Let it SHINE!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Jesus the Light of the world came to shine in the darkness. Of course many were saved but there were those who remained in their darkness (ignorance, guilt, misery etc.) as we did at one time before Jesus shined upon us. They did not comprehend the light, in other words they did not have the ability of accept it. I believe this is a gift of God for those He chose as vessels of honor.

It reminds me of the story of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9) Oh did the light shine on him. Although, he was blinded instantly which was his mission to do to all who called on the name of Jesus he understood who the light was and not only understood but asked for instructions on what he should do and obeyed, was given new vision (spiritually speaking) was baptized and began preaching Christ the True Christ.

There are many like Paul who will accept Jesus but for them to comprehend they may need to go through some STUFF! Jesus told Ananias that Saul (Paul) was a chosen vessel and would be used by God. (Acts 9:15) Once God has selected you for His kingdom believe it or not you will make it in even if he needs to make you land on your butt!

Unfortunately, we need to put up with some stuff as well when we share this Gospel of Power. We have understood the power of the Gospel but it does not mean everyone will and/or that everyone will be as simple or as hard to accept it. The good thing is that we are not in charge of convincing them. We are charged by God to preach the Gospel and allow God to bring them to a convicted state in which all they can do is fall to Gods feet in surrender.

Jesus came to shine His light and those who accepted Him were those whom He spent time teaching His words too. In Matthew 7:6 Jesus tells his disciples; “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Here Jesus is not saying do not preach the Gospel rather He explains to them to not go in depth in giving those who do not accept the light the precious doctrines of the Gospel. If they have not accepted the gospel they will more than likely reject its preciousness doctrines. They may trample them and turn and attack you.

I have experienced it before, while trying to explain creation and its creator. You will find yourself going in circles, the same circles and at times it may appear you are doing a good thing and chances are someone may see the light through apologetic’s. However, our commission is to preach the gospel. Someone who does not accept the truth is not likely to accept the fact that they are sinners and need a savior. They need the gospel! They need to know that they are sinners and that the only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ. The only way we can see Christ as Savior is when we see ourselves as sinners in need of a savior.

So, press on sharing this gospel. Do not feel ashamed, dismayed or humiliated. For God will not be ashamed of us on the day we are called up to His presence. (Luke 9:26)

Let your light Shine, Let it SHINE on the mountain top!

Better known as the betrayer

Power does not corrupt man! Reality is that man’s evil heart will make him corrupt the power which was privileged him/her!

“Judas was probably a young, zealous, patriotic Jew who did not want Romans to rule and who hoped Christ would overthrow the foreign oppressors and restore the kingdom of Israel. He obviously could see that Jesus had powers like no other man. There was plenty of reason for a man like Judas to be attracted to that.

It was equally obvious; however, that Judas was not attracted to Christ on a spiritual level…. He was not interested in the kingdom for salvation’s sake or for Christ’s sake. He was interested only in what he could get out of it.” John MacArthur

Judas had an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives through the ministry which was given to him by Jesus. He managed the funds “the treasurer”. The privilege or power in this case that he had would have allowed him to as much if not more than any of the other disciples. Why not? He was as equally unequipped as they were according to the scholars of that time! Christ chose fishermen, tax collectors and afterward chose the persecutor of Christians, Saul (Paul). However, in this case we’ll take a look a Judas Iscariot. Judas in ancient Greek means “God is praised” The meaning of Iscariot however has not been determined yet but here are a few of the different meaning which it could mean.

1. “Man of Kerioth with is a city in Moab which was known for its Polytheism which is the worship or belief in multiple Deities”

2. “Sicarii; these were a cadre of assassins among Jewish rebels intent on driving the Romans out of Judea.”

3. “the liar or the false one” this was suggested by Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg perhaps from the Hebrew .

4. “to deliver; from Aramaic roots.

5. “Iskarioutha which means “chokiness” or “constriction”

WOW!

