Hard Like Rock... Soft Like Clay

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 NIV)

I say Amen. Beloved, today’s post speaks to PURPOSE. Many of us may walk around in our day as insignificant individuals, so much so, we may very well see ourselves as a small ant or a fading shadow, but God is faithful, and He has appointed me to encourage and inspire a great many. So take courage today, and as you read on, know that YOU ARE LOVED.

Tonight's conversation with God

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)


Beloved, this verse spoke to me in a whole new way. As I was speaking openly with my God, and I said that I desire to expose freely and unashamedly what are the desires of my heart with Him, God shared this with me. “Delighting in me has nothing to do with performing a specific task, but allowing your deepest desires to be exposed and no longer hidden from me. In that! Your desires are not shameful but honorable, and that! I will give to you. Amen.” Amen!

I rejoice! in that, these words echoed the Truth my God shared with me moments prior. This is the revelation! In the garden, Adam without sin, delighted in the LORD GOD, and walked freely exposed and unashamedly with God, yet sin was crouching about, and soon after, Adam and Eve no longer delighted in God but in the desire of themselves, and deceit over took them, and no longer were their desires exposed without shame, but very much unexposed in complete shame, to the point that they saw their image being tarnished and had to be covered up.

This is why man cannot freely expose unashamedly their thoughts, motives and actions, as they are corrupt only desiring to fulfill themselves shamefully, instead of the bond between God and man; Creator and creation— to which, is honorable in and of itself. Amen.

The question begged immediately arises. How can we as human beings return to that honorable relationship with God?! The answer is not as we would imagine— being some sort of ritual or task to accomplish, but once again, in desiring close fellowship with God, and walking once again amongst Him and that is through the covenant relationship with Jesus.

Jesus alone, is the Way back to fellowship with God. This is the Truth I speak, and in that, we will no longer be cut off from God in our shame, but once more will walk exposed, freely and unashamedly in a Life with God. Amen!

Beloved, it is well with my soul to share great encouragement and bring hope to you, but this is merely a stepping stone, for true riches lie within a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ the Lord. He alone, is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen.

All you need to do is delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

My Book Report (Chapter 5): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Five

"Enjoy The Journey." These words are synonymous with anything that puts a smile on our faces and contentment in our hearts. But why do so many of us fail to experience a life that would have those words as a banner of accomplishment in all our endeavors? One word- Busy. 


As I read chapter five of Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen, I was amazed to be reminded of something so simple I shouldn't have to be reminded of it. That's to stop and smell the roses. Joel shares many incidences were he was caught up on the excitement and grandeur that is, to be busy. Yet Joel is quick to inform us of a lesson to be learned in every moment he passed on enjoying his journey for being busy. That although being goal-oriented is a good thing, never allow it to supersede spending time with those of whom matter most as they are here one day and gone the next. Joel further displays that sentiment by these words from the Bible, 'you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14 NIV). There is one thing I desire more than anything for my life. That is to experience it with enjoyment.


My Takeaway:

I myself am extremely guilty of looking to be so busy to feel as if I accomplished something, that I just blow right past the roses and trample them underfoot. Enjoying life should be easy but our unwillingness to slow down and our stubborn willingness to speed up has made enjoyment something to work hard at. If what we're doing is wrong, let's do the opposite.

Beloved, I am not the worlds smartest man, or the worlds most handsome man. I do not have tremendous influence on many and I make a ton of mistakes. But this one thing I know. Unless you and I desire enjoyment in our lives, we won't experience it. As chapter five is so appropriately titled, as I started with them, I'll leave you with these words...Enjoy The Journey.


As always...YOU ARE LOVED

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 8): Persecuted Righteousness

"Persecuted Righteousness many have suffered, but few know of it. In unveiling the Truth many lives will be forever changed. Do you know the Truth? His name is Jesus." - F. Lugo

Wow! This post is bitter sweet. I have come to the end of the words God shared with me concerning the Beatitudes in which the man, Jesus of Nazareth spoke to a great multitude. The Beatitudes is the amazing introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached: The Sermon on the Mount

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:10 NKJV)  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV)

The Beatitudes are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with such a life lived. As we come to the end of this journey called "A Beautiful Attitude" I have experienced and witnessed many blessings in my life and the lives of others. Easter was just a few days ago, and although the day April 8th has came and gone, the everlasting impression it has left behind both now and when the events took place 2000+ years ago remain and continue to shape the lives and eternities of a great many who experience the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

