Awakening: Asking For The Holy Spirit

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NKJV)



Awakening (defined by Dictionary.com): rousing; quickening; the act of awaking from sleep; a revival of interest or attention; a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something; a renewal of interest in religion, especially in a community; a revival.



Father, Your Son said to us, how much more would your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:13)

AWAKENING

And so I ask!

My Struggles... His Triumph (the sequel)

“ In my struggle You are triumphant. In my weakness You are strong. In my despair You are joy. So I know though I struggle, I will be triumphant. Thank You Jesus! ”

In case you were wondering where’s the original, since this is the sequel, here’s a link to my Facebook page. Add me as a friend, and you can read the original in “My Notes”: My Struggles... His Triumph


Beloved, today as I had my quiet time with the Lord, my time with Him was ignited!...

Thank You Pink Ladies

"In your words, I come to know you. 

In your words, the love of God is seen. 

In your words there's a transparency. 

In your words, your families know you as a blessing. 

In your words, this world will find healing and love... as in your words God is healing and they will know; He is Love. " – F. Lugo

Hello Pink Ladies Pink Ladies. I knew Sandy for a short time when I volunteered in the children's ministry in 2010 at then at then Flamingo Road Church (now Potential Church), and Sandy was one of the leaders there. I can certainly attest to Sandy being a Pink Mama! Her desk, and area was always pinked out. She wrote with a fuzzy pink pen, and she made it clear that pink was her fav color. Sandy was cool, and kind to me. I was sad to hear that she left, but as I have come to know, with God, we all have seasons and it's where God leads us that matters over where an emotion may want to keep us.

Today, I saw on my blog list that there was a new post from Sandy, so of course I had to read it, as Sandy's post are simple and filled with goodness. "A Tale of Two Shopping Trips," although I am not a parent was very hope-filled for me as I am a child to a mother.

I am known as someone who is very transparent and in my comment to encourage one of my fellow bloggers, sister in Christ and former leader, I shared with Sandy that her post was hope filled and I, being someone who hasn't really experience such open and effective future building conversations with my mom, I was glad to know they're mom's out there that invest such quality time into their children. Praise God for all of you.

And behold! I decide to further read other areas of Sandy's blog and come across the Pink Ladies section, and it's filled with amazing stories, from amazing moms that are eager to share that they are human, they make mistakes, yet God is faithful. You are all an inspiration to the many women out there who have strained relationships with their children but hope for change. With these following words, Pink Ladies... I honor and encourage you. 

From your many backgrounds, accomplishments and travels, I thank God I INVESTED my time today to read each of the above stories. Every post was amazing, and filled with God's love. From the verses in scripture I read that are dear to your hearts, to the topics and titles of your posts. I am so thankful to God that you are all blessed by Him, and continue to live your lives and support your families, that not only will they be blessed in return, but God is praised and glorified through it all. Amen.

God bless you- (Ansley Summerville), and thank you for your post "Choose Joy" where you share your struggle to God's triumph in blessing you with a child and the thrills of answered faith-filled prayer in wanting to become a parent. God is faithful. God's grace to you, your husband, and your newborn daughter (Adeleigh Raine Summerville).

God bless you- (Mercy Viana Schlapp), and thank you for your post "What verse did he learn?" Showing us that although life can get the best of us through the many obstacles of activities, the priority and greatest blessing is teaching children about the Lord in which will cultivate a love for the Lord. God's grace and peace be with you, your family and all your God-given endeavors.

God bless you- (Gina Fernandez), and thank you for sharing your post "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions" with us on the fears, doubts and joys of homeschooling children. I haven't thought too much of such a topic, but I'm not a parent also. Nevertheless, I thank you for your transparency and hope for those who are parents and are giving thought to such a direction in the education and truly the foundation of early life leading to future success. It's amazing how God worked all things out for your good, and it's even greater that He appointed you your position on the board, and now you have that greater sense of purpose in reaching out to others to be that "Lisa" in the lives of many couples to come. God's grace and peace be with you, your family and all your God-given endeavors.

