Quiebra Las Cadenas

Usted puede imaginarse viviendo en cadenas toda su vida? Te gustaría? La respuesta obviamente es no, mas, muchas personas que están en el mundo están viviendo con cadenas. El problema es que ellos no se han dado cuenta. Aquí is la manera hermosa y feliz que el diablo presenta estas cadenas:

"Tomando una cerveza o dos con tus amigos. Pasándolo bien."

"Estando con el hombre de tus suenos. El te trate bien y te hace sentir muy especial".

"Para que conformase con una si puedes tener dos?"

"Yo te prometo, esto va ser que todas tus preocupaciones se vallan. Para que son la mejores amigas?"

"No te preocupes solo borre la historia después de que termines, nadie se va dar cuenta donde estabas".

Todo estas cosas divertidas y maravillosas son las cadenas que usted a traído puestos. Quiere saber porque usted no se ha dado cuenta que son cadenas? Porque usted no ha tratado de separarse de estas cosas. En el momento que la persona decide que ya no quiere esta vida, el diablo muestra su verdadera cara. Y el empieza a presentar estas cosas mas, para que nunca pares. Si quieres ser libre, tienes que quebrar estas cadenas. 

Los saco de la oscuridad y de la profunda

penumbra; les rompió las cadenas. 

                                                Salmos 107.14

Break the Chains

  Could you imagine yourself living in chains your whole life? Would you like to? The answer is obviously no, yet, most people who are out in the world are living in chains. The problem is they don't realize it. This is the beautiful and happy way the devil presents these chains:

"Having a beer or two with your friends. Having a good time."

"Being with the man of your dreams. He treats you right and makes you feel special."

"Why settle for one when you can have two?"

"I promise, this will make all your worries go away. What are best friends for?"

"Just clear the history when your done, no one will find out where you've been."

All of these fun, happy, and wonderful things are the chains you've been wearing. You want to know why you haven't realized their chains? Because you haven't tried breaking away from these things. The minute you decide you don't want this life anymore. The devil shows his true face and will present these things even more, so you will never stop. If you want to be free, break the chains. 

He brought them out of darkness and the

deepest gloom and broke away their chains. 

                                                Psalm 107.14

CONSEJO PARA LOS PADRES: PARTE 1

Sera que en alguna ocasión usted ya escucho la frase, "las paredes tienen oídos"? En realidad si tienen. Uno de los mayores errores que los padres cometen es tener discusiones o pleitos cuando sus hijos están en casa. Algunos padres hasta tienen sus discusiones en voz baja pensando que sus hijos no esta escuchando, mas, si están. Hace unos meses, yo estaba platicando con una nina de aproximadamente 5 anos. Cuando nosotras estábamos comiendo juntas con su mama, en cuando la mama se fue de la mesa para hacer una llamada, la nina aprovecho para hablar conmigo. Me dijo, "Claudia, necesito decirte algo, pero por favor no le digas a mi mama". En ese momento la levente y la puse cercas de mi y le pregunte que estaba pasando. Y ello bajo su rostro y me dijo, "Claudia, tengo muchos problemas. Ayer, escuche mis padres peleando y yo estaba escuchando-los y ellos dijeron que se iban a separar".

Imaginase como esta nina se estaba sintiendo? Lo peor de todo es que sus padres no se daban ni cuenta de lo que ella sabia. Cuando una pareja esta teniendo problemas o diferencias, es siempre preferible platicar, cuando los ninos no están en casa. Y si por a caso están, entonces, en un lugar donde pueden platicar con privacidad. Porque si los padres no vigilen, ellos pueden lastimar o preocupar el nino emocionalmente o hasta puede causar un comportamiento diferente en sus hijos. Recuerden, la mente de un nino es como una esponja. Todo lo que ellos miran y escuchan, lo absorben, entonces sean vigilantes.