As I read and reread the verses in scripture above, so many things speak to me. But it's not about me, it's about you. Therefore, what do you think of the above words in scripture. The above words in red. The above words spoken by Jesus to a grand crowd that stood before Him? I prayed an amazing prayer before placing my fingers to the keys of my laptop. I asked God to give me the words to write that would change the lives of a great many forever. I asked God now to not allow these words, this series, this journey called A Beautiful Attitude to escape any eyes, and to lead many to share their thoughts, their insights, their experience with God through these words, even words of encouragement for the author. And as I said it to Him, I say it again...It's in Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Beloved, I am so overwhelmed by the love of God. I am so honored that God would choose me to write about such precious words, that were spoken so long ago and are forever ingrained in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of a great many. The words are known as the Beatitudes. The speaker and Author is Jesus the Nazarene. And they are located in the Book of Matthew in the Fifth Chapter verses 1-12. It's been a great honor and privilege to receive from the pages of God's heart, as a deposit into my heart, as God's extended hand of friendship to all of your precious hearts. God bless you all.

Beloved, here are the links to the first 7 parts of "A Beautiful Attitude"

PART 1: Poor In Spirit

PART 2: Your Mourning Will Be Comforted

PART 3: Lay It Down

PART 4: A Satisfied Life Is A Righteous Life

PART 5: Show Mercy

PART 6: A Pure Heart

PART 7: Are You A Peacemaker?

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)

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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.

• 
  

Go ahead and cry

"My heart cries for you, but His love made Him die for you." - F. Lugo

I read today (April 20, 2011) words that said if you are going through a storm in your life, ask God boldly "How are you showing me that you are there and loving me?"

As soon as I took those words in, an overwhelming sensation of hurt came out, and took over me and tears started to swell up. As I built the courage up to ask God that very question, I was scared, but even more overwhelmed by all the things I'm feeling in this storm I'm going through.


The tears pour out now, and I cried out to Jesus, and I said, that "I feel abandoned. I feel alone. I feel unappreciated. I feel misunderstood. I feel unloved, and not loved enough. I feel suffocated, and without any place to rest and recuperate."


I cried out to the Lord, "When I reach out, there is no one to reach back out. When I share, no one shares in return. When I look to spend time with someone, where is that someone? When I need to be loved, it's not the right time. When I need to be heard, the timing is wrong. When I share, I share too much. When I love, it's not reciprocated. When I'm able to spend time, it's never enough time."


I cried out to the Lord, and ask "How are you showing me, that you are there and loving me, as I feel that no one else is there to love me?"


I cried out to the Lord. "I hurt, but the hurt remains. I'm in need of breath but I remain suffocating. I need to be close, but all there is, is distance."

Are you that woman, saying, "I cry out to the Lord?" My dear, in your hurt, in your pain, in your confusion know that it's alright to cry. It's alright to feel as you feel. God sees you. Go to Him. Ask for His comforting. Because He calls out to you through Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

                                                          

Are you that man, afraid of showing your hurt, your pain, your tears all the while you're saying, "I cry out to the Lord?" My friend, know that tears aren't a sign of weakness but a call to God for help, for rest, for His peace. Because He calls out to you through Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

For the many tears throughout this world that have poured out enough to create an ocean of hurt, know that God's love speaks such words of hope to you, and it's an invitation for all who need Him to call out...Cry out to Him, "God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or  pain. All these things are gone forever." (Revelation 21:4) 

I have gone through such horrible pain and hurt in my life. Thinking I was alone. Feeling as if no one understood me. Wondering why I couldn't be loved the way I desired to be loved. Hating myself for the mistakes I've made. The people I hurt. The wrong I've done. Seeing myself as broken and never being able to be fixed. Shaking my head at the thought of ever being forgiven because I did too much bad than good. I grew angry, resentful, filled with depression and only wanting to further isolate myself from everyone...I wanted to die. Why would they care? Who would miss me? Who am I that I can be loved? Do these questions sound familiar? Are these the words you are constantly tortured and ridiculed by? Don't believe the lie. God loves you. He wants you to know that He loves you so much. That He desires for you to know He sees you as His masterpiece. That you are worth it. So much so, He sacrificed what meant most to Him to show you that you mean so much to Him. His very heart! All you need to do is cry out to the Lord Jesus. Invite Him into your heart. Ask Him to forgive you and to make you whole again. He'll do it! He's done it for me and countless others like us. 