So let’s say that any above mentioned definition would do to identify Judas. How about we say that they all identify him extremely well? I mean clearly we could say that couldn’t we? He obviously loved mammon over the Almighty God, he was also known to be a rebel looking to plot against the Romans using Jesus as a means for his own agenda, he was definitely a liar or a false disciple, deceiving his brother and everyone around him that he truly followed Jesus, we all know he was the one who delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers and lastly we all know he hung himself to death. Was it prophetically declaring that he was the one to betray Jesus? Did not Jesus as well say the one who dips his bread…? Now the contrast I see is that his name Judas in Hebrew יהודה, Yehûdâh means “God is praised” and wow what a contrast! It just goes to show that God gets HIS glory no matter what!

But hold on let’s not get angry at him just yet. Do we not at times stand for one of these meanings if not all? And do we hate ourselves or the sin we commit in behaving as Judas did? Do we even see ourselves as people who sin or are our own agendas blinding us to the evil in our hearts? I know you are probably like, the nerve of this guy! Well yes the nerve of us all! If we fail to see ourselves as sinners we fail to see Jesus Christ as savior! That was Judas’ mistake. He knew Jesus to be able to do anything according to what he had witnessed but failed to see him as his own personal savior. Mainly because he had not repent from his sins even haven been given opportunity to do so he did not.

So today before you go off jumping down someone’s throat because of something you seen in them check yourself to see if you need to get fixed yourself, repent, allow the Holy Spirit to help you change your heart and bring it to their attention in love lest you end up hanging yourself in the attempt to create a revolution in which you yourself are a perpetrator of, Iscariot!

Grace and Peace to you, beloved!

Rejoice, Rejoice

“for whenever our heart condemns us, GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR HEARTS, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20

He has freed us from all guilt and shame. Even when our hearts are deceitful.

God commanded the people of Israel to tie the law to their forehead and arm along with writing them on their door posts and gates. This way it was all around them. If they ever needed to be reminded they would see the writings and remember what the Lord had commanded them. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

What an awesome God we serve!

Our hearts will fail us, Our strength may wither, Our sight may stray away, Our entrance and exit through the gates and door posts may not always be the ones we go through for a nights rest. So when one fails us there are other means for us to remind ourselves who we serve, who we love and who is OUR GOD!

Allow the Holy Spirit to use the guilt to move you toward repentance. Shame to lead you toward humbleness. Sadness to direct you toward a fullness of joy in the Lord!

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 43:5

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” Phil 4:4

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your time with family and friends and be safe.

And remember to; “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes 5:18

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper

It’s a shame thing baby

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Sometimes we become shy in sharing our faith and it is common and expected as our pride is at risk of being poked. In reality that is what it boils down to. Who wants to be rejected? I mean everyone from Adam to The 12, to you and me have dealt with it. Eventually, we get over it! We realize the preciousness of such a gift we have received but it usually comes after a dying to oneself. Once that occurs we want to share the gospel with everyone. We see how it goes from Faith to Faith as it is written; Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:17-18

My prayer is that we be willing even if unto death to represent God’s Kingdom as those unashamed! That the POWER of this Gospel would impact so many and that God would be glorified through our courage knowing that Salvation comes from the Lord and not from us or the example of our lives. We cannot take God’s glory! However, our testimony will allow others to use our lives as excuses to keep away from God. So Rep HIM well and let Him do the Saving!

Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. Psalm 68:19

Shame is not something that should dwell in believers. Throughout the word of God we read how it is used by the Victor against the defeated. Brothers and Sisters we are NOT defeated! Our Victory has already been won! Christ is Risen and is at the right hand of the Father ready to come and pick us up.

The POWER of this blessed Gospel has made us RIGHTEOUS through believing in JESUS CHRIST! WE are being transformed! No longer who we where though not yet who we will be but by FAITH we are able to heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ!

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors,not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry,“Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:12-17

This is GOOD NEWS! This is POWER!

Enjoy Grace

Grace produces in us what the Law required of us.

If you find yourself trying to live up to what God commanded with your own strength, chances are you’ve misplaced the Grace provided by Christ’s sacrifice. There are a bunch of people acting out good deeds in order to show they are “good people”.