Oid, hijos, la enseñanza de un padre,
Y estad atentos, para que conozcáis cordura.
                        Proverbios 4.1


Consejo #1: Sea Discreto

ADVICE FOR THE TROUBLED PARENT: PART 1

    Have you ever heard that phrase "the walls have ears"? In reality they do. One of the biggest mistakes parents make is having discussions or arguments when their children are home. Some parents even try to argue in a lower tone thinking their kids aren't listening, when in reality, they are. A few months ago, I was talking to a little girl that is about five years old. We were having lunch together with her mom, and when her mom left the table to make a phone call, the little girl took advantage to talk to me. She said, "Claudia, I need to tell you something, but please don't tell my mom". I picked her up and put her on my lap and asked her what was wrong. She then put her down and told me, "Claudia, I have a lot of problems. Yesterday, I heard my parents fighting and I was listening to them and they said they were going to seperate".

Imagine how this child was feeling? And the worst part, was that her parents did not have a clue that she knew what was going on. When a couple is having problems or differences, it is always best to talk preferrably, when the kids are not home, or if they are home, to find a place where they can talk privately. Because if the parent(s) is not careful, they can hurt their child emotionally or even cause their son/daughter to behave differently because of what they are being exposed to. Remember, the mind of a child is like a sponge. Everything they see and hear they absorb, so be vigilant.

Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding
                                                      Proverbs 4.1

Tip #1: Be Discreet

How is your Relationship?

          When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.” So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.

                           1 Chronicles 14.8-11

   One of the things that David is well known for is being brave. This morning I was asking myself, how does he do it? In this story, when he found out his enemies were coming against him, he didn't hide. The bible says he went out to go meet them. Running away, hiding, being afraid was not an option. He talked to God and asked Him what he should do and God gave his enemies into his hands.

Many times when we go through situations, or hear bad news the first thing that happens is that we have a battlefield ignite in our mind. We begin to worry. We get scared. We stress out trying to figure out how we will manage the problem. But why? Why is our reaction completely differen't from David's, if we seek the same God?

There is one difference. David maintained his communion with God. Whether there was a problem, or if everything was ok, David was always in communion with God. In every decision he would make, he would consult it with God. So when times of tribulation would come, he did not have to worry because he knew that God was with him.

When a person does not have communion with God, the following happens. A situation comes and the person becomes worried and forgets that God is bigger than that problem. The person forgets that He has the solution. Then we get stressed out or frustrated or sad because we start to find ways to try to resolve the situation with our own strength. In other words, we forget Who is with us.

It is the same thing in a relationship. When we don't maintain our communion/communication with our partner, when we talk to them only when we remember they exist, what happens? When a struggle comes up in the relationship: thoughts start to come to their head; they start thinking their partner does not love them; they think their partner is probably cheating on them, etc. In other words, their is no longer trust. When we don't maintain that communication, we open the doors to doubt. And as you know, once doubt enters your heart then comes the anxiety, worries, fears, and ultimately, destruction. 

When we maintain our communion with God, when situations come (which they will), the first thought on our mind is, "God is with me", "God what should I do?", "How can I overcome this situation?" When a person does this, they don't give space for the devil to put fears, doubts, anxiety, nothing. Why? Because the person is aware of Who is with them. 

How about you? How is your communion with God? Has it been a steady marriage or an on-and-off relationship? 

The Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
         Matthew 13.44




I was meditating on a message of Bishop Macedo and he was talking about this passage. He explained that this hidden treasure is not gold or silver. It is  something that is hidden inside of you and I. This hidden treasure is our faith. Meanwhile, a person does not discover and use the faith that lies within them, this treasure remains hidden. Why is it that we hear about people in the church that conquered great things? Is it because they got lucky? Because they are more priveleged or more educated? No, it is because they used this treasure; they used their faith. 


When a person uses their faith, they take possession of these riches. How many times have we found ourselves asking, "Why my God? Why is this happening to me? "Why is this happening to my family?" The problem is not God or that He is not listening to us. The problem is that we have not been using the treasure that God has given each of us to conquer and overcome any situation. 


How much longer will you let that situation humiliate you? How much longer will you be able to live in that situation? It's time for you to use this treasure called faith. It's time to face the biggest barrier that has stopped you from overcoming your situation: yourself.

Tie up your fears, anxiety, laziness, and use this faith that lies within you. Your life will be the result of your faith. 

