God is up to something.

           
     

                          Never stop praying for America.


              Why do the nations plan rebellion?

                    Why do people make their useless plots?
              Their kings revolt,
                    their rulers plot together against the Lord
                    and against the king he chose.

             Let us free ourselves from their rule,” they say;
                let us throw off their control.

             From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs

              and mocks their feeble plans.

             Then he warns them in anger

                  and terrifies them with his fury

              (Ps 2:1-5)(Good News Version)

                   The year of 2014 has been a year of surprises. While on one hand, we have enjoyed much of the blessings of technology and entertainment, there are some dangers brewing close to us. As I look at the Middle East, I see how some of our Christian Brethren are being tortured, harassed and killed in Syria and Iraq. Radical Muslims are forcing their religion on others and threatening to come to our shores.

               Iraq has been a place where the Lord has moved in the past through signs and wonders. Nineveh, a town in Iraq has been a place where Jonah has preached and the people responded. His tomb is, supposedly, located there. It angered me when I saw these radical Muslims destroy his tomb and tried to erase all evidences of Christianity in that place. I started to think--Lord, what is happening?

               Suddenly, I felt like the Lord spoke. He told me not to worry. He showed me what he was doing. He was, actually, laughing in his throne. Why? Because he is up to something. What it is, I don't know but in the end, it is not going to look pretty when he has the last word. 

       Throughout the ages, Men have tried to hinder and remove God from society but, friend, Christianity is here to stay. Men have tried to kill Christians and remove its influence, but Christianity comes back with a fury. I, recently, saw a picture of a rainbow near the White House. While some equates this to be a sign of Homosexual/Lesbian rights, I see this in a different light.

           If you read the bible, rainbow speaks of covenant and mercy. This nation, years ago, made a covenant with God. God has not forgotten his covenant with the USA. (1) As long as we have a people who are repenting and interceding for this nation, we will see God move on our behalf.              
            As you ponder on these events, pray for the ISIS soldiers. Even though they have committed atrocities, believe it or not, God loves them. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (Eze 33:11). Pray that the Lord may help us to identify the principalities and powers that are behind this, so that we can cripple their operation. 
          Perhaps some many not know this, but World War II was won, not because of our might and intelligence, but because of prayer. Our economy was in shambles and we were cutting the budget on our military. The German army was very well organized and advanced in technology. Our country was losing some important battles in the early stages of the war.
              God moved upon the hearts of some elderly mothers that knew how to pray. Their prayers made a difference and helped turn the tide for victory in this nation. One important thing to remember--History repeats itself. During and before World War II, Japan was moved by religious fanaticism. Christians were, heavily, persecuted and atrocities were committed just like today. (*)
                 The Emperor was regarded as a God and the Shinto religion grew in strength. During World War II, Japan had a strong fighting force called the Kamikaze. These pilots were trained to aim their aircraft against our Navy ships to cause damage and loss of lives. 
                They were trained that if they lost their lives for their emperor, they would have a place in heaven according to their religion.(2)(3) What happened? America was triumphant and there was a hunger for the Lord in that place. That hunger was so great that Gen Douglas MacArthur was expressing the need for missionaries to go to Japan and share the good news. (4)
                  I believe the same will happen with the radical Muslims When they see the real God step up to the plate and make his presence manifest, many will say---Show us your God. So, body of Christ, prepare yourselves because the best is yet to come. 



1- http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/1600-1650/mayflower-compact-1620.php

(*) http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/missions/Japan_Christianity_0612.aspx

2- http://www.answers.com/Q/How_was_Shinto_misused_by_the_militarists_during_World_War_2

3-http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-orders-end-of-shinto-as-japanese-state-religion

4- http://www.openbiblemessage.org/index.php/general-douglas-macarthurs-call-for-missionaries-needed-yet-today/

Are you kingdom-minded?

                                            

                                  

                                  Picture courtesy of  freedigitalphotos.net


                                                       ARE YOU KINGDOM MINDED?