I leave you with these words that are comforting and breathe new life into you and your heart themselves...They will save you and in being saved you will know that YOU ARE LOVED. Amen.

"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) 

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21)

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) 

Beloved, I know your pain but I also know God's healing love. Won't you call out to Him now? He's right there waiting. 

My Prayer for you:

Father God, thank you for these words of strength, healing, encouragement that allow the many to know they are loved by You. I lift up everyone's tears of pain, sorrow, regret, fear and hurt. Wipe them away in Your love. Give them a new life through Your grace. I pray today they will call on the name of the Lord Jesus and know what it is to be loved through His loving sacrifice. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

God bless you all. YOU ARE SO LOVED

Emergency Post: The Confrontation In The Room (My Perspective)

Good morning beloved. It's about 1:57a.m. the day prior to my 32nd birthday. I was awoken by a voice telling me to get up, and as I fought to get up thinking my alarm (set for 2:45a.m.) had went off moments ago, I started to sing this song that came to my heart. It's called "Trust in Jesus," by Third Day. Okay, now that the environment is set, I'll start sharing with you why am I writing to you at such an early hour.

Do you know that the Lord is good? He is good all the time. I don't say these words to you as some sort of cliche, but rather I share these words from a soul that has known of the Lord for quite sometime although I refused to get to know Him. The Lord has been putting this on my heart for quite some time now to share with you all. Although the Lord called on me on January 1, 2006 and I responded, He has been nudging my heart from as early as 2003. Here's where The Confrontation In The Room begins. In 2003 I was fired from my then current job with a popular cell phone carrier for overstepping my boundaries (we'll leave it at that) and my sleeping habits were dismal. I would stay up very late walking around my mother's house as others slept angry, bored, and arguing with God. Yup! You can say I spoke to God, but I never allowed Him to get a word in. It was me, me, me all the way. One late night I was in my room and as I laid on my bed peering into the darkness of my life, out of the darkness of my closet came a shadow of a man. I didn't quite look at him, but I knew he wanted something from me. This shadow of a man was the devil. As I stood perched up in my bed not making eye contact but seeing him from the corner of my eye, another Man appeared in the doorway of my room. This Man was brimming with Light but He too, I did not make eye contact with. This Man was Jesus. You can say as both of them stood at two entrances of my life, I was not inclined at that point to give my full attention to either of them. But I began to speak to them...

To the devil, I told him I wasn't going to go with him, and "I don't care what you say." To Jesus, I really didn't say anything to Him, but He stood looking at me and throughout that whole confrontation He never left my presence, until he left my presence. At least he left for a time.

You may be wondering why I didn't put the dialogue down that either of them spoke towards me. This was a confrontation of the nature of my heart compared to the character I portrayed on the outside. On the inside I was hurt and in need of healing. On the outside I was angry and pushed people away. Both equally hid themselves well, but the two of them who appeared to me were reflecting both. The darkness was a facade that would eventually fade away and my true colors would show. The bright Light was always there and unwilling to ever leave.

I thank my Lord for waking me up today to share this with all your precious hearts. As I type these last words to you I am overwhelmed by my Lord's love for me that it has me in tears and I can barely make out the keys I'm typing on.

Beloved, this is my heartfelt advice to you. When you come to that crossroad of your life where darkness and Light are presented to you, even if you don't care to make a decision at that moment, be at peace to allow the confrontation to run its course. You will see that Jesus will speak into your hurt whereas the devil will only try to grab your attention. Ultimately it is He Jesus the Lord who has already won your heart. Amen.

Beloved, I urge you to choose Life though. Here's the verse in scripture the Lord gave to me just now that encapsulates The Confrontation In The Room.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19 emphasis added).




Let us pray: A prayer of Salvation (Make it personal/Make it count)


Lord Jesus, please forgive me for doing things my way. Help me to do things Your way. My soul is in need of saving, and I don't want to live life now or in eternity without you. I have been confronted with darkness, but Your Light is calling out to me. Please fill me with Your Light. Save me, help me, heal me, make me new and show me the way to life and blessing. I choose You as my Savior and Lord.  