God bless you- (Mandi O'Rourke), thank you for sharing your post "Hungry? Past the Preserves" with us. Your post was very insightful to me. Written very eloquently, and precise to the point. Great analogies with fruit preserves, mounted fish and how it pertains to God's love for us, and our lives in being a blessing to this world through God's grace. God's grace and peace be with you, your family and all your God-given endeavors.

God bless you- (Roslyn Rice), and thank you for sharing your post "Once Upon A Time..." with us. It's so true how easily fables, Hollywood, magazines, tv, and those to whom we surround ourselves with, can influence us to believing something that isn't realistic.

I'm reminded of a pastor who has a gentle soul with a loving heart yet fierce in her desire to share God's unconditional love with others, sharing these words in a leadership meeting: 'Surround yourselves with elevator friends.' Her name is Lilibeth, and what she meant by those words were to surround ourselves with those who would encourage us, protect us, hold us accountable and through it all elevate us past where we think we can go. Great advice, yet not easily done for many, but God is faithful.

Thank you for your transparency, and your prayer. It was so touching and it overwhelmed me to tears. I have such a hurt but our God is faithful and He is healing permanently those wounds. God's grace and peace to you, your family and all your God-given endeavors.

God bless you- (Melissa Mashburn), and thank you for sharing your post "Setting the TherMOMeter for the Home" with us. I found your post speaking directly to a situation I know. I know of a mother who is not a believer, and she has had a hard life. No matter what kindness someone shows to her, she is always upset, angry, cranky and filled with hate and discontent. It's a sight and sound that breaks my heart. Her household is very cold in the sense of lack of love, and also very hot in the sense of combativeness towards all others. She needs to know the love of God, and it's something I need to leave before the throne of God, as He knows I've tried what He can only accomplish.

The picture I paint is not a hopeful one, and I have shared my faith with her, honored her, encouraged her, invited her to church, bought her a study bible, asked for much prayer for her, and continue to pray for her myself, and it seems to no resolve, but God is faithful. Such negativity has infected her son and what the Lord is doing in his life, yet God is faithful. Sadly, this is a mother I know and as you already know, anyone who is close to us in any manner, we want them to know the Lord and His immense love for us. Please pray for her.

Melissa, I appreciate your willingness to be open about this time of struggle you had with setting a peaceful environment, but I thank God revelation of what was going on and how to gently, respectfully and peacefully correct it came to you. God is good. God's grace and peace be with you, your family and all your God-given endeavors.

My sister's you are all encouragement to me, although I am not a parent, but as a human being living in a tough world, your words ring out hope, joy, peace, love, faith, kindness, gentleness, patience and as Mandi shared, these are all Fruits of the Spirit, and you all display it in your lives, your commitments, your families and in your writing. Thank you all for your willingness to share.

God continue to expand your platform and territory, and give you courage to continue reaching out to those who can benefit from the calling and path God has you on as mothers, parents, sisters, ministry leaders, professionals and beautiful women who love the Lord. YOU ARE ALL LOVED.

Your brother in Christ,
Flavio.

A testimony of His grace

Last night I found myself in a familiar place as of lately... Being aside from the Lord’s peace. Then something happened. Transition took place. Instead of lingering about in that moment I stepped away. I forgot about that moment where I was not experiencing the Lord’s peace but experiencing aggravation over something so trivial.

When I returned back to the situation, instead of focusing on it, I decided to lay down, and behold, I went into my YouVersion bible application and I started to read in a suggested text starting in Genesis 6. Before I knew it, not only was I experiencing something I hadn't experienced lately (Peace!), but I was also sharing it with my beloved (Mishel) and our evening that started out rocked by struggle and sadness ended in peace, gladness and praise to the Lord for who He is and all He has done and is doing. Amen!

Amazing how that happens. Steadily as you look away from God and towards yourself you experience lack. Not necessarily lack of material things, but lack of peace, joy, passion and love. And just as that happens, so does the steady return to His peace, joy, passion and love as the gaze of life is turned towards Him. Amen.