                      "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:10)

                Greetings. In this devotional, that is the question we must ask ourselves---Are we kingdom-minded? The word tells us that we are kings and priests unto God. God has delegated his power unto us to be Kings/Queens over our circumstances and affairs of life. In fact, the word says that we are seated in heavenly places. We are destined to rule.

                In order to comprehend our position in Christ, we must be familiar with his will. First, let's remember that his word is his will. He speaks to us through the word. It amazes me how I hear many Christians saying-- I need a word. They go to church and say--- I need a word. They go to prophet so and so and say--- I need a word. If you have a Bible, God has a word for you. God is speaking to you 24/7. His word is a sure word of prophecy.Now having said that, let's start with the following verse below in order to learn how to become kingdom-minded. This gives us a glimpse of God's will....

 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he  heareth us" (I John 5:14)

                 Many will use this to justify the fact that God did not answer their prayer because it was not according to God's will, but if you read the next verse carefully, it brings it to a different light...

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that

we desired of him. (John 5:15)

           If you read this carefully, pay attention to the words heareth and hear. Now we know that God hears prayers when we pray according to his will. We can all agreed to that, but in verse 15, it says --and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions....That is expressing confidence. How do you know he heard you? First, we need to know his will. (Col 1:9)  You cannot express confidence if you don't know his will when you pray. 

           It is a shame that we play the game of chance with God. A que sera, sera. The word, clearly, states that we walk by faith and not by sight. We need to realize that even though the circumstances may say the contrary, they will have to bow down to the word of God. Let's use another verse to better understand God's will ( Matt 6:10) It says...Thy kingdom come, thy will be done!  God wants to bring his kingdom down to earth so that his will can be done. Is sickness in the kingdom of God? No. Is poverty in the kingdom of God? No. When we see the blessings of God on earth, we are having a taste of his kingdom. There were instances when Jesus told his disciples to say the kingdom has come unto you when performing the miracles of healing.(Luke 10:9) 

                     Another way to better understand this is through another verse. As we read this, one thing that stands out is that this was written in the Old testament. Lets take a careful look at the following....

 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. (Deut 11:21)

                 In the Old testament, God wanted to give his people days of heaven upon the earth. His covenant included long life and blessings. We, as covenant children, are no different. The word says that we have a covenant based on better promises. Yes, we are going to go through problems and testings, that is a given. The good thing about this is that we can turn our misery into our ministry. We can turn our tests into a testimony. Don't look at your trials and testings as a final end. NO! Look at it as a stepping stone! Your greatest victory lies ahead. God bless. 

                    

The rivers of his pleasure.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. (Ps 36:7-8)

                            Recently, the Lord ministered to me in a special way. One morning, I was feeling down and discouraged. I was frustrated having to deal with my shortcomings before the Lord. That day, the Lord through a devotional opened my eyes to Psalms 36:7-8 in a special way. He called my attention to the words---the river of thy pleasures. 

                        Having  pleasure is not bad. There are other aspects of pleasures that are, actually, good for you. The reason people are seeking carnal pleasures is because there is a void in their lives. That void gets filled with worldly pleasures instead of the godly.(II Tim 3:4) Seeing this, I told God to fill me with his pleasures instead of the world, yet I still had some issues that were causing me problems. Agonizing over this, I asked him to fill me with his pleasures again.

                        I will never forget what he told me. He said---"Son, when you spend time renewing your mind and spending time in my presence, I will transform your carnal pleasures into godly pleasures!" Joshua 1:8 says to meditate on the Lord day and night. The word meditate means to murmur in the Hebrew. As we confess who we are in Christ and what is ours, our minds will start to change. 

