My Book Report (Chapter 15): Every Day A Friday

Forgive So You Can Be Free

“The ocean of unfairness is vast. The eye cannot take in the sheer size of hurts, the wrongs and the rejections so many people experience, but as I have been told out on sea when sickness takes affect... ‘look out towards the horizon.’” - F. Lugo

There is a way to get rid of the hurt, the pain, the rejection. There’s a way to get rid of those things that have happened unfairly to you that are now a sickness to you, that keep you from experiencing joy, peace and love. It’s called FORGIVENESS. 

Jesus Christ The Righteous

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 NKJV


A good morning indeed it is, to receive the overflowing bounty of God’s grace and the riches of goodness that flows lovingly from Him up above... For all things good come from God the Father above. Amen.

As I reflect on my life, and the thoughts, words and actions that entail my life, sadly I cannot proudly stand up straight knowing I have done all things right and have obeyed God fully. But this I know and am confident in, that as judgement day comes, and all that I am is exposed, I have the Advocate to stand before the Judge on my behalf and defend me against the accuser’s pointing finger.

It is He Jesus, that defends me! It is He Jesus that covers me! It is He Jesus, that although I desire to remain in right standing with God, how I praise Him that in my weakness if I sin, He is our Advocate that stands before the Father... Yes! The Lord Jesus Christ the righteous. Amen!

How beautiful is His Word to us, whether we are strong or weak in our faith. How faithful He is to us although we fail Him daily. The love of God that avails all things purifies us from our sins by the death of His Righteous Son Jesus on the Cross. Praise be to our God forever and ever. Faithful and true. Blessed be His name forever— Righteous One... Jesus. Amen!

Jesus Loves Me... This I Know

Beloved, it's 1:36am July 8, 2012 for me as I start to write this to you. I wanted to confess something that was on my mind to you. Moments ago as I headed into the bathroom to make preparations to go to sleep, I said to God, “Lord, I certainly do not feel spiritual or godly this moment.” In that very moment I received an answer from God not in the audible sense, but a confirming truth, as I started to receive His Word into my spirit, loudly saying to me that He hasn't left me, nor has He forgotten about me, but He certainly loves me and will comfort me. Amen.

Once that comforting moment overcame me, these lyrics to a very popular Christian hymn that originated in the 1800’s written by a woman named (Anna Barlett Warner) filled my mind:

“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.” Amen.

Many stanzas had been added over the decades, and in the line of my predecessors I will add a stanza (unofficially) of my own.

“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Holy Spirit in me confirms it so.”

That stanza above is a comforting promise. How so? Picture 2000+ years ago. It's around 33 A.D. and Jesus is in His last days before being crucified. It’s the night before He would die on the Cross at Calvary's Mountain. He tells His disciples who have lived, ate, slept, traveled, learned and grown very close to Jesus in their 3 years as His followers, that He is about to be sent up to be crucified and die for the sins of many. Shocking stuff, huh?!

This news sent shockwaves into the hearts and minds of 11 men who had become not only followers of Jesus, but friends as well.

Yet! What would follow would be even more surprising. Jesus tells them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7 NKJV)

This “Helper” Jesus spoke of, is the same Helper that comforted me, as I spoke those words, ‘I certainly don't feel spiritual or godly this moment.’

This Helper is the Holy Spirit, as Jesus mentioned it earlier to His disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26 NKJV)

The Holy Spirit is an ever present reminder that I am not alone, and even the littlest of concerns to me are important to God. Amen.

Tonight I was blessed and pleasantly reminded that God will never leave me nor forsake me. Amen Lord Jesus!

Beloved, in closing, I wanted to remind you of something you may have already grasped from reading the words God fills my heart with to share with you— And that is, God is love. He isn't a cosmic killjoy. He isn't an impersonal God. He isn't a figment of the imagination. He isn't out of touch with the concerns of His creation.

No! God wants all of us to experience an abundant life. He is a personable God. He is very real and is Truth. He is in tune and very much in touch with the human condition and how very fragile we really are whether we’re willing to admit it or not.

In my lifetime beloved, it's my absolute desire for all of you to experience how real God truly is, and it all starts by experiencing the immeasurable love of God that comes to us and is available to all through a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Therefore, if you desire (as who wouldn't!) to know such a love. Call out to the Lord Jesus, that you too just as I have and continue to, will experience the immeasurable, infallible, immutable, all encompassing perpetual love of God. Amen!

May you be forever blessed to know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

An Independent Post: July 4, 2012

Beloved, as I thought of independence day, I thought of what it meant to be independent.

Independence defined: expressive of a spirit of independence; unconstrained; free from the control or influence of others.


The very act of celebration is not defined by a body of people simply dancing, eating and drinking to their hearts content. It's a people coming together to celebrate what was done and what was accomplished and the grand result of it.

Therefore, this 4th of July, if there’s anything to celebrate, celebrate Jesus living to love you. Celebrate Jesus dying to save you. Celebrate Jesus buried to take your sins far away. Celebrate Jesus rising from the grave, justifying us freely FOREVER!