This I know! I have struggled greatly in my life, and for the most part it’s an inward battle, but the Lord is faithful and true to His Word. He will establish us in His grace but our decision must be to look towards Him.

Therefore beloved, you can rest assured God’s grace is sufficient to give you peace in times of struggle as His Word so comforting tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So as you look to the Lord, let yourselves be at peace, as we have an advocate with the Father, and we can ‘boast all the more gladly about our weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on us.’ He is Jesus Christ the Righteous. Amen!

With that being said, this simple and amazing prayer I learned, I lead you in now.


Let us pray:

God, give us the serenity we need to accept what we can’t change. The courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference between the two. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Faith, Heaven and the Joy of the Lord

Good morning beloved. God’s grace and peace be with you.


I was just thinking how amazingly unnatural faith is. How a great multitude of people live and have lived by faith in God through His Son Jesus. How faith can only cause a man and keep a man believing in an unseen place by the naked eye, but by faith through God’s grace a place so real and so beautiful it had to be described as paradise.

Heaven... A time and place where those whom have believed and kept their faith in Jesus will not only see it but reside there. I often think of heaven and how it would seem. How it would be, but more than that, how amazing it will be to stand before and be with the One who has known me and died for me! The One who has spoken to me, and I have spoken to Him! The One who by the very thought of His embrace, to look at His face, and to be in His presence forevermore, makes me weep with tears of joy— My Jesus.

No matter how weak or strong. How tough or fragile you may be or think you are. The embrace of Jesus causes all of it to fade away and only tears of absolute joy to remain.

It will never be my intention to portray what God isn’t but as opportunity presents itself and my audience truly desires to hear, I will share how amazing God is in all His character and nature. Amen.

Forgiveness: An Act of God’s Love

Beloved, forgiveness is an act of God’s love, that only God’s grace and peace at work in and through us can be accomplished by. Amen.


Today as I read in the Book of Psalms many characteristics of God’s Holy nature caught my attention. This evening being July 16, 2012 (Psalm 103:12) spoke to me, so I share it with you: “As far as the east is from the west, So far has God removed our transgressions from us.” Amen!

Beloved, the east and west never intersect, therefore God’s forgiveness not only removes our transgressions towards His Holy nature but also forgets our wrongdoings. Hallelujah!

God forgives us, so we too, should forgive others. As God forgets our sin, we too, should forget those who wrong us. This is the truth, but it doesn't make it easy to do though.

I have hurt and been hurt many times. I’m not proud of the hurtful things I have done in my past, but I do praise God that I can say, I have experienced His peace to forgive and His grace in being forgiven. Amen.

Beloved, as I think of an incident to share with you where God’s forgiveness had to work through me in order to forgive another, a scary moment comes to mind. Last year as I was returning home from a long walk, a man came running out of a car and put a gun about an inch from my forehead. He told me to give him everything I had on me. So I calmly gave him everything I had on me. He then asked me, “Is that everything?” and I said yes. He then ran back to the car and it sped off!

As I ran less than a block to my house, I recalled the entire event to my family, and they had less than choice words to say about the robber and the getaway driver. In that moment as my family shared their contempt for the robber, I walked away and experienced God’s powerful forgiving grace. I prayed to God, that the two robbers would be protected and saved from such a life and come to know His love. I also told God that I had forgiven them for what they did to me.


Beloved, I share this portion in my life not for you to say, ‘it was easy for you,’ or that I would seem like some amazingly kind and forgiving man, but rather to point to God, that He is amazing. That He is powerful. That He is quick to forgive and forget. That He is the One who will protect you in His peace. Yes! It’s our great God that accomplishes such an act of love. Therefore, give Him the praise and glory. Amen.


Beloved, If there’s someone you need to forgive and some wrong done to you you need to forget and move on from, let God’s forgiving grace and surpassing peace accomplish what we cannot do on our own. Amen.

As always... YOU ARE LOVED.

He heard my cry... I will praise the Lord

Beloved, I thank my God with tears of joy. Yes! I thank my God, for He is worthy of my praise. He heard my cry as I came to Him brokenhearted over what I had done and the hurt it caused.