Agua O Sangre?

 Luego Samuel ordenó:Reúnan a todo Israel en Mizpa para que yo ruegue al Señor por ustedes. Cuando los israelitas se reunieron en Mizpa, sacaron agua y la derramaron ante el Señor. También ayunaron durante el día, y públicamente confesaron:Hemos pecado contra el Señor. Fue en Mizpa donde Samuel comenzó a gobernar a los israelitas. Cuando los filisteos se enteraron de que los israelitas se habían reunido en Mizpa, los jefes filisteos marcharon contra Israel. Al darse cuenta de esto, los israelitas tuvieron miedo de los filisteos y le dijeron a Samuel: No dejes de clamar al Señor por nosotros, para que nos salve del poder de los filisteos. Samuel tomó entonces un cordero pequeño y lo ofreció en *holocausto al Señor. Luego clamó al Señor en favor de Israel, y el Señor le respondió.

                                                                              1 Samuel 7.5-9

Hay momentos en su vida donde oración y ayuno no va a resolver el problema. Solo hay una salida: el sacrificio. El pueblo de Israel derramo agua delante del Senor en cual representaba sus ayunos, oraciones, y confesiones, mas, cuando vino el problema quedaron con miedo y rogaron a Samuel para ayudarlos. Samuel, por el otro lado, derramo sangre, que representaba el sacrificio delante del Senor. El versiculo muestra que cuando la sangre fue derramada, el Senor lo contesto. 

Y Usted? Que es lo que va a presentar el dia 15? 

Blood or Water?

Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader[a] of Israel at Mizpah. When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.

                                                                              1 Samuel 7.5-9

There are moments in your life, where prayer and fasting won't resolve the problem. The only way out is to sacrifice. The people of Israel poured water before the Lord which represented their fasting, prayers, and confessions, yet when the problem came they became afraid and begged Samuel to help them. Samuel on the other hand, presented blood which was a sacrifice to the Lord. The verse shows that once the blood was poured, which is the sacrifice, the Lord answered him. 

How about you? What will you be presenting on the 15th?

Time to Clean Up

Does this look familiar? You have a million things to do and just by thinking about it you get a headache. So, your mind tries to help you. "You have plenty of time to do it, so worry about that later". "You don't really need to do this". The list goes on and on. I woke up thinking about this, this morning.

I remember a few months ago a Pastor's wife told me, "Claudia, it's not about what you do, its about who you are". And I remember every time she would tell me this, I would feel so confused. I would physically nod my head, but in my mind I would think "wait. . . what?!".

It wasn't until recently that I understood what she meant. I was doing so many things at once, helping here, doing this, doing that, that I was forgetting about why I was doing it. It was starting to be automatic. I was getting lost in the things I was doing, to the point where I was putting myself aside. So, instead of doing things with the same joy and love, I was beginning to see those things as chores and burdens. Little by little I became more and more unorganized.

This doesn't only apply to church but your life. Maybe you used to find joy in something you did, or in someone you would help, but because you began to take on more and more tasks, you went from doing more and more, and giving your best less and less.

The Pastor's wife meant this. Don't be focused on doing more and more, or everything, focus on who your doing it for and focus on giving your best. Because what you do and the way you do it, will reflect who you are.


Today I made a decision; I'm going to clean up my life.

How about you?

THINK ------> ACT

PROVERBS 27.17

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Quien Esta Sentado en tu Asiento de Conduccion?

Cuando nosotros entramos en caro para ir al mercado, otra cuidad, cualquier lugar, alguien esta sentado en el asiento de conducción. Me recuerdo que cuando yo empece mi primer semestre del colegio, mi profesora hablo algo que nunca voy olvidar (en el ano de 2008 para ser exacta).

Ella pregunto la clase, "Porque ustedes están aquí?" "Porque decidieron venir al colegio este semestre?" "Quien esta en su asiento de conducción en cual representa tu vida?" Algunos estudiantes respondieron que estaban allí porque sus padres los obligaron. Otros dieron otras respuestas. Mas, lo que se quedo conmigo fue su pregunta. "QUIEN/QUE esta manejando su vida?"