That's true INDEPENDENCE, from this world; from being a part of tyranny, from constrained control and destructive influence.

Today, as it was 2000 years ago, let us celebrate the grace of God at the Cross of Christ. Amen.

To all the believers worldwide— Never forget! And always celebrate your INDEPENDENCE DAY.

Thank you Jesus!

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Emergency Post: Hope Filled Words

Reflecting Me

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKV)


For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)


For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified)




Today as I was talking with God, the verse above came to mind and it was shown to me in a whole new way. I have always heard this verse used in the context of the Good things God has in store for those who believe in Him. Today, as I shared some things that were scaring me with my Father in heaven, yet saying to God, "I will continue to place my hope in you," God shared this with me. 'Hope comes from what my Son Jesus did on the Cross for you, and for all others that would place their faith and lives in His hands, and my ability to always keep my Word.'


Then God shared His promise and declaration to all who have placed that trust in Him, with me, in which you see in the above verse in scripture in red. Those thoughts, those plans of hope for our futures; for our expected end God said comes through only One person- His one and only Son Jesus. 


As I thought of what God spoke into my heart, I started to see that verse in a whole different way. I saw those words of Truth from God Himself as a road map. A map that not only leads to Jesus at the Cross, but beyond that, through Jesus' resurrection. I saw that my hope does lie in Jesus Himself, and not only my hope, but my dreams for today and for tomorrow. That very future that I along with countless others, always want to be bright and filled with amazing and exciting things. 


But as I included four different translations I am reminded of how intentional God is. Those four translations aren't meant to confuse us at all. Nope! They're meant to point out the obvious. What is that obvious?! We all have different perspectives, and God is willing to speak to each and every one of us personally. How amazing is that?!


So, as I wrap this amazing blessing that God gave to me, to not only enjoy and experience the treasury of my heart grow, but also, to share it with all of you. Nothing I receive from God will ever be of worth unless I share it. That's the true gift that keeps on giving...a willing heart. 


God bless you all, with a prosperous future through an expectant hope for a wonderful outcome. In Jesus name, Amen.

Easter 2012: A Love Unforgettable

"Easter 2012 @potentialchurch Come be a part of Life Change!" - F. Lugo

Good morning! Today I am honored to share with you exactly what was in my heart when I got up at 8am.

Woke up to this song of praise in my heart, "I am yours and You are mine." 

This praise song had me thanking God He is on the throne- both in heaven and here on earth in my very heart! What do I mean by this? God rules in my heart. My heart is permanently pinned to Him as He is permanently pinned to me. Hence that song of praise..."I am Yours and You are mine."

As Easter is fast approaching (11 days away) I am further reminded of my King's great and everlasting love. You see, Jesus was pinned to a tree taking away my curse 2000+ years ago once and for all as the Word of God describes, 'Anyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.' (Deuteronomy 21:23). 

I am Free! because He was lead into captivity. That captivity was death because of sin and as the Word of God proclaims, "the penalty for sin is death." (Romans 6:23). Jesus had to die. And because He died I am no longer a slave to sin, as the Word of God promises, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) and again, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).

When those nails penetrated my King's flesh a shout of praise began to circulate in the heavens. And in all creation many captives were going to be lead free from their slavery by a merciful Hand, as the Word of God describes this great act of love and courageousness, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Deuteronomy 20:2). In fact! This merciful hand was a pierced Hand. A Hand forever engraved by a scar that would triumphantly say YOU ARE LOVED! I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE. Amen! Lord Jesus!

This Easter as you make your way with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to your church, or are invited to a church (http://potentialchurch.com/easter-2012/) maybe for the very first time. Know this! Jesus is no longer on that tree known as Calvary's Cross. He is alive, on the Throne of righteousness and grace. And He wants you to know that the message is still clear today as it was 2000+ years ago. He died for you because He Loves You. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)


I have come to embrace and believe fully that Love isn't on a billboard. In a club. On a street corner. In a bar. With a gang. In a needle or a bottle. Love isn't on a website late at night when no one is around and certainly not in a magazine or a tinted window location. But Love can penetrate all those avenues of darkness and destruction, because Love conquered eternal darkness itself! Jesus raised from the dead three days later conquering death and all its ways of conquering us once and for all. These words of victory haunts evil and makes way for good, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you...‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words. (Luke 24:5-8 emphasis added).

Knowing that My Savior and Lord has Risen! I can now say with confidence, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

⁵⁵ 

    

The picture of Easter can be expressed by many picture painting expressive words as you can see but truly, only 7 things are needed to grasp fully what Easter and God's Love is all about. 


A tree (Luke 23:21). A crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29). Nails (Mark 15:25). Blood flowing (Matthew 27:26). A prayer of forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Paradise promised (Luke 23:43). A shout representing Victory! "It is Finished." (John 19:30)


Beloved, Jesus loves you and that's no cliché. It's a proclamation of truth that cost Him His life. This Easter as you enter God's House, don't leave without giving your whole heart; your whole life to Him as He gave His one and only Son up for you, for me, for all who would believe. Amen.