The Holy Spirit on the other hand works in us in order that we may show fruit of the transformation He is performing in us. So it is not a living up to or working for but a working out of our salvation! There is nothing we can do to earn salvation as it is graciously given to the “Whosoever’s” which believe in Jesus Christ!

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil 2:12-13

Deut 30 Speaks to the new generation which will cross the Jordan to inherit Canaan. In verse 15 God says to them “See, I am setting before you today life and prosperity and death and disaster; what I am commanding you today is to love Yahweh your God by going in his ways and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his regulations, and then you will live, and you will become numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the land where you are going…”

Grace however does not make such demands in order to be saved and enjoy that place which Christ has prepared for us but shows such demands as evidence of a life surrendered. The same is expected, however now as fruits which the Spirit of God produces in a believer. Today our faith in Jesus Christ is what our salvation depends on and not a living up to any laws. I will say it again, they now become indicators if you will and demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit in us. That we were once dead in our trespasses and offenses but now through Jesus Christ have been made righteous and Justified. No longer expected to live up to the law but to produce good fruits, a working out of our faith. Phil 2:12,13.

There is a great difference in working for and working out! Working for means we need to prove that we are worthy of receiving something while working out means we are showing proof of what we have already received by grace and though both may look alike the proof of which you are acting out is shown in the fruit produced by the action.

Law says you must while Grace says you can! Phil 4:13 I can do all things d through him who strengthens me.

Enjoy Grace!

Do not lose heart!

Sin has played a huge part in the decay of mankind. Since Adam and becoming even more visible since the time of Noah and the well known story of the arc, man has surely been faced with a shorter life span and decreasing as you read on. Of course it is due to many different activities, addictions, bad habits etc which ultimately comes down to the sin of man. We have usurped the place which belongs to God in our lives. It would be awesome if we could live longer and healthier lives by keeping ourselves set apart (holy) for our God but it does not work that way. Although we are to live as those set apart it does not guarantee us a longer and/or healthier life.  Not in this world at least but definitely in the next to come. Alleluia!

That being said I would like to remind you of what Paul wrote to some of the churches in different cities:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18     

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:17-24

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thes 5:23-24

Our HOPE reaches far beyond anything we could ever imagine or hope for. We have been set up for eternity. There is absolutely NOTHING that can separate us from the Love of our GOD! WE ARE HIS, HE IS OURS! 

Earthquake Relief for Guatemala

Hi Friend,

Chances are you may have not heard much about what is going on in Guatemala, Central America as it may have not gotten much coverage here in the states. But on November 7th 2012 a 7.2 earthquake hit Guatemala causing several deaths and leaving many people homeless.

In 2002-2004 I lived in San Pedro, San Marcos Guatemala for two years and fell in love with my people there. Today I remain in contact with many of them and in an effort to assist them while they are helping physically and emotionally in Central America I am reaching out to you to help me help them. They are a group of friends called “Amigos Unidos Para Ustedes” which in English is “Friends United for You” I am attaching some pictures of what has happened in this town and some of the effort they are putting into the community. If you would like to reach out directly you may do so with the tel# provided in the picture or if you are interested and would like to go through pay pal please feel free to contact me on twitter @one11twelve

Any donation would be greatly appreciated. One U.S. dollar is equals approximately 7.75 Quetzales. So anything goes a long way. It will be used to provide food, clothing, blankets, etc. Currently there are tents up and as you can see in the pictures mattresses are placed on the floor and everyone sleeps together. These are not the best conditions but they are working with what is available. As you will also see that many homes and buildings have been destroyed.

There are entire communities who have not yet received aide and the only helping hands are those of individuals like my friends who from what they have are sharing. There are approximately 1700 people in this community who have not received aide. Though some communities have received aide there are still many who have not. My good friends Hady and Andy are reaching out to many of the shelters set up with tents and some in buildings which can be used to accommodate some people. They need all the support they can receive.

Here is a link to Facebook if you would like to see a bit more of what is going on. http://www.facebook.com/events/446755445360806/

If you find it in your heart to help please do so. Our prayer is that God would multiply what you provide and that He would take your help as unto Himself.