Esta es la misma pregunta que paso para usted. Quien o que ha estado en control de su vida?
  La opinión de sus amigos?
  Su novio?
  Un vicio que usted no consigue dejar?
  Un resentimiento que no lo deja ser feliz?
  Sus padres porque usted no sabe lo que quiere?

Ahora, piense conmigo. Si la cosa/persona que esta en el asiento de conducción (en cual representa su vida) no es usted, entonces para donde va su vida? Para donde vas?

Si usted pare y mire para su vida y no estas feliz con lo que haz conquistado hasta este punto, si usted no esta satisfecho, o si no tienes ni idea para donde va su vida, entonces yo invito usted para venir para evento que se va realizar en Oakland este mes. Para mas información usted puede entra en la pagina del YPG en el facebook.
Comparte esta invitación con sus amigos o familiares. Nos vemos allá!

Who's in Your Driver's Seat?

Whenever we get in a car to go to the store, another city, anywhere, someone is in the driver's seat. I remember when I started my first semester of college, my professor said something that I will never forget (in 2008 to be exact).

She asked the class, "Why are you here?" "Why did you decide to go to college this semester?" "Who's in the driver's seat of your car which represents your life?" Some students said they were there because their parent's forced them. Others gave different answers. But what stuck with me was her question. "Who/what is driving your life?" 

This is the same question I pass to you. Who or what has been in control of your life?
    The opinion of your friends?
    Your boyfriend?
    An addiction you can't seem to break?
    Your parents because you don't know what you want?
 
Now, think with me. If the thing/person in the driver's seat (which represents your life) is not you, then where is your life headed? Where are you going?

If you stop and look at your life and your not happy with what you have accomplished up to now, if your not satisfied, or you have no idea where your life is headed, I invite you to come to the upcoming event that will take place in Oakland this month. Share this invitation with your friends or family. See you there!

I Can't Take It Anymore!

        Does this picture seem familiar? There is one thing many, if not most, youth have in common: they can't stand their parents.  This is the type of youth who is tired of being treated as a child; tired of the nagging and lack of trust to even go out to the store without getting a lecture. 


   Why does this happen first of all? Many times we say were tired of being treated like kids. Were tired of not being able to go out with our friends or family without receiving a lecture. Were tired of not being trusted. But have you stopped to think, why your parents treat you this way?

   You see the way their treating you and lecturing you, but have you stopped to see the way you have been acting in front of them?
  
    
    For example, sometimes we complain that our parents treat us like children, yet they still have to remind us to fix our bed in the morning. We complain that they don't trust us enough to go out with our friends. But think with me, if we act up at home (you know what I'm talking about) in front of their eyes, then how can we expect them to trust us to go out where they can't see us? 

    One issue that I have noticed in a lot of youth, is that they want to be independent, which is wonderful, BUT, at the same time, they show immaturity. What do I mean by that? For example, r let's say you ask your mom or dad for permision to do something and they say their favorite phrase "no". What happens next is where the youth makes a mistake.

     As soon as they realize their not going to get their way, they show immaturity and start fighting back and forth with their parents on why they should be allowed to do this or that. They pretty much lower themselves as children and they behavior is sort of like when kids say "nuhhhhuuuuu, yeah huuuuuu". You know what I mean? Some youth even throw fits like children and slam the door, yell at their parents, or even leave the house. 

     With their reaction they are only confirming to their parents, that they are still children and not ready to do what they wanted to do. 

      If you want this situation to change, don't just say you want to be independent. Do what they independent youth does. Be responsible, respectful and careful with the way you react. There will be times that even by doing this, they will say no, but if you handle the situation in a mature way. You will notice this difference. I challenge you to do this. 



     

       

Oops!

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious,
    but fools are consumed by their own lips.
                                    Ecclesiastes 10.12

Have you ever had those moments when you thought or said to yourself "Gosh, why did I say that?!" "If only I could turn back time.." Today I was meditating on this verse and even gave myself a little challenge. 


