Friday, November 26, 2010

Joy Comes in the Morning!

Happy Black Friday!

This is suppose to be the day in which many of the retail stores get out of the red (negative) and into the black (positive) with regards to profits. This may have been a tough year for most retailers, but it seems like there's a buzz today with more people spending their money than last year.

Now, some of you may feel like you're still operating in the red for various reasons; I have times when I feel like this but what's COMFORTING is that we have a High Priest (Jesus Christ) that understands us and INVITES us to come to Him and says we'll find GRACE in times of need (Heb. 4:15-16).

I am so glad that my HOPE lies in Someone (not some thing) that will NEVER leave me nor forget about me.

(There was a "black Friday" in my life many years ago - that was the day I placed my trust and my life in Jesus Christ. That's the day I went from OWING to a day in which I was, and am, RICH with God's eternal abundance.)

My family and I have had a rough couple weeks, but I'm not complaining! (SERIOUSLY) BUT I AM ANGRY that the enemy is hurting, destroying and stealing a few personal things to try and get his way into my family, at me, and distract my focus in serving the Lord.

It AINT gonna happen! I resolve to give more of ME to the Lord and pray harder for my God's will to be done. In fact, I KNOW something GREAT is coming because of the trials!

I will pray more and harder, and I ask that you pray more and harder that God is glorified in our lives. I was comforted and strengthened by what the psalmist wrote: "Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." - Psalm 30:4-5

For those that have placed their trust in Jesus Christ there is a PURPOSE that goes beyond this life and you can rest assured that all things work for God's GOOD plan and purpose (Romans 8:28) - NOTHING is wasted.

I will continue to look to my AMAZING God for what He wants me to do next, regardless of the circumstances I find myself in. I CHALLENGE you to do the same. He is truly worthy of our PRAISES!

Remember, "joy comes in the morning!" Don't get down, but GET ANGRY (righteously), and be MOVED to live MORE for Jesus than ever before!!!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a picture of a great Thanksgiving:

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.


This is Ephesians 5:15-21. I gave a message on this a few weeks ago in our Value Series. I had to read it again and pass it along again because the days we are living in are days we need to make the best use of.


Do not walk without knowledge of Scripture, but READ and be a LEARNED people. This is how you make the BEST use of your time here on earth and KNOW what God's will is (not some mystical revelation that is contrary to the Word).


Don't be filled with alcohol (spirits), but be filled with the Holy Spirit. Yes, you are filled with the Holy Spirit the moment you surrender to Jesus. You have all of Him but does He have all of YOU?


And the last few verses is a beautiful picture of Jesus' church. I pray we are a wise, surrendered church that makes the best use of every moment of every day to bring glory to our AMAZING God!


Happy Thanksgiving! I love you! - PR

Monday, November 22, 2010

Why?

Why is it that we ask "why" all the time? Inquiring minds want to know.

Why is it that we feel like we need an answer for everything? Why not just leave things in the "unknown" section of the mind? Why are we not comfortable with not understanding something we've become aware of?

God is amazing and is the only One that knows everything there is to know. At one time I thought my dad knew everything. Our Father in heaven does and I'm ok with not understand why things happen, or why I don't know many things.

Frustration, and sometimes even anger sets in when we don't understand something. Different people respond to the unknown in different ways - some shut down, act as if it's not true, some ignore the unknown, others never tire of trying to figure it out.

Is there something in your life that you don't understand? There's plenty in mine! And, that's ok.

The Bible tells us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Phil. 4:6-7

Earlier in Philippians (2:5) we are told: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..." And Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, humbling Himself to the point of death, "even the death of the cross." (v.8)

Can I say something simple to you without a debate? Let God be God and submit to His will like Scripture tells us to. I guarantee you will live a happier and more fulfilled life that is focused on what you do have control over and not what you don't. You won't be frustrated or anxious, but will basically "roll" with however God wants you to roll.

Can I give you some Scripture to put you at ease and give you some peace about anything you're pulling your hair out about and cannot seem to figure out or understand "WHY" it is what it is?

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 54:8-9

One more thought for comfort and joy: "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

Let's praise God through thick and thin and understand that He is truly on our side and only allows things because He understands and sees the "whole picture" and not just a portion of it.

Instead of asking "why, God?" ask "what, God?" and follow what He wants to do through you in all circumstances. In other words, understand what you are to do instead of demanding an answer for everything while crossing your arms to our heavenly Father.

What do you want to us to next Lord? (See Romans 12:1)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Refuge One Year Anniversary!

I can't believe it's already been one year since we started meeting in my living room studying the Word of God!

It was a time of healing, as well as a time of ministering to each other. Our church continues to this day to do just that, but has also been reaching out people in the community, families, friends, co-workers and strangers showing the love of Christ to everyone who will listen and open their hearts to the gospel.

We have been blessed by the showering of God's love, grace and the strength, things that we continue to faithfully find in Him. Our church is called The Refuge because we know that the Lord is Whom we take refuge IN and Jesus Christ is on Whom we stand - we are immovable, strong and courageous disciples of Jesus Christ!

My desire is to see God grow people into passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, and it has certainly been exciting as I see Him doing this!

This Sunday we are having a potluck lunch, some cake and great fellowship as we celebrate what God has done and is doing at The Refuge. The message this Sunday is very fitting as I will focus our attention on being Thankful for the many promises of God, Jesus being central to them all!

I am SO excited about this Sunday and I am also looking forward with great expectation to 2011 as to what God will do with our church!!!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Raul