Beloved, If you have prayed this prayer, I believe according to the Word of God you are now saved. As it's written, For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).


Congratulations on choosing LIFE! I'd be honored if you would leave a comment if you called on the name of the Lord Jesus. I pray God direct you to the church where you will grow and remain in His Light and blessing. Stay in the Word of God, and keep God first. He'll take you places you never dreamed of. 


As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

What happened 7/3/2009?

"Embraced, redeemed and restored- God's love for us as we reflect in remorse than repent."- F. Lugo

I'll start by asking you this simple and direct question: What happens when you lose something very valuable and then you find it?  You would get excited; celebrate, even want others to rejoice with you because what was once lost is now found.

I was reading the Parable of the Lost Son (see Luke 15:11-32), and started to reflect and revisit what happened on July 3, 2009. It was a day I will remember always. Although it was a day to celebrate, sadly the day was marred with sorrow, displeasure and discontentment of all sorts. Allow me to catch you up on the situations and circumstances that lead to a day of sadness. There was this young man who had decided in his own heart that he would do things himself. Although it was made clear to him what he should have done and shouldn't have done, he still decided to be lead by his emotions instead of leading his own heart. The year is 2007 and this young man decided to get married although all signs pointed to it being the wrong decision but it seemed like the adult thing to do. The wedding was small and very few people gathered around them to witness it. A year and half later through lack of leadership, counsel and humility the young man left his wife, lost the potential blessing of being a parent, and destroyed his marriage where trust, love and unity was no more.

I'm sure you can picture in your mind why July 3, 2009 was a saddening day for this fellow. Well he is now 29 years of age, living with family as he returned back to his family's home a broken shell of a man, with low self-esteem, anger, disgust, sorrow and disbelief in himself. Now it happened when everyone was asleep, and this young man was laying down crying himself into dehydration as he had no peace to rest, something started to change direction deep within him. He sat up at the edge of his bed and cried, and cried, and cried. He was so tired of messing up everything. He knew that his mistakes would take a long time to correct, yet he didn't have the strength to accomplish it. This young man looking into the absolute darkness and silence of his room, heard a voice deep within himself say, 'What you cannot see and cannot hear, is the darkness of your heart and the silence of love that was once in you.' This young man in tears cried out and said, "God, I can't do this anymore. I'm so sorry for what I have done. I need you. Please help me." What was presented to him would forever change his life. This same voice deep within him said, "I come with a gift. A gift no one will ever take away. As you lay your head down and it rises in the morning, all will be different. You will now hear and see."


As the young man rested in peace and arose the next day, he thought about what had happened to him the previous night. With a new sense of hope he found himself desiring to read the bible. The young man being as he is, found a bible application on his phone and started to read, and read and read. He couldn't get enough of the life changing words in the Bible. He was fascinated by the encouragement, the counsel, the direction the words seemed to speak into his heart, his mind, his everything. It was as if the words he read were life themselves. They were refreshing, inspiring, and also warned him of things he actually did and things he was afraid of and never wanted to do. The young man felt so very loved from the words he read. The more he read them, the more he heard that same voice from that troubling and faithful night. In actuality the young man was thoroughly convinced that Jesus had truly spoken to him and His presence was literally in the room with him on that night and he was amazed how God cared so much about him that He would intervene in his ruined life. The young man was smitten with the Word of God. He read it constantly. Carried it in his phone always, and felt this great urge to write about it and what it has done for him and what it could do for others. As the young man looked back on the night of July 3, 2009 he realized that it wasn't a sad day after all, but the beginning of a new life. One where he would never be alone, but God who came to him on that night would remain with him always and forever.

What an amazing story. I told you it was a day I would never forget. You may be asking yourself why? Because that young man is me. Praise the Lord!

As I mentioned in the beginning of this story, when something is lost and now found you rejoice! As it is written in the very inspiring, forgiving, loving, counseling, correcting, directing, saving, life changing, immutable and infallible Word of God, Jesus speaks "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)


I leave you with this, we all make mistakes, but the biggest mistake you could EVER make, is not crying out to the Lord, to save you. As the Word of God declares to all people of all the world, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Beloved, repent of your mistakes and cry out to the Lord. YOU WILL BE SAVED! Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Love & Respect: The staple of wealth

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10 NIV)

This morning as I prayed, read, prayed some more, and read some more of God's Word, I came to a road block in my thoughts. The road block came in the form of the verse in scripture above that I and so many others stumble all over in our daily lives, weekly agendas, bi-weekly decisions and monthly outcome. What am I getting at? Money. Money, is what makes a person's heart beat faster and eyes gleam more. Money, can make it all go away, or bring on some horrific pain. 