                      Lately, I have been doing a study on the subject of Grace. Grace is a wonderful thing that God has given us, but did you know that Grace will teach us? (Titus 2:11-12) I applaud the many revelations that God has given us concerning the gifts, healing and financial prosperity but have you noticed that there is little teachings of how to overcome the flesh? Yes, the old man is buried under the waters of baptism but it tries to get resurrected once in a while. We need to kill it and keep it buried. (Col 3:5)

                   Do you want God's desires to be yours? Do you want God's thoughts to be yours? Then, spend some time in the word. Quote God's promises to yourself. I thank God for technology because when I go to bed, I put the Bible on my smart phone and I am at peace with him as I hear his word throughout the evening. So, if you are having issues with your life, it is time for a change. Let's step up to the plate and see what God can do for us. God bless. 

Prayer---Dear Lord, forgive me for all my sins and shortcomings. I want to be more like you. I want to have the mind of Christ. Lord, help me to make time to renew my mind. Help me to develop your thoughts. Help me to change my desires to yours as I renew my mind. I want to drink from the rivers of your pleasures today. Thank you for changing me into the image of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Bible verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

                

                        

                        

More on Grace!

                                         Image courtesy of the path traveler at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

                  And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. (I Sam 17:40)

                              In this morning, I want to share some more thoughts on grace. Why grace? Because what you don't know about the grace of God can hurt you in the long run. Before David fought the Giant, he went near the brook and looked for five smooth stones. We, all know, that he killed the Giant with one well-aimed stone but why five?
                                When you study the Bible, pay attention to small details. They mean a lot. The number five in biblical term is equated to God's grace. When you think about this, it was God's grace that gave David the victory. It will be God's grace when you are going through that will get you to the other side and onto victory. 
                            Another thing to consider in studying grace. David set aside 5 stones. One for Goliath and the four for his family members. (II Sam 21: 19-23) Grace will help plan and prepare you for future battles. We are a blessed people with our new covenant. Think about this---In Deuteronomy 28, the Jews had the blessings of Abraham. I like to call it the "loolipop" principle which says that if you do this, I will do this. In this list was the blessings and cursings. 
         In our new covenant, we have grace. We had grace for salvation and have it for our needs. A case in point is healing. Many dear saints are frustrated. They work hard for the kingdom and come to church every time the doors are opened, yet they are defeated and sick. Beloved, please do not misunderstand me, we need to live a holy life and not give place to the enemy but doing good works will not activate the power of God. 
          Grace is the missing ingredient. An example of this is the prayer of faith. James 5:15 says that it will heal us and forgive us of our sins. What does that means? God will extend grace to us "on credit." In spite of our missing it, he will still heal us when we use faith and grace. The danger to this is that once God reveals your sin, one needs to confess it and repent or a worse thing will come. 
         Did you know that in spite of the Old testament laws God extended grace to his own? Samson was a prime example of this. Many times, he had fallen into sin yet God covered him by his grace. (Judges 15:15, 16:1-3) The flip side of this is that Samson played with that grace and suffered great consequences. 
          So, brethren, let's take advantage of God's grace and receive it from his hand. How? By being humble. (I Peter 5:5) Let's put aside all pride and take full advantage of his grace. God wants us to grow, get healed and receive all that he has for us. 

Prayer--Dear Lord, point out any areas of pride in my life. I want to receive your grace. Help me to use grace to defeat the giants in my life. Help me to use grace to prepare myself for bigger and greater challenges. Help me to understand how to use grace through faith to grow in you. To be God-inside minded. To do the things that pleases you. To receive all that you have promised me through Christ. In Jesus name---Amen! 

                         

Being covenant minded!

