fruits of hell.

The Fast of Daniel- Day Nineteen

The works of the flesh:

Sexual immorality - the soul's desire to please the physical body;

Impurity - revolt against what the soul considers pure and righteous;

Lust - the soul’s excitement with sensuality; a desire to enjoy sex without any responsibility;

Idolatry - the soul’s worship of people, money, things or images. Worshiping or placing an importance on something other than the Lord God first;

Witchcraft - the practice of occult rituals involving spells, curses, incantations, sacrifices of food, drink, animals or even human beings, to witchdoctors or spirits. The celebration or commemoration of special days for particular saints;

Hatred - longstanding feelings of hostility, loathing, ill will or dislike;

Strife - arguments, endless disagreements, quarrelling, friction;

Jealousy - insecurity caused by suspicion, or fear of a rival, in love or some other area of life, a feeling of weakness;

Envy - distress, anger or sorrow for another's success or joy, greed for something good that is being enjoyed by others;

Anger - fury, rage, annoyance, a desire for revenge;

Discord - disagreements, disharmony, quarrels, differences of opinion, fights, etc.;

Dissent - disagreement, dissension, discord;

Factions - rivalry between religious groups, athletic teams, political parties, etc.;

Drunkenness - binge drinking, intoxication, the addiction to alcohol;

Gluttony - the act of eating too much, an insatiable appetite, exceeding the limit of your stomach, etc..

... and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in times past, that those who practise such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.Galatians 5:19-21

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22

The Fast of Daniel- Day Eighteen

I know what it’s like to be an ugly duckling. I experienced it as a teenager, among schoolmates, at work and even at the church where I came to know my Lord and Savior.

Thank God for humble origins and a lower-middle-class upbringing. If it weren’t for them, only God knows where I would be today.
I became acquainted with the difficulties of being poor. On the other hand, I learned the value ​​of being humble, especially when it came to the value of keeping your word. My parents were my heroes.

Later on, this helped when it came to believing the Word of God. If I valued my parents’ word, though they were flawed humans, imagine the word that comes out of the mouth of God.

Today, whenever I see people who are ragged, suffering, mistreated and abandoned, I am reminded of my past. Although, I was never ragged because my parents gave us everything we needed for our education.
But truth be told, the only place I felt human and not like an ugly duckling was at home.

Right now you may feel ignored, empty, sad and like the world is falling apart around you.
But Jesus came for people like you and me—life’s ugly ducklings. People who are simple, lost, and above all, humble in spirit. He found me and is certainly finding you right now.
I don’t even know why I'm writing this to you.
But I believe His Spirit has touched me and is now using me to touch you.

What you have or have not done does not matter, nor does your long list of sins and much less your sad and empty past. What others think of you does not matter either...
What really matters is what He thinks of you.
He loves you and is showing this right now by embracing your whole being.
You know something: He has just found you right now!

While you are reading this, the Spirit of Jesus is rebuking the weight of your guilt, condemnation and past sins.
Your thoughts are changing, your emptiness is being filled.
A new day is being born for you. Sadness is giving way to joy and at this very moment, you don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Something very powerful is happening inside of you. It’s the Holy Spirit creating a new life within you.

Praise God!
Welcome to the family of God.

The Fast of Daniel- Day Seventeen

This is what everyone hopes for, even believers in Jesus.
But can hope alone give you a new life in the New Year?

All we have to do to answer this question is look back in time.
People in the past had the same expectations at this time of year. The same hopes. And what happened? Nothing. For many, it got worse.
Why is that?
Because a new life doesn’t depend on emotions, it depends on an active faith. But in what way?
Let's go back to biblical times.

God called Abraham to raise up a nation that would be separate from all the other pagan nations.
While in Egypt, Abraham's grandson, Israel, multiplied and became a great nation. The Lord then delivered them from the slavery of Egypt and helped them build a strong and powerful nation.

But because of their rebellion, Israel returned to the spiritual state of Jacob. They went back to being slaves in a foreign land.

History repeats itself. When people are spiritually healthy, there is peace, health and prosperity, but when they are far from God, the devil takes charge of their lives.

Nearly 100 years had passed since their return to the land of Palestine, and yet, in the days of the prophet Malachi, Jacob had once again become spiritually lost. The priests were immoral and so were the people.

Dishonesty, infidelity, marrying people of other faiths, divorces, idolatry, sorcery, adultery, profanity, stealing and every other sort of immorality was being committed.

And when they cried out to the Lord, He replied: For I am the lord, I do not change. You have gone away from My ordinances...
Return to Me, and I will return to you.
But you said: In what way shall we return?