Today, I will share with you some of my money experiences. I will be open and honest with how terrible I have been with money, and some wonderful things I have been a part of through respecting money. 

From as far as I can remember money and I have not gotten along well. Money would come into my hand one moment to leave quickly the next. Sounds familiar? I have misspent money on everything from candy to cars with a lack of responsibility and wisdom. I have bought in great abundance what wasn't greatly needed. I have spent frivolously on so many things, that eventually I grew numb to the things I bought. It wasn't about the material things I had acquired, but simply the act of buying things. You'll get a kick out of this. I actually spent about $200 on an outfit just to go out on a date with a girl. That is NUTS! What was the result of that lack of love and respect? I barely had any money for the date, and afterwards I was broke until I got paid again, which was a painful 2 weeks. Although money and I seemingly have been enemies it's not on the account of money but my general lack of love and respect. 

I have experienced great things with money. I have given cheerfully to my church (Potential Church), and ministries that spoke life into me, and in that I have exemplified the joy of obedience. God's Word says two important aspects of living a loving and respectful life in such areas, Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) and again here, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” “The worker deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18). I love how the writer of 1 Timothy brings across the picture words with ox and worker. Both are used to describe those who speak, teach, and live the Word of God out. That being Pastors, teaches of the Word of God alike. But, I desire to continue giving freely and cheerfully. Why!? It's because I desire a life completely consumed with joy. 

I'm sure you're wondering why I wrote 'lack of love and respect.' I wrote this intentionally to get your attention, that is, if you're paying attention. If I had love for God I wouldn't have disrespected the money He gave me. He gave you, you ask!? Yes. God is the giver of wealth. This is what His Word says on the subject, 'But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth..' (Deuteronomy 8:18). Of course you're thinking this right now, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” (Deuteronomy 8:17). If that is your thinking as it was my thinking before you would be wrong! Now, I understand how hard it is to just "giveaway," your hard earned money, but it wasn't yours in the first place. Now how's that!? You ask. Well, let us revisit what the Creator God says about wealth once again, ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. (Haggai 2:8). So, what can be gathered alone from the words in this paragraph? Not only does God own all the wealth on this land, but also gives the ability to produce it. 

We can start out with something very necessary for our ability to produce wealth...oxygen. We don't produce oxygen, but we certainly use up as much as we possibly can every second we get! You may be asking, now what does money have to do with oxygen and me breathing!? Well, once again, God gave you the ability to produce wealth as it states above, and breathing is production, and oxygen is a wealth to our lively hood, but I won't try to prove my point but let the Word of God stand alone in truth, as is written, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. ⁶ And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” ⁷So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. ⁸ God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. ⁹ And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. ¹⁰ God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. ¹¹ Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. ¹² The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. (Genesis 1: 1-13).

You know what I find amazing which God made clear to me this very moment!? In the first 3 days of creation, God created almost all the wealth for the entire earth (and I say almost all of it, as I didn't include the animals He created but it's all there and you can read the truth in Genesis for yourselves), and the staple for our ability to produce wealth starts with our very lives, and without oxygen in which is created by the sun, water and vegetation working together in perfect harmony we would cease to live. And it just so happens that God created all those things in order for oxygen to be possible. That is absolutely amazing! Praise God!

Now you may wonder what does all this have to do with me!? I wondered that myself. This all came about as I was praying and truly crying out to God to guide my steps, my thoughts and my actions then my pursuits in life aren't aimless. Why? Because, I desire to have the great wealth God speaks of in Malachi 3:10, in order that I simply can have a beautiful relationship with God in which there's an exchange of Love & Respect between the Creator of Wealth and the one receiving the wealth that I may be able to give this wealth to many others as well as provide for my family. Amen.

I don't know about you, but it's my heart's desire that all of us will stand before God, and His response to the lives we lived and what we accomplished with the wealth He gave us; being our bodies, our minds, our hearts, and every other portion of His wealth be, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:21).