My God heard me. I came to Him humbly asking that He forgive me and protect those who would receive word from me that wasn’t consulted with the Lord.

My God is faithful. I repeat! The Lord our God is a faithful God who hears the cries of those in need. He listens and answers the prayers of the righteous. He is quick to show mercy, and slow to anger.

My God, You and You alone I praise. As I rise and as I lay to rest, You are there. You comfort me and protect me from the ills of the world. How truly blessed I am. Who can love this way in the world apart from my God?! No one!

For this is your Word that I receive and I rejoice in. Praise be to You forever and ever. Amen.

Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. (Psalm 5:1, 2 NKJV)

Amen!

P.U.S.H.

Pray Through it!

Beloved, I come to you today requesting prayer as I am feeling quite exhausted spiritually and mentally and it has me not wanting to do anything. Therefore, I humbly and thankfully ask that you keep me in prayer. Wherever you are, here in the U.S. or abroad, please pray for me. I need to rest and regain strength then I can continue to uphold the ministry that God has seen me trustworthy in Christ Jesus to uphold, and that is to encourage souls! Amen.

I am reminded by my girlfriend today of the acronym P.U.S.H. and that is Pray Until Something Happens. Prayer is that absolute intimate connection between us and God. Sometimes prayer seems easy to do, and other times, prayer seems to demand all our attention and strength to do and believe in it. I believe prayer is something not to be taken lightly, but rather as an important part of our existence that we can't go without. In giving thanks to God for our food, let us not rush through it as if we would starve to death for taking an extra moment to give thanks and bless the meal we are fortunate to have and be able to eat. In praying for our families, our friends, the Church, those who are in need all over the world and ourselves, let us not rush through it, but pray with resolve that not only that God hears our prayers, but in His perfect timing He will answer them as He sees fit. For this I know! God's ways are higher than our ways, and God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, so let us have peace to pray and to pray without ceasing for there is always something or someone to pray for, and let us allow God to answer them in His time and in His grace and in His way. Can I get an Amen?!

So whether I am in strength or I am in weakness, I pray that God's grace that is all sufficient will continuously allow me to pray without ceasing that His strength in my weakness would be made known in and through me that many might be comforted, strengthened, filled with hope, come to faith in Christ Jesus and be saved knowing God's absolute and full love. Amen!

So, now that P.U.S.H. is in affect, and this verse I share with you now is made known, let us lift our prayers up in praise to God, that He would be mighty to work in and through us that our prayers would be answered and not hindered. Amen.

For the Word of God encourages us now... "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 NIV). So let us embrace that this harvest we seek in prayer, is the harvest of prayers answered. Amen.

Let us pray:

Father and God, You and You alone are wise and able to accomplish all things. We humbly come to You that You in Your infinite grace would hear our prayers and answer them. As we ask for strength to continue on in what You have called us to. We seek rest from our weariness. And we desire direction to knock on that door of peace that stands available before us. Give us the sight to see it. The faith to believe it. The strength to patiently wait on it and pray through it. And the heart to want it for all. We praise You for always being available to us, never leaving us or abandoning us in our weakness or forgetting us. You, and You alone are to be praised. May all the glory, honor, power and dominion be to You forever and ever! We thank You and bless You in Jesus name. Amen.

Beloved, as always... YOU ARE LOVED.

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.

What's my PURPOSE?

Do you find yourself wondering what you’re supposed to do with your life? Are you not content with where you’re at in life?

Here’s the bold and honest truth. You’ll never be satisfied with your life until you know what’s your purpose. And let me tell you it’s not getting up everyday going to work, coming home, watching some tv and going to bed to repeat the process all over again.


Mediocrity is not defined as having little money, or not owning a property— It's living a life for yourself.


How do you know your purpose? It's starts with this: Do not do as the world says to do: Seeking influence, fortune and fame for yourself. Allow your mind to escape what you have seen and known and become transformed through the renewing of your mind by the Word of God, and in that! You'll come to prove and know God's good, acceptable and perfect will. Purpose is in knowing the Lord, and in knowing the Lord you will know His Word, and in knowing His Word, you will know your purpose. Amen.