I challenged myself to watch every single thing I would say today. I examined my words in every single conversation I had. By doing this, my goal was to find out if I have been like the wise person or like the fool. 

I realized that when we are cautious and vigilant with the words we use and with the way we say those words, we can either causes a war or bring peace towards the people around us. 

I pass this challenge on to you. For one whole day, examine your choice of words and the way you express them. Has your words been causing problems or bringing blessings? 


Have you been like the wise or as the fool who say "Oops"!

El Regalo: Como lo Haz Utilizado?

      De manera que, teniendo diferentes dones, según la gracia que nos es dada, si el de profecía, úsese conforme a la medida de la fe; o si de servicio, en servir; o el que enseña, en la enseñanza; el que exhorta, en la exhortación; el que reparte, con liberalidad; el que preside, con solicitud; el que hace misericordia, con alegría.

Romanos 12.6-8

Dios da para cada uno de nosotros un don especial. En estos versiculos, El nos esta diciendo que usemos el regalo que fue cuidad-amente escogido para ti. Mas, mucha de las veces nosotros despreciamos nuestro don porque lo comparamos con los dones que otras personas recibieron. 

Cuando nosotros comparamos nuestros dones, talentos, con los de otros, una de las dos cosas acontecen.  Uno, nosotros despreciamos  nuestro don y nos sentimos menos a los demás, porque nos sentimos que somos menos que ellos o que lo que tenemos no es suficiente. O, dos, nosotros ponemos otras personas para bajo sintiéndonos mejor que ellos por lo que tenemos.  

 Si usted dice, "Bueno, yo no se cual es mi don". Entonces, pide para Dios mostrarle. Mucha de las veces nosotros no nos damos cuenta de nuestro don porque no creemos en nosotros mismos. Nuestro bajo-autoestima nos ciega y nos hace creer que lo que tenemos y lo que podemos hacer no es suficiente, or que no sirve para nada.  

Dios no nos dio nuestro don para sentirnos mejor o menos que nadie. El nos dio este don para que nosotros podemos brillar Su luz en este mundo. Para hacer lo que el Pastor siempre predica "HACER LA DIFERENCIA"!

Entonces, cual es su don? Y, como lo haz utilizado? 

The Gift: How have you been using it?

       We have different gifts, according to the 

grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12.6-9

God gives each of us a special gift. In these verses He is telling us to use the gift that has been carefully chosen for you. However, many times we neglect our gift because we compare it to the gifts that others have received. 

When we compare our gift, our talents, to others, one of the two things happen. One, we depreciate our gift and we feel less then others, because we feel that were less then them or that what we have is not good enough. Or, two, we put other people down by feeling that we are better than them because of what we have received. 

If you say, "Well, I don't know what my gift is?" Ask God to show you. Many times we dont realize what our gift is, because we don't believe in ourselves. Our low self-esteem blinds us and makes us believe that what we can do and what we have is not good enough or, nothing at all. 

God did not give us our gift to feel better or less then anyone. He gave us this gift so we could shine His light in this world. To do as the Pastor is always preaching "MAKE A DIFFERENCE"!

So, what's your gift?  And, how have you been using it?

Quien Ha Sido?

Enséñame a hacer tu voluntad,

    porque tú eres mi Dios . . .

Cuando nosotros confesamos con nuestros labios que somo de Dios o que tenemos un relaciona-miento con El, nuestro actitud, comportamiento, y nuestro carácter son nuestro testigo.  

Las primeras dos lineas de este versículo son claras. Ensename hacer tu voluntad, porque tu eres mi Dios. 

En otras palabras, Yo voy aprender y hacer la voluntad de aquel que es mi Dios. Mirando para tu comportamiento/carácter en tu casa, trabajo, escuela, iglesia, haz hecho la voluntad de quien? Quien ha sido tu Dios?

Who Has it Been?

Psalms 143.10

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God  . . .

When we confess with our lips that we are of God or that we have a relationship with Him, our attitudes, behavior and our character, is our witness.

The first two lines of this verse are clear. Teach me to do your will, for you  are my God.