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
                                 (I Samuel 17:36)


                   Are you covenant minded? That is the question that I want to ask you today. If you are born again, whether you know it or not, you have a covenant with God. In the Old testament, a proof of a covenant was circumcision, which was done on the eighth day. (Gen 17:11) When David saw the Giant raging and challenging Israel, he had his mind focused on one thing--covenant! He was covenant minded and had his mind set on victory. 
                    Our covenant with God is baptism in water. When we get baptized in water, we are circumcising our hearts and burying the old man. In other words, we are getting rid of the old sinful nature through the waters of baptism. (Rom 6:4/Col 2:12) It is just like joining a gang, but it is a spiritual gang where the boss is God Almighty-Praise God! Growing up in New York City, I saw a lot of things--Good and bad. 
                   One thing that I will, always, remember is gang initiation. When you join a gang, you have to go through an initiation. Sometimes, it involves getting beat up for a couple of minutes. After you pass the test, you are accepted. So, that means if anyone picks a fight with you, they have to fight the whole gang. Why? Because you are in covenant with that gang!
                    David knew the power of covenant. He saw his God deliver him from the bear and Lion. He had his eyes set on bigger things, bigger goals and bigger rewards. Are you going through? Take some time to rehearse your past victories like David did.                  
                 When trials and testings come to you. Fear not! You have a covenant with God. We tend to get discouraged when problems overwhelms us, but think about it--Problems are stepping stones to a reward. When David defeated the Giant, he got rewarded with riches, the king's daughter and living in the land tax free! That, also, applied to his family, too. (I Sam 17:25) So, when problems start growing as Giants, rejoice in the Lord. You will be blessed and see great rewards come to you. 

Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

                      

Works vs Salvation!

 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil 2:2)

                          This verse says a lot. Unfortunately, this verse has been very much misunderstood. Many legalists will say that you have to be saved by works because of this verse, but let's look at a couple of important points--

• First, we were created to be his workmanship created unto good works.(Eph 2:10) We do not work to be saved, we work because we are saved.
• Second, we are saved and seated in heavenly places. (Eph 2:6) If we are to work for our salvation, then we are not seated in heavenly places.
• Third, Our Salvation is complete in the spirit, but we have to put our souls (mind, will and emotions) and our flesh (Body) under the rule of the Holy Spirit. This takes work and it is a part of working our salvation in those two areas. Remember, man is a tri-part being and we need to be complete in that area as well. (I Thess 5:23) 
• Salvation is referred in the Greek word "Soteria" and it means perservation, protection, prosperity and healing. Those areas need to be worked out as well with fear and trembling. Why? God judges unbelief and it has serious consequences. (Rev 21:8)

                      So, in this day, determine to work out your salvation in those areas. Take some valuable time in the word and let it come alive in you. Not only will it change you but it will change your circumstances as well. 

The hidden power and benefit of grace--Part II

                         Last time we talked about grace, we saw how it protected Noah. Little is known about this wonderful power of God. We saw it at work in Noah's life. His society was perverse, dangerous and tough, nevertheless, God had mercy on his servant.
                           Today, we are going to see more about the hidden power of grace and what it does. I like to call it hidden because there are some who do not understand its functions. Hard to believe, but there are those who believe that Salvation has to be worked out until the end. Legalistic doctrines have been made about God's gift. I am amazed that some will argue with me and say you can't know that you are saved until you die.I, respectfully, have to differ.
                            The word says that you know that you have eternal life. (I John 5:13) So, if we know that we have eternal life, we are saved---point blank!  Eph 2:8-9 says that Salvation is a gift through grace not of works. Many will say, but what about the verse that says he that endured unto the end shall be saved? (Matt 24:13) Again, Matt 24:13 indicates works and that contradicts the gift of salvation. If you do a careful study of that chapter, that is talking about the Jews. (Matt 24:20)
                             When Jesus comes for his church, the dispensation of grace will cease and God will focus his attention to the Jews and the law. (Eph 3:2/Eph 1:10) Scriptures teaches us that in the last days, the sacrifices will be instituted again.  That is why the dispensation of grace was called a mystery. Jesus spoke very little about it to his disciples and that mystery was revealed to Paul. He spoke consistently about the mystery, which was the Jews and Gentiles becoming one. (Rom 11:25/ Eph 1:10)
                            That is why we need to be careful how we interpret scripture. I believe that God is full of mercy and grace, but nevertheless, we can't let our guard down. Sin has consequences and there is a place where one's salvation can be lost but it is not as easy as one thinks it is. Think about this, Jesus made this clear---what is born of flesh is flesh and what is spirit is spirit. (John 3:6)
                                Here is an example in understanding the benefits of grace--Even though we disappointed our family, they did not cast us out. I did not stop being a Santos because of a shortcoming. True, when I was a minor, I was disciplined and corrected but still remained a part of the family. The same is true in the spirit. God is not waiting for us to mess up and hit us with a club to send us to hell. He gives us grace and mercy. At times, he even corrects us and it is not a pretty sight.
                          When you were part of a Jewish family, there were standards to be followed. If a son caused shame and grief on the family, the father would then tear part of his clothes and call his son dead. The same is with us---If after we mature and stray away, our heart will get hardened. There will, then, come a time when God will see us dead. We don't want to get there. The good news is that God will, always, leave a door open as with the example of the prodigal son. Another clear example of the benefits of grace.
                             So, my friend, take advantage of God's grace while there is still time. If you are wrestling with some issues (and who isn't ?), ask God to have mercy on you. Ask him to work within you a spirit of repentance. Confess that you love righteousness and hate iniquity. As you do so, you will begin to hate what he hates and loves what he loves.That indeed is the hidden power of grace. God bless.
                       

