Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Please pray
Please keep the Davalos and Preciado family in prayer. My niece and her husband, Jose, will be traveling today to Mexico for Jose's brother's funeral. Please pray for the God of all comfort to shine through and bring the needed comfort.
Prayer and Praise in Difficult Times
There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). We see in the days of the kings that a great multitude came against King Jehoshaphat to do battle against him. The king was told that “a great multitude came against him.” Did Jehoshaphat panic or just sit there and do nothing? NO, neither!!! 2 Chronicles 20:3 says, Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
As we read the whole chapter we see that the LORD heard their cry and came to their deliverance (answered prayer). The LORD told them not to be afraid, that it was His battle. They were to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. However, as we see them waiting, they are praying and praising, they aren’t simply sitting around doing nothing. They were also to have faith and trust in His Promises:
So let us walk circumspectly before our God for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). Let us be sober, vigilant, watchful (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 4:7, 5:8-9; Revelations 3:3). Now is not a time to have a half-hearted walk, a barely making it relationship with the LORD (this is never good, but these times call for a complete, unwavering surrender to Our King). Stay in His Word, hear His still-small-voice and praise Him in the beauty of holiness.
v. 4 – And Judah gathered themselves together TO ASK HELP of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to SEEK the LORD.
v. 5 - …Jehoshaphat stood…
v. 6 – And said, O LORD God of our fathers, are not thou God in heaven? And rules not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, sot that NONE is able to withstand thee?
v. 7 – Art not thou our God…
v. 9 – If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. (see also 2 Chronicles 7:14)
v. 12 - …we have no might against this great company that cometh against
us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (see Zechariah 4:6)
As we read the whole chapter we see that the LORD heard their cry and came to their deliverance (answered prayer). The LORD told them not to be afraid, that it was His battle. They were to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. However, as we see them waiting, they are praying and praising, they aren’t simply sitting around doing nothing. They were also to have faith and trust in His Promises:
v. 20 – BELIEVE in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established;
BELIEVE His prophets, so shall ye prosper.
v. 21 - …praise the beauty of holiness…Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever.
v. 22 – When they began to sign and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against (the enemy)…they were smitten.
So let us walk circumspectly before our God for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). Let us be sober, vigilant, watchful (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 4:7, 5:8-9; Revelations 3:3). Now is not a time to have a half-hearted walk, a barely making it relationship with the LORD (this is never good, but these times call for a complete, unwavering surrender to Our King). Stay in His Word, hear His still-small-voice and praise Him in the beauty of holiness.
Monday, October 27, 2008
CCCV Women's Conference
CCCV Inland Empire Women's Conference
Theme - "CHOOSE LIFE"
~ Deuteronomy 30:19, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
The women of Gracia Calvary had the opportunity to attend this conference. It was such a blessing to have all of us sit together in the sanctuary. Then, as you can see from the pictures we had an awesome time of fellowship and food during lunch. We rejoiced in all the answers to prayer from the place to sit, to the perfect place for having lunch - God is so good. Not to mention the awesome teachings we received from God's Word.
The messages were, of course, timely and much needed. We were exhorted to be women that make godly choices and not go and be like the world. We had the opportunity of hearing from from Marilyn Laszlo, missionary - incredible testimony.
We had an awesome time being refreshed, renewed and exhorted.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Must Watch Video
Please come over to Mrs. June Fuentes' Blog and watch an amazing video about a woman born alive after her mother tried to get her aborted. It is powerful and very convicting...let's speak for the powerless and for those who have no voice.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Happy 4th Birthday Bek!
Happy 4th Birthday Sweetie!!!
We yav you:)
Uncle Jaime and Auntie Leti
(shoot over to Laura's blog for a beautiful Bek video)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Father's Love
A friend e-mailed me this video. I had heard the analogy/story before, but to put it as a video - WOW! Must see!!!
http://www.viddler.com/explore/MaximumReferral/videos/1/
I am humbled at how much God loved me that He gave His one and only son to die so that I might LIVE! Thank you LORD, I can never repay such sacrifice.
http://www.viddler.com/explore/MaximumReferral/videos/1/
I am humbled at how much God loved me that He gave His one and only son to die so that I might LIVE! Thank you LORD, I can never repay such sacrifice.