Beloved, I to was lost but now I am found. I trust that such will be your great joy and delight as well, when you call; cry out, and look to a new direction by seeking God’s will through Jesus Christ— The Son of God. Amen

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

My Book Report (Chapter 3): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Three

I'm absolutely thrilled to be writing a book report on this amazing book. Joel Osteen hits the matter of the heart in this chapter. "Express Your Joy" is the title and I believe the very essence of making the most of every moment. In joy we can witness great turnarounds in a person's life. I've heard others say, "I won't let them steal my joy," and I too have uttered such words in many situations, and I'm sure many more situations will arise to keep my joy and better yet! Share my joy.

Not to sound to prolific but joy is a building block for character. It certainly is needed in dealing with challenging people. I'm sure a raise of hands is warranted right now in how many people want to experience joy when dealing with knuckleheads (did I just write that?). Joel points out something interesting. He refers to a verse in scripture that speaks to joy being a great and thick fragrance if you will. "God has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions." (Hebrews 1:9 NKJV). Now this verse is speaking of Jesus Himself but it's the very blessing we all can have in Jesus. Such is to say that Joel was onto something when he used this verse. We too, can have an aroma that is inviting and doesn't fade away if we as Christ are anointed with joy (gladness). That's an amazing and descriptive way of showing how joy is something sweet to the senses. Amen.

Here's a quote my day was blessed with. "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." - (CS Lewis). To that, I have witnessed, experienced and modeled these very words. "Modeling Heaven doesn't start in heaven. It starts everywhere your joy is seen." - (F. Lugo)


Although chapter 3 has much more to share, I'll leave it up to you to purchase this book for yourselves and enjoy the blessings that it holds.



My Takeaway:

Joy is something that is contagious. Sometimes the best way to reach someone is to share the joy you have. Just like a water well, many times people will need to work at experiencing joy, but just as a geyser, others have joy that's seen from afar and it's explosive!


Beloved, I leave you with these final words the Lord just put into my heart to share with you in closing. Although it's a challenging principle, it's worth praying and believing, God will work it into you that you may not lack it at all. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4 NKJV)




As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

My Book Report (Chapter 2): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Two

Hello there. How are you doing today?

Quite a different introduction to this post wouldn't you agree? I want you to know that although I write this blog, it's not about me. It's about you and what the words God pours into my heart to share with you, can do for you. With that being said, I truly do hope your day is going well and if it hasn't been good so far, in this quiet time as you read these words, I hope and pray they will make your outlook on your day much better. 

Moments ago I finished reading the second chapter of Joel Osteen's "Every Day A Friday" and it is an amazing read. Joel's simple approach to all things bring quite a powerful impact into a person's life. Chapter two is titled "Don't Give Away Your Power." As I read through this chapter so much came to mind. I laughed, reflected a lot, and was lead to pray for the team I am a part of at Potential Church- The Connect Ministry. What is that prayer you may be asking yourself (or at least I hope you're asking yourself that question.) Here's the prayer: God, I ask that You give us the strength to go through the challenges we might face with a good attitude this Easter with all the services we will be a part of. In Jesus name. Amen

That prayer was triggered by these words I read in Chapter 2. "I think it's interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for people to be delivered from their problems. He prayed that God would give them the strength to go through challenges with a good attitude." 

As I read what giving your power away meant. It made sense but I knew I had done just that almost all my life. Giving your power away, in short, is losing your cool in any situation or circumstance and going down to the level of the other person who you simply think is being an idiot because they're messing with you.  

Giving away your power seems melodramatic, right? It's like, come on seriously! You're telling me because I get mad or frustrated or want to give the finger to someone who cuts me off I've given them my power? The answer to that would be, Yes! Seems silly but truly you are giving your power away. How so? The moment you lose your cool and are no longer calm headed, the power you had is gone and now that person, that situation, that circumstance has your power. Joel mentions a great verse in scripture that speaks to such a thing. These are Jesus' words, “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ ⁶ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6).