In other words, I will learn and do the will of who is my God. If you look at your behavior/character at home, work, school, church, who's will have you been doing? Who has been your God?

No Temas, Dios Esta Aqui

En el día de mi angustia te llamaré,

Porque tú me respondes

Salmos 86.7

Me recuerdo que había veces cuando oraba y había una voz que me decía "El no te esta escuchando" "Mejor ya para, El no te va a responder" "Estas llena de fallas y pecados porque El te escucharía?


Muchas de las veces daba oídos para estas palabras, y paraba de orar y me iba mejor a dormir. Hasta que un día decidí ir en contra de estos pensamientos. Cuando venían, yo luchaba en contra de ellos. Si me decian que El no estaba escuchando, entonces oraba aun mas fuerte. Oraba y hablaba con Dios hasta que El viniera a mi encuentro. En el moment que Dios venia donde estaba, yo sentia Su calor. Una certeza que El estaba alli conmigo.

El versiculo ariba lo dice todo. Cuando nosotros estamos tristes, solos, frustrados, angustiados, Dios esta muy cerca. El versiculo no dice "porque alomejor tu me respondes" o "creco que tu me respondes" El versiculo dice "porque tu ME respondes".

Es como cuando un nino se cae y empieza a gritar y llorar por su mama y papa. Los padres immediatamente vienen corriendo para attender su bebe. Lo mismo acontece con Dios. En los ojos de El somos tan fragiles y delicados. Asi como un bebe que esta aprendiendo a caminar necesita de sus padres para detenerlo de las manos para no caer, nosotros somos igual. Si Dios no viene para agaranos de las manos, nostros vamos caer y lastimarnos.

Entonces, no importa quien eres, o lo que has hecho, nuestro Padre siempre esta listo y despuesto para venir para atender Sus hijos. Si nuestros padres corren para atendernos cuando estamos tristes o angustiados, imaginase Dios?

Entonces no temas, Dios esta Aqui

Never Fear God is Here

In the day of my trouble I will call to you, 

for you will answer me

Psalms 86.7

I remember there were times where I would pray and there was a voice that would tell me "He's not listening to you". "Just stop already, He's not going to respond". "Your full of mistakes and sins, why would He listen to you?" 

Many times I would give ears to these words, and stop praying and just go to bed. Until one day I decided to go against these thoughts. When they would come, I would fight against them. If they said He wasn't listening, I would pray louder. I would pray and talk to God until He would come to my rescue. And as soon as God would come to where I was, I would feel His warmth. A certainty that He was right there with me.

The verse above says it all. When we feel sad, alone, frustrated, troubled, God is only a call away. The verse doesn't say "maybe He will answer me"or "I think He will answer me" the verse says "For you WILL answer me". 

It's like when a baby falls down and starts screaming and crying for his/her mom and dad. The parents run quickly to attend their baby. The same thing happens with God. We are so fragile and delicate in His eyes. Just as a baby that is learning to walk needs its parents' hands to hold him/her so he/she wont fall. We are the same way. If God doesn't come and take us by the hands, we will fall and get hurt.

Regardless of who you are, or what you've done, our Father is already willing and ready to come and attend His children. If our parents rush to attend us when we're sad or hurt, imagine God? 

So, never fear because our God is here. 

Overcome or be Overcome

 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

                                                                                                           Esther 4.14-16

Have you ever been afraid of doing what was right? Scared, trembling because even though you knew it was the right thing to do you were scared that it would all go wrong. Or it would only get you in trouble. Or, that you just couldn't do it. Esther in the bible, was faced with the same situation. She was afraid to speak up because it would put her own life at risk.

However, if she didn't speak up it would put her and her family's life at risk. So, what did she do?

She did what we a lot of times don't do. Although she was afraid, she did not let her fear stop her from doing what was right.

She stated, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  

How about you? When are you finally going to face your fear? You either overcome your fears, or they will overcome you. 