Monday, October 20, 2008
me-helpless; God-Able
What do you do when you get a call from your baby girl crying and saying she is having chest pains, difficulty breathing and pressure on her chest?
You fall on your face before All-Mighty-God who is omnipresent (everywhere at once). You feel helpless, without any recourse…but O God! As you cry out to the Living God, He feels you with His peace which surpasses all understanding and you can go about your day with a song in your heart…yes, my friends “a song in my heart”. HE assures me that HE is there by her side and that HE will comfort her, that HE will hold her in His loving and able arms. And with that He holds me in His loving, able arms. O what a God I serve.
2 Samuel 22:7 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
You fall on your face before All-Mighty-God who is omnipresent (everywhere at once). You feel helpless, without any recourse…but O God! As you cry out to the Living God, He feels you with His peace which surpasses all understanding and you can go about your day with a song in your heart…yes, my friends “a song in my heart”. HE assures me that HE is there by her side and that HE will comfort her, that HE will hold her in His loving and able arms. And with that He holds me in His loving, able arms. O what a God I serve.
2 Samuel 22:7 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Protect the Sanctity of Marriage
Genesis 1:26-28 - Then God said, "Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; MALE and FEMALE He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Monday, October 6, 2008
God Still does Miracles
My friend invited me to a Fundraiser/Dinner on Saturday night. The LORD opened the door for me to be able to go - my hubby kept an eye on Mom and got her dinner, thank you honey.
The fundraiser was for Teen Challenge International. I really didn’t know what to expect, I was just happy to get dressed up and be out – yeah!!! It was at the Riverside Convention Center. When we arrived we were greeted by my friend’s sister and her friend. Because my friend’s sister and friend have been involved with Teen Challenge for a while they were invited to the VIP Gathering prior to the dinner. Each person invited was allowed to bring a guest, so my friend and I got to go. We went upstairs and had snacks and a yummy fruit/citrus punch. There was not much going on, just small talk and food. My feet were hurting with my pumps – I’m just not used to this. It finally came time to go downstairs to the dinner. As we made our way down the stairs I noticed a lot of people gathering at the bottom floor. Some looked dressed up, but there was another group. It was regularly dressed people and people with camouflage. In fact, there seemed to be entire families. Being the observant person that I am, I kept looking all around, trying to figure out all that was happening around me. We were slowly making our way to the room that we were having dinner at, when I finally was able to get a glimpse of what the other room was for. There was a sign that said “Farewell to Our Troops, Godspeed” and it has all the names of those who were being deployed to Iraq. It took my breath away, but before I knew it we were inside partaking of the Fundraiser/Dinner.
As we walked in this huge room there was a choir of 150 young men and women. O my goodness! The sounds of heaven – it was glorious. Keep in mind I still don’t know what this is all about – I’m just following those that invited me, with my mind still somewhat with the troops outside. We finally seat at our table. It was a table of 10. Then I knew what this was about. Teen Challenge is a place for drug addicts to come and get clean and find purpose for their lives. There was testimonies and history of Teen Challenge. At our table there was 6 students of Teen Challenge. One young man was already living on the streets of South Central LA; another has a Dad in jail and now he’s been in jail also, and another, and another, and another…the stories were incredible. I sat there and listened to these stories of victory, these stories of what God, Our God, can do. I was humbled by their enthusiasm and their zeal. Many tears were shed, much to ponder…
Have I forgotten were I’ve come from? Have I forgotten what I’ve seen My God do? Have I chosen to forget those in my life that still need deliverance? God reminded me that He is still a God of miracles. I’ve seen Him work before – I am one of those miracles, why then do I become so business-as-usual when there are lives that need a touch of this Jesus that can do all this and then some. Why do I think that there are impossible-cases for Him to be able to reach and transform? Yes, lots of personal reflection and lots of challenges that were posed to me on this night.
Then I had to go to the restroom. I made my way out and what did I see at the other end of this place, I see families saying good-bye to their loved ones. When I was making my way back into the room that we were gathered in, I stood at the middle ground and thought – what an incredible contrast. Here I go all dressed up into this room filled with joy and blessing, and here they are being torn and separated from the ones they love. As they opened the door to the room I was going into, the choir was singing again – there was such excitement and joy in that place. Before going in I looked back at our troops and their families and wanted to turn and go over to them and say thank you, would you like to come and enjoy some time of worship – wow, what emotions enveloped me. (please don't forget to pray for our troops and their families.)