The verse above is an absolute principle to live by. It just so happens to also be a very blessing to anyone who is in Christ (Click HERE to see that blessing). But just as it's a principle and a blessing to believers in Jesus everywhere, you and I have to learn to live it, believe it and exercise it all the time. That's the hard part about keeping your power. You need to first believe you have it in the first place. I'm learning and trusting this more and more. Just as it takes time to break bad habits, it also takes time to embrace and enforce good habits. 

My Takeaway:

Keeping my peace no matter what happens is real power. Developing my character takes work but a consistent and committed heart will have me keeping my peace; my cool every where I go, and walking in joy all the days of my life.

Beloved, I do pray that we will all be blessed by asking God to give us strength to go through our daily challenges with a good attitude. Sadly, something I have painfully learned and am still learning, in order for change to occur it needs to start with me. To that, I say. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Emergency Post: What Does An Apple Have To Do With Your Day?

“Seeing the apple reminds me to never give into compromise” – F. Lugo 

So serious I had to repost. “The devil is a hustler. Trading apples in exchange for paradise. Don't be fooled.” – @lecrae

As I reflect on that, I thought to myself. What would be your apple Flavio?

Not praying?  Not giving thanks to God for all I have?  Not reading His Word daily?  Not attending His house of prayer, worship and praise on a committed basis?  Not serving His house with a committed servants heart?  Not sharing what God is doing in my life with others? Not being an example of Christ to my family and all others? Not living a life that shows that God has done something and is still doing something in and through me?  Having sex before marriage? Looking at things on the Internet, in a magazine, or in a store I don't need to be looking at?  Not honoring my mother?  Not honoring my leaders?  Not obeying the laws of the land and the authority of those laws? Driving recklessly to get somewhere on time?  Thinking, speaking and acting in a selfish manner that brings down others as well as myself?  Not utilizing the gift of money well?  Not taking care of my body or honoring God with it? Will I trust in my own ability or God's?  Will I give into the pressures of unbelievers or trust in God? Not following God to my fullest potential?

These are all temptations– These are apples. These can easily hustle me out of my God destiny to be in paradise forever. What are some of your apples? Click here FOR THE FIRST APPLE STORY

Just like lecrae said...Don’t be fooled! Stay prayed up and in God’s Word. Remember the devil is a roaring lion on the prowl for his next victim. But our God is is greater! Amen.

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 6): A Pure Heart

"A pure heart"

Today I'm continuing with Part 6 of "A Beautiful Attitude" where we are discovering the Beatitudes Jesus spoke in part of the most famous sermon of all time- The Sermon on the Mount. 


Just a recap of what Beatitudes are. Beatitudes are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with them.


Let us begin with this amazing verse in scripture. Truly a triumph echoing throughout the pages of history. "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8 NKJV)


A pure heart is something that is rarely seen. What can be said of a pure heart? Who has a pure heart? Is someone who has a pure heart merely one who does good for others? Someone who donates to charities? Someone who gives gifts on birthdays and holidays? 


These may be ripples of someone who has a pure heart, but what does the life of Jesus show us on who has a pure heart? We wouldn't have to go far. The Beatitudes in and of themselves speak a defining truth to one who has a pure heart. Let us recap on the Beatitudes shall we.

Those who have a Pure Heart are: Those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3); Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4); Those who are meek (Matthew 5:5); Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6); Those who are merciful (Matthew 5:7); Those who are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10); Those who are insulted, persecuted, and all kinds of evil and false things are said of them for the Lord Jesus' sake (Matthew 5:11)

Although the above statements of truth don't seem particularly inviting, let these words of promise from the Lord Jesus Himself ease your anxieties, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:12 emphasis added)

All of the above doesn't come over night but many of them happen to those who are hurting, and are in pain and sorrow over the terrible things they have done to others and the terrible things that have been done to them. How do I know this? I am one of those individuals who was filled with so much hurt, pain and anger that it was too great to handle and only the love of God through the Lord Jesus Christ could heal what was causing me massive hurt, pain, anger, guilt...you name it!