So the Lord gives the recipe for a new life in the New Year: Be faithful with your tithes and offerings.Malachi 3:6-12
Of course!
A marriage cannot be restored without first restoring the principle of marital faithfulness. The same applies to restoring a covenant with God.

This year, start the New Year by being faithful to God and testing His faithfulness to you.
See for yourself if His Word is true or false!
Tithes represent faithfulness. They are a sign of your partnership with God.

When we are faithful to Him, He is required to do the same to us. That is why He promises to rebuke the devourer.

Whoever wants to begin a new life must be faithful to God with their tithes. Otherwise, they‘ll be hoping for a new life until the day they die, and nothing will have changed.

Think about this!

The Fast Of Daniel- Day Sixteen

Some seek the recognition of others to massage the ego of their souls;
Some use the glamour of the world to satisfy their soul;

Some spend their entire life in the pursuit of personal fulfilment;

Others even die for the glory that this world offers them.

But the glory that this world offers comes from below and ends when a person dies;

Whereas the glory that comes from Above—from the Holy Place—is everlasting. It comes straight from the Source of Glory, and it never ends.

Jesus was glorified by the Father when He received the Holy Spirit, after His water baptism. That day, He heard a voice from heaven saying,

This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3.17

When the Holy Spirit comes He confirms that voice deep inside of those who are sealed with the Spirit.

It has nothing to do with feelings or emotions, and everything to do with assurance.

On another occasion, in anguish of soul, Jesus did not pray for help, let alone relief from the situation He was about to face.

Instead, He used reason to confront the feelings (anguish) of his soul, thereby teaching us a lesson: And what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour?” But for this purpose I came to this hour.John 12.27-28

Then He knocked the legs out from under his soul by saying, Father, glorify Your name.

In other words: Father, I sacrifice the impulses of my soul in order to do Your will.

A voice was immediately heard from heaven: I have already brought glory to My name, and I will do so again.John 12.28 NLT

When the crowd heard this voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared that an angel had spoken to Him.

But the most important point is that God the Father glorified God the Son before many witnesses.

The presence of the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to sacrifice the yearnings of our soul and fulfil the will of God. And when this happens, the glory of the Father is manifested in His children for all eternity.

Think about this!

May God bless you more and more.

The Fast of Daniel- Day Fifteen

Original Post By Bishop Macedo

Just as material sacrifices lead to material blessings, spiritual sacrifices lead to spiritual blessings.

God invites those who believe to test Him in tithes and offerings. In return, He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out such blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it, in addition to rebuking the devourer. Malachi 3:10

Likewise, Jesus promised eternal life to those who would deny themselves, take up their crosses and daily follow Him. Matthew 16:24

In both cases, there is a need for sacrifice. However, the Apostle Paul takes it further when, directed by the Spirit, he pleads:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

This means that when there are no living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, there is no spiritual act of worship (remember: spiritual = rational). On the other hand, though many songs of worship are filled with messages of love, an emotional act of worship only floods people with feelings of excitement.

Some profess to feel God's presence, others 'speak in tongues' and even 'prophesy'. Let's not even mention those who twirl around, fall to the ground and walk on all fours. If they had wonderful testimonies, this would not be so significant. But, they don’t! Much to the contrary, their lives are total failures: broken homes, adultery, paedophilia, sexual immorality, grudges towards one another, divisions—in short, a true kingdom of darkness.

Why is this? It's because their spiritual act of worship is not rational, intelligent or conscious. How can the Creator be pleased with an emotional act of worship when He is Reason, Intelligence and Wisdom?

An emotional act of worship is similar to a decadent masquerade ball. Its participants wear costumes and masks to camouflage their hypocrisy and the works of their flesh. Who can preside over this spiritual farce?

The truth is, in the absence of spiritual (rational) acts of worship there will be emotional and fleshly acts of worship.

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."Galatians 5:19-21

It is interesting that Paul asks, pleads and begs the followers of the Lord Jesus to worship in a spiritual or rational manner, which requires that our bodies be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. That is, when we praise, worship and contemplate on the Lord it must be done in a thoughtful way.

This kind of worship is not restricted to church. If we are Temples of the Holy Spirit, there will be praise, worship and contemplation wherever we are.

Ideally, everyone in the church has the same faith and Spirit. There, our spiritual (rational) act of worship is united. There are appropriate hymns, songs of praise and individual declarations that exalt our Lord and Saviour.

While some praise, others worship, and still others contemplate the face of the Almighty. Everything is in perfect order and discipline.

Wherever there is this freedom, the Holy Spirit instructs, inspires and directs the praise, worship and contemplation of His Son in a generous, spontaneous and healthy manner.