Amen. God, thank you for the honor to share Your Word with many, knowing it will never return void, as Your Word speaks such an encouragement to me in that You say, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). Amen!

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Love Week (Part 5): Revisit

I decided for part 5 of Love Week, that I'd revisit where I was when I first came to Christ. How I felt. What I struggled with. Where my mind and heart were, and the reason for this walk down memory lane is to illustrate that revisiting our past leads to our remembering of God's blessings of old, present and promise for the future. I will not include any scripture. I will not add anything new other than this opening description of what you will begin reading. The words you are about to read are from a page out of my heart. It's a transparent man wanting you to know who he is. God bless you all.


Wednesday, April 05, 2006

 Broken sidewalk
Current mood:  contemplative
Category: Writing and Poetry


This is something that I shall have to dive back into my past for, as  
it was something I wanted to write, yet never got a chance to. Bare  
with me as I take you into a dark era of my life, to eventually find  
my way to the light.

My life, my everything is a broken sidewalk, but why? I sense  
something there, but what? It lingers on me, like a bad rash, but how  
come? I look around me with eyes ablaze, wanting to create entire fits  
of anarchy, but who will stop me? I know what  this sensation is, but  
shall I invite it in? He calls to me, and says to me, "Your father has  
forgotten about you, but you will not submit to me. Why are you  
fighting it, I am a friend, not an enemy? You can trust in my word, I  
will not fail you. All I want from you is your word." "No you don't,  
you want more, you want my everything, my most prized possession, and  
you can't have it. I am my own keeper, i say what goes on inside me,  
not you, or HIM."

Wait, just a minute there, do you hear that? I hear nothing! It is  
coming to me, but very faint, almost like a wisper, "My son, I have  
not left you alone, I only ask that you show me, that you are worthy  
of my gifts, and LOVE. No need to worry, about this new found friend  
of yours, I shall forgive you, but you must forgive, yourself.

Whatever, this trife life of mine, is too much to bare, I need to  
breathe, not feel suffocated.You can do something about it, but you  
always want someone to do this, and do that. I am through trying to  
prove myself to you. I am, who I am. You must LOVE me, for me. "But I  
do my son. You have so much potential in you, and you are destined for  
GREATNESS, you need only believe in me, and in yourself, and this  
"trife life" of yours, shall be no more."

"Man, get out of here with that nonsense, don't you see that he wants  
it now, he wants more than you can give him. You say you will forgive  
him, but I see nothing wrong in what he has done, or who he has grown  
up to be. A matter of fact, I am proud of you. You are tough, strong,  
and you could careless what people think of you. Not to mention all  
those women, man, the women...You are alright with me, man."

Dawg, I do not need none of you, I will do what I please, when I  
please, and I will get what I want, because I think fast, talk fast,  
and act fast. No one is on my level, and I have no doubt, that I will  
reign supreme over all, without the likes of you two side acts. Get  
out of my face.

Alright, if you want it like that, but I'll be seeing you, whatever  
dude.

My son, SAVE IT!!!!!