When I was asking God to give me the words to write towards this portion of the Beatitudes I went to a reference in my study Bible which was (1 John 3:2-3). This verse in scripture says "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

The Word of God proclaims this promise. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. What is a new creation? A new creation is a child of God. I don't know about you but that thought of seeing God face-to-face finally has me tickled pink (Ha!). I look forward to that moment with all that I am. I have shed great tears of joy envisioning that moment when the One who has known me as He created me is before me and I before Him. It has caused me to tremble with excitement. That thought has kept me speechless with a brimming smile that could blot out the sun, and has caused me to dance with great jubilation (mind you I am not a dancer). Even now as I think of Him I shiver with delight. To see and be with my God forever is something that although we, His children, will all experience the above to some degree, that overwhelming love from a pure heart being a child of God will make it all worth it. Amen!

Beloved, as the end of this series of writings on the beautiful Beatitudes come to a close it's bitter sweet for me. Bitter as it will have been a grand journey to knowing and accepting the love of God through His One and only Son Jesus coming to a close. Yet sweet, as I have many more blessings to share with you coming down the pipeline. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

A Quick Post: The Healing Scar

"By one touch of His hand a wound is healed. By His death, your life is saved." - F. Lugo

Forgiveness of sins is God’s amazing and successfully thriving business. But the scars of those sins have a tendency to cause us pain from time to time. Depending on the length and depth of a scar, will determine the magnitude of pain, sorrow and struggle that will come along with it. Our past mistakes can haunt us and cause us some agonizing times whether divorce, or financial dilemma. But thank God His successful business is also in the practice of protection and healing from such times as well.

I thank God for every moment He helps out those who are in need but greater is His blessing when He brings both you and I to come to the aid of those in need. Amen.

The everlasting band aid is our Savior the Lord Jesus. Don't let your scars haunt you and cause you to relive a past pain. Look to Jesus... The healer of the world. Amen.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Emergency Post: A Crying Voice (Lord Hear Us)

“A voice crying in the wilderness asking to please save me, hears...do not fear, the Savior is coming.”

Do you cry like I cry over broken marriages that end up in divorce?


Do you cry like I cry over hurtful words and actions between parents and their children?


Do you cry like I cry over teens experimenting with everything like it’s nothing? 


Do you cry like I cry over sex-filled, non-committed relationships that start off wrong and end up in disaster?

Do you cry like I cry over the wars and the genocide between misunderstandings of men?


Do you cry like I cry over over the multitude who will do anything for the love of money?


Do you cry like I cry over the drug induced, alcohol consumed men, women and children of this hurting world?

Do you cry like I cry over countries at war over land or oil and masquerading it as religion?

Do you cry like I cry when you see a fatherless child without direction end up in prison?

Do you cry like I cry over rape, sexual atrocities that end up in either abortions, deaths or fatherless children?

Do you cry like I cry over our women who walk in shame and defeat over the thoughtless men who’ve hurt them?

Do you cry like I cry over the child abuse that plagues this land?

Do you cry like I cry over the thoughtless words that come out like missiles from men and women all over this world?

Do you cry like I cry over the hurting that even goes on in the church?

Do you cry like I cry over the souls who do not know the Savior?



If you cry like I cry then you pray like I pray. You desire to say as I desire to say, and you want to do as I want to do. Believing as I believe knowing as I know, that God is the only way to help us stand for good to make a blow in this world in the name of Jesus that will leave an eternal impact. Amen. If you say amen to this, then let us come into agreement as we pray together in one accord as one body of Christ.



Let us pray:

Oh Father, the pain is so severe. The hurt is so deep. The lost is so profound. I thank you that in you and by your love this evil, can be overcome with good. Father God help us to pray as we must. To say as we should. To do as you will. Guide us into victory to reach the lost and impact this world for Christ. We ask You to do this in and through us mightily, in the name of Jesus. Amen.