The night was over. Home again to the routine, but my spirit and soul were far from routine, from business-as-usual. My heart wants to shout “My God is Able!” “My God can do abundantly exceedingly!” “My God is a God of miracles!” “My God is still in the business of transforming lives!” “My God is the same yesterday, today and forever.” O God, may I not put You in a box. May I see Your power and love still at work in our midst. Though the mountains crumble, though the oceans roar, you are God! Though there is uncertainty and chaos, In You there is consistency and peace. God of wonder, full of glory, I worship You, I reverence You.
The fundraiser was for Teen Challenge International. I really didn’t know what to expect, I was just happy to get dressed up and be out – yeah!!! It was at the Riverside Convention Center. When we arrived we were greeted by my friend’s sister and her friend. Because my friend’s sister and friend have been involved with Teen Challenge for a while they were invited to the VIP Gathering prior to the dinner. Each person invited was allowed to bring a guest, so my friend and I got to go. We went upstairs and had snacks and a yummy fruit/citrus punch. There was not much going on, just small talk and food. My feet were hurting with my pumps – I’m just not used to this. It finally came time to go downstairs to the dinner. As we made our way down the stairs I noticed a lot of people gathering at the bottom floor. Some looked dressed up, but there was another group. It was regularly dressed people and people with camouflage. In fact, there seemed to be entire families. Being the observant person that I am, I kept looking all around, trying to figure out all that was happening around me. We were slowly making our way to the room that we were having dinner at, when I finally was able to get a glimpse of what the other room was for. There was a sign that said “Farewell to Our Troops, Godspeed” and it has all the names of those who were being deployed to Iraq. It took my breath away, but before I knew it we were inside partaking of the Fundraiser/Dinner.
As we walked in this huge room there was a choir of 150 young men and women. O my goodness! The sounds of heaven – it was glorious. Keep in mind I still don’t know what this is all about – I’m just following those that invited me, with my mind still somewhat with the troops outside. We finally seat at our table. It was a table of 10. Then I knew what this was about. Teen Challenge is a place for drug addicts to come and get clean and find purpose for their lives. There was testimonies and history of Teen Challenge. At our table there was 6 students of Teen Challenge. One young man was already living on the streets of South Central LA; another has a Dad in jail and now he’s been in jail also, and another, and another, and another…the stories were incredible. I sat there and listened to these stories of victory, these stories of what God, Our God, can do. I was humbled by their enthusiasm and their zeal. Many tears were shed, much to ponder…
Have I forgotten were I’ve come from? Have I forgotten what I’ve seen My God do? Have I chosen to forget those in my life that still need deliverance? God reminded me that He is still a God of miracles. I’ve seen Him work before – I am one of those miracles, why then do I become so business-as-usual when there are lives that need a touch of this Jesus that can do all this and then some. Why do I think that there are impossible-cases for Him to be able to reach and transform? Yes, lots of personal reflection and lots of challenges that were posed to me on this night.
Then I had to go to the restroom. I made my way out and what did I see at the other end of this place, I see families saying good-bye to their loved ones. When I was making my way back into the room that we were gathered in, I stood at the middle ground and thought – what an incredible contrast. Here I go all dressed up into this room filled with joy and blessing, and here they are being torn and separated from the ones they love. As they opened the door to the room I was going into, the choir was singing again – there was such excitement and joy in that place. Before going in I looked back at our troops and their families and wanted to turn and go over to them and say thank you, would you like to come and enjoy some time of worship – wow, what emotions enveloped me. (please don't forget to pray for our troops and their families.)
The night was over. Home again to the routine, but my spirit and soul were far from routine, from business-as-usual. My heart wants to shout “My God is Able!” “My God can do abundantly exceedingly!” “My God is a God of miracles!” “My God is still in the business of transforming lives!” “My God is the same yesterday, today and forever.” O God, may I not put You in a box. May I see Your power and love still at work in our midst. Though the mountains crumble, though the oceans roar, you are God! Though there is uncertainty and chaos, In You there is consistency and peace. God of wonder, full of glory, I worship You, I reverence You.
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