This picture was taken just few minutes ago. Currently it is 41 degrees in the mountains of San Marcos, Guatemala.

So my friend Andy communicated that there was another earthquake today and it was a 5.4

Here are some new pics.

These are my friends Andy and Hady who are the organizers of this effort to aide the communities affected by the earthquakes. They are a group of 15 people who are getting together clothing, food and shelter along with others who are helping and donating anything possible to keep those affected warm, kids entertained and a smile on peoples faces even in these times of disorder.

If you have not read it, today there was yet another quake registered at 5.4 the weather during the day is nothing compared to what it drops to at night. Last night it dropped to 37 degrees.

This picture just broke my heart.

Please get in touch with me @one11twelve or @el_checal on twitter if you are interested in helping out with donations? Thank you and God Bless you!

Some Buts of God!

Some {BUTS} of God!

As Christians, followers of Christ we are not guaranteed a life without suffering. We are guaranteed comfort, joy, peace etc. through the suffering we will endure in this world.

Looking back at Sandy’s effects in and around my area I asked a question and it was a simple question. Where are those who say we don’t need to be suffering if we have a Great God? Speak to it and it is done! Wishful thinking I say! Because we were hit and hard. The reality of it is that God does and allows whatever and whenever He pleases. We have no authority over His word. Unless He chooses to use us for His Glory. He is SOVEREIGN! We are subject to His will and that goes for ALL, whether they be believers or not.

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16

Clearly there is nothing in and of us able to do anything! All is given to us by God and ALL is for HIS GLORY. Our faith, our passion, our zeal etc. are given to us by Him so even they are subject to His will. The thing is that we have been taught otherwise when scripture clearly states that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above…” James 1:17 AMEN! We attempt to take to much credit in stead of responsibility.

Now here come some {BUTS} of God! What these {BUTS} produce is a fullness of Joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

{BUT} we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are pressed on every side by troubles, {BUT} we are not crushed. We are perplexed, {BUT} not driven to despair. Persecuted, {BUT} not forsaken; struck down, {BUT} not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We abound with promises made by God. At times some may be a little more difficult to hold on to while we are going through it! None the less we have promises!

Usually, when we are going through situations the last things that cross our minds are those things that are able to get us out of or better yet help us through those difficult times. Mostly it is because we do not recur to them as often as we should. Same goes with the word of God, if we do not keep it in our hearts on a daily basis chances are that in time of trouble we will not remember what HE has already said about that situation we may be going through.

Take this verse for example: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. {BUT} take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 He has already won the VICTORY! The Anthem by PlanetShakers http://youtu.be/gv3E6G-Ua4k

Or this one: “{BUT} rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13 Awesome! If you cannot get excited about this I don’t know what to tell you.

Especially these: “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in His resurrection. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.” Romans 6:5, 8

Oh, we have promises, we have word, we have the HOLY SPIRIT who is our comforter. Let’s learn to allow Him to be in control so that today we can partake of this Joy even in suffering and look forward to the awesome privilege of spending eternity with our AWESOME GOD!

Some yets of God

The Contrast of a Godly Life and an Ungodly Life can be determined by some yets of God. “sorrowful, {YET} always rejoicing; …poor, {YET} making many rich; … having nothing, {YET} possessing everything.” 2 Cor 6:10

It isn’t the norm at many churches today to teach that we will suffer but truth is, without suffering we aren’t able to enter into His Kingdom! Acts 14:22

If we live by the word we need to live it in its entirety. Lest we call God a Liar? In which case we shouldn’t expect to enter into His Kingdom.

Now this isn’t to say that we as Christians will endure suffering at all times but if or better said when we do, then we are expected to do so with Joy along with all the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. After all we do have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling inside of us or do we? Unless we like the disciples at Ephesus answer “No” when they answered Paul’s question in Acts 19:2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They had not even heard of it.

Today I encourage you as Paul did to Timothy; “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace,..”
2 Tim 1

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5 (an intro to “some {BUTS} of God”)

WE HAVE A GREAT HOPE!