Beloved, I leave you with these words sang from hearts that know Who True Love is (Sing Along)

"My whole life is Yours, I give it all

Surrendered to Your name

And forever I will pray

Have Your way, have Your way"

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

• 
  

Potential Church

My friends if you are in the So. Fla area, come check out Potential!

Potential Church
Main Campus: Cooper City
Website: potentialchurch.com (for other campus locations, service
times, and much more)
Address: 12401 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL 33330
Dress code: Come as you are (suit, jeans, shorts, dress, etc... It's
all good).
If you don't have a bible, we'll give you one...FREE!!!!
If you have felt that nudge in your heart, and have chosen Jesus as
your Lord and Savior and want to know what's next, come to Potential
Church, and we'll be honored to point you towards your next step.
We can't wait to meet you. God bless.
P.S.
Starting January 26 we will be having Wednesday night service at 7pm.
How awesome is that? Very! :)

We are His weapons

We are His weapons

With all the crime in this world, and all the lost lives due to senseless acts, to those who believe, and trust in God; let us look to doom and gloom with a positive light: The world says a hand, a gun, and bullets kill. My Father says, "If the bullet has a purpose, it must have a command first, to fulfill that purpose. 'I God, am the gun, you, child are the bullet, and Christ is the hand pulling the trigger.' It's aimed at all evil, now blast out of your chamber, and cut right through all that is of the enemy, for my purpose is greater than his."
Amen!

Signature from Flavio's iPhone:
He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows. (Psalm 7:13)

A great outline for prayer

•Pray for God's presence
•Pray for the desire to do God's will in everything.
•Pray for the desire and ability to obey God's decrees and commands
•Pray for help in each day's needs
•Pray for the spread of God's Kingdom to the entire world
•Pray for wisdom over wealth, longevity, and the subduing of your enemies. [this will enable you to do God's bidding in faith through his direction, and not waiting around for God to do it Himself]. This is pleasing to the Father.
God bless you all

Signature from Flavio's iPhone:
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
(Psalm 71:14)
Amen!

HOPE

HOPE for our 2011...it's not too late

John 3:16-17 (A gift of eternal hope for all mankind Christ the Lord)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Matthew 28:20...Jesus Speaks

...And be sure of this: I am with you [always] even to the end of the age."

always = Hope

*If you find yourself feeling like this:

"What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? (Job 6:11)

*Reflect on this:

Romans 5:2-4

2 ...And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, [hope.]

Genesis 3:15 (God speaking of the Hope of Jesus being victorious over the enemy (the Devil) for all time.

... [He] will strike your head, and [you] will strike his heel."

[He]=Jesus
[you]=the enemy (the devil)

head=Victory
heel=defeat

Proverbs 23:18

18 There is surely a future [hope] for you, and your [hope] will not be cut off. Why? BECAUSE

Matthew 12:21 In his name the nations will put their [hope."]

*David- The Bible shows that David a king, had his hope in God, and praised God for a hope in the Lord in his Good and bad.

I examine myself to see if my Hope remains in God in the Good and the bad.

*Hope (Dictionary.com): a. to believe, desire, or trust b. a person or thing in which expectations are centered.

Psalm 39:7 (When we are lost what direction do we look, and go towards? Jesus our Good Shepherd)

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My [hope is in you.]

Shepherd (Dictionary.com):

a. person who protects, guides, or watches over a person or group of people.

*In the Book of Isaiah, he spoke a lot of a coming [hope] from God. A hope he would never get to see with his own eyes in his lifetime, but receive it by faith. This hope that would be the Messiah so many were waiting on. Hope of a Savior that would come and make everything that was wrong right; everything that was bad and hurting, and make it new, whole and good.

[Before the Lord came in Isaiah's time, many waited in great expectancy and HOPED for Him, and now we too who look to the Lord in Faith, wait upon His return with great expectancy and HOPE.]

In whom we look forward to returning is described so eloquently in the

scripture below...Breath taking

Isaiah 42:1-4

The Servant of the LORD

1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the nations will put their [hope."]

My Purpose, Intention and Urgency:

The first 3 verse (John 3:16-17; Matthew 28:20) and the last 7 verses(Isaiah 42:1-4; Revelation 22:12-14) speak of our HOPE which is in Jesus, and I placed it like this because the Lord Jesus is the First and the Last of our HOPE. The Beginning and the End to our thoughts and feelings, and our actions towards His HOPE.

This HOPE is further illustrated here:

Revelation 22:12-14

12 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward (Glory and Honor) with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes (renew their faith and Hope in Me). They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the cit (Heaven) and eat the fruit (God's eternal life) from the tree of life (God the Father Himself).

God bless you all.
In God's Love,
Flavio.