Well, my life went on, and it got good, and seemed as if I was  
conquering what I set out to do, but wait...The S@*!, hit the fan. I  
started to get fired from jobs, or quitting left, and right. Women,  
weren't paying any attention to me, my pockets were always empty, and  
my weight was doubling...What is going on here. How come this is  
happening to me, what have I done to deserve this? This is not fair.  
Why me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DARKNESS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before I knew it 5 years had past, and I saw my life flash before my  
eyes, and it wasn't pretty.

~~~~THE LIGHT/THE VOICE/THE LOVE~~~~

A new year is on its way, and I find myself a quarter of the way into  
my life as it were. The faint whisper is ever so increasing, but I can  
sense the darkness hanging just over my shoulder constantly tugging at  
me. I find myself speaking out to him, "I know I have cursed your  
name, gone against your wishes, your better judgement, but I am here  
now to say that I am through fighting, rebelling. I submit to you, I  
give up, I give up, I give up."

My son, it is not for you to say you give up, and give in. You must  
feel it with all that you are, you must submit to me as I shall take  
you by the hand, and guide you to a world, a life so great, it shall  
overwhelm all of your wildest fantasies. I am the truth, and I shall  
love you for who you are. I made you from my image, you are a most  
perfect being. Can't you see that?

Not really, but I want to, I truly do. I ask you, can you forgive my  
every mistake? YES! Can you forgive my harsh behavior onto women? YES!  
How can you love me, after all I have done, seen, said, and thought  
of? My son, you need not worry yourself as I am all that there is on  
earth, and beyond. I am the creator of man, and my way is the right  
way, the only way to complete salvation from your past, you fears,  
your hatred, your mistakes. But, I say this now, you must submit to  
me, follow in the path that has been set for you. You must love for  
the sake of loving, you must obey for the sake of obeying. You are my  
son, and a witness to life you shall be, as I grant you life as my  
gift to you. Use your life, your experiences good, and bad to further  
yourself in life, to further yourself through fellowship, through  
prayer, you are man, you are my greatest achievement.

BUT, I WARN YOU NOT TO BETRAY MY LOVE, MY KINDNESS, MY FORGIVENESS,  
FOR WEAKNESS!!!

"Please forgive my cries my GOD, my LORD, my EVERYTHING, as your love  
is overwhelming. I was in the dark, and now you have shown me the  
light. You showed me my devilish ways, and the outcome of my choices.  
I shall follow you for all of my days Lord, I am your son, your image,  
your everything."

I no longer look to him, for a glimpse into a better life, as he is  
all about temptation, suggestion, betrayal, hate, sin, unforgiveness.  
I am your open vessel Lord, and I am open to your love, your  
teachings, and guidance. Show me the way, as I am that eager child  
wanting more from you.

From here on end, I shall speak of you in my life, carry you in my  
heart, and be blessed as you bless me. I shall love man, respect man,  
teach man, as I am the rebirth of a triumphant King that you have made  
me out to be.

"You are of me son, and I of you. Take me into your heart, and spirit,  
and make me your salvation. I shall guide you through the tough times,  
your fears, your insecurities, and not judge you for your weaknesses,  
but I shall judge you, and reprimand you as I am your father, and you  
shall not get out of line."

Thank you father, thank you. I have been lost for so long. I have  
hated man, hated against the ones that loved me. I have alienated my  
friends. I have sought justice for the betrayals done onto me. I have  
poisoned, and intoxicated my body. I have submitted to sexual sin, and  
the desires, and temptations of the flesh. I was the embodiment of sin  
Lord, but no more. You have shown me the ways of the foolish, and I am  
ready to do your bidding, and to live the life, and walk the path you  
have set before me.

"My son, now the test shall begin, as you shall live as I see fit. I  
shall release you into the world you have come to know, and see if you  
are ready, if you can resists the temptations the world has to offer."

I thank you father. In your name Lord, I shall praise you all of my  
days. I shall be of sound mind, and body, to no longer live a life of  
sin. I know you shall bless me, and surround me with your favor. I  
look forward to my new life, and eagerly await your direction.

~~~~~~~~HE CREEPS AGAIN~~~~~~~~

As I walk down my new path, I see the world different, but it has not  
changed. The sins of man are all over the place. Everywhere I look, I  
see the sins of man, yet I do not fear any temptations overcoming me.  
I am strong in my faith, and my devotion cannot be shaken, nor will it.

There is someone there, and I know what you want. You have no insight  
to my life any longer. "Come on, man"..........................Lord,  
shield me with your strength..........."But I thought you wanted the  
riches, the women, the fame, the fortune"........................ 
(Lord, I pray to you the prayer I know)

THE LORDS PRAYER:

Our father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on Earth,
As it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our tresspasses,
As we forgive those that tresspass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory, forever, and ever.
AMEN.

Please rid me of his grip Lord.


This broken sidewalk I call life, is no match  for my heavenly father,  
and as I see, and hear THIS ENEMY, call out to my name......I say, NO!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

5 Basic food groups...kind of

5 is all you need

As I was driving and having quiet time from the craziness of this world, I found myself coming to the realization of Five things I'm sure of.

•God Exists
•God is Love
•God is my Father
•I'm a child of God
•I'll be in heaven with my Father someday

These Five certainties despite what people may say, and what contradictions the world shows, will always keep me living a well balance life.

God bless you all.


Signature from Flavio's iPhone:

A sinner's prayer for Salvation

Jesus. Please forgive me. I'm so sorry. I feel terrible. I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. Come into my life. Save me. Change me. Transform me. Promote me. Wash me clean. I choose you as my Savior and Lord.

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)