La Jaula

Cuando Dios creo el mundo, El creo Adam para dominarlo y tambien los animales. Pero cuando Adam y Eva cayeron en el pecado, entregaron este derecho en las manos del diablo, tornandonse de siervos de Dios para esclavos del diablo. Consequentemente, ellos mismos se colocaron en una jaula (espiritualmente hablando). Lo mismo acontece hoy en dia. El diablo sabe de nuestro derecho para vencer en este mundo. Entonces, que es lo que el hace? Lucha todos los dias para quitarlo. Como? Usando amistades, familiares, vicios, placeres de este mundo, etc. Y en el momento que uno decide caer en su trampa, la persona entrega su derecho en las manos de el diablo. Y este derecho que Dios nos entrego para vencer y dominar sobre el mundo, ahora el diablo lo usa para vencernos y dominar sobre nuestras vidas.

Y usted? Sera que usted ha estado usando su derecho? O, quizas el diablo ha estado usandolo para mantenerte en una jaula?

The Bird Cage

When God created the world, He created Adam to dominate over it and all of the animals. However, when Adam and Eve fell into sin, they handed over this right to the devil and went from being servants of God, to slaves of the devil. Consequently, they put themselves in a cage (spiritually speaking). The same happens today. The devil knows of our birthright to overcome in this world. So, what does he do? He fights everyday to take it away. How? By using friends, family, addictions, pleasures of this world. As soon as you decided to fall into his snare, you hand over your birthright to the devil and he uses it to overcome and dominate you.

How about you? Have you been using your birthright? Or, has the devil been using it to keep you in a cage?

The Stars

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Genesis 15.5-6

God promises a life with abundance. But very few receive this life because its not something you receive with prayers or fasting. First, He chooses people. After He finds His chosen ones, He calls you. After after He calls you, He tests you. 

God chose you. Why are you in church right now and not your other family members? Why did He bring you here and not your neighbors or classmates? Because God chose you. He chose you, to receive His promise and glorify His name.

It's not coincidence that you are here. He wants to do big things in your life. 

Think about it. Before we knew God, our lives served the devil. Our life was dead, robbed, and destroyed. However, the minute you give your life over to God, your life has to be a life with abundance. 

Doesn't this make sense? If you serve a different god now, shouldn't your life be different? How can you have a life with God, and live as if you were serving the devil?

A perfect example of this was and is Abraham. Abraham was a man of faith and solid obedience. He had one dream: to have a son. First  God chose Abraham.Then He called him, and Abraham responded. Finally, God tested Abraham by asking him for what he loved the most: Isaac. 

Isaac was Abraham's star. What he loved more than anything. But God didn't want Abraham to have a star, God wanted to give Him the sky. However, in order for Him to receive the sky, Abraham needed to pass the test. 

Once he passed this test, Abraham did not only keep his son, but God gave Him a nation. 

God chose you out of everyone around you. He called you to do great things in your life, but will you pass the test? Take advantage of the Campaign of Israel. Don't be afraid to sacrifice your star. 

If He is asking you to sacrifice your star, it's because He wants to give you the sky. 

Hable: No Tengas Miedo

 y por mí, a fin de que al abrir mi boca me sea dada palabra para dar a conocer con denuedo el misterio del evangelio

Efesios 6.19

Estaba hablando con algunos jovenes de como perdi muchas oportunidades en el pasado por causa del miedo. Que tipo de miedo? Miedo de hablar. Miedo de hablar lo que tenia que hablar. Desde ninez, siempre era muy timida. Con miedo para defenderme cuando alguien me ponia para bajo. Miedo de dar mi opinion porque tenia miedo que alguien no quedara de acuerdo conmigo o que se iban a burlar de lo que yo hablara. Hasta tenia miedo de pedir algo o de decir que quieria algo porque tenia miedo que me dijieran que no.

Pero hoy, especialmente hoy, despues de el evento de los talents, pude dominar mis miedos. Deje todo mi miedo de hablar, de alzar la voz, todo, deje en el Altar. 

Empezando hoy, cuando tus pensamientos de dicen que no hables, hable aun mas fuerte! Y cuando Dios coloca palabras en tu boca, no tengas miedo de hablar. Porque las palabras que el coloque en tu boca, puede hasta cambiar la vida de alguien. 

                                  Entonces, Hable. No tengas miedo.