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. 

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?

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.

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

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.