The hidden power and benefit of grace.

                    But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Gen 6:8) 

                    Greetings. In this day, we are studying about the power and benefits of grace. Generally, the majority of Christians understand grace as unmerited favor and it is, but in this study,we will see that it is more than that. The Bible says that there is nothing new under the sun. What we see happening in our lifetime is just history repeating itself.
              How were the times in which Noah was living? If you read Gen 6:1-8 and Matt 24:37-39, you will get an idea of how rough it was. There were Giants in the land. These Giants were the result of fallen angels having sex with women. If you think Giants were the result of just Bible symbolism or fables, think again.
              History has shown that Giants truly existed. There has been bones found of Giants that were more than 10 feet tall or bigger. They were admired at that time because of their superhuman strength. Think about it...Superman was not the only original superhero! They were, also, known to have a big appetite consuming large amounts of meats. To add to that, they were known to eat humans also. (Numbers 13:32).
            Giants were intimidating and forced people into servitude. So this thing with Homosexuals forcing us to accept their lifestyle is nothing new. This is just history repeating itself. Plus, if you read Gen 6:1-8, you will find that every thought of man was evil continually. 
                   They were into gluttony, getting drunk and giving into marriage. Divorces and homosexual marriages were abounding, so much so, that it grieved God. How did grace apply to Noah? God's grace protected him and his family from the influence of the culture. God's grace, also, protected him from hurt and harm. Somehow in all this, Noah did not stop seeking God and he found grace with him.
So, in this day, continue to seek God's face. As you do so, you will find grace and see it protect you and your family. Grace will, also, show you what is your calling as we will see tomorrow in our next devotional. God bless.

Find the missing puzzle!

                                         Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net



Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline,
to help one understand wise sayings.
They provide insightful instruction,
which is righteous, just, and full of integrity.
They make the naive mature,
the young knowledgeable and discreet.
The wise hear them and grow in wisdom;
those with understanding gain guidance.
They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings,
the words of the wise, and their puzzles.
(Prov 1:1-6) (CEB)

              Lately, I have been studying the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is one of my favorite books because I cannot tell you the countless times these verses have provided the answers to life's toughest problems in my life. I, also, found that when you dig into the bible, you can find some precious treasures in life. Brethren, when you study the Bible, don't read it as a newspaper. Learn to read it as God's love letter to you.
                   Also, take advantage of technology. Bilbegateway offers a great way to enhance your bible studies with the different versions at hand. I am a fan of the King James version but I have found that you can find some nuggets of learning using different versions. I will enclose a link below,
                 I want you to pay attention to Proverbs 1:1-6. Notice on verse 6 (Common English Bible), it says that the words of the wise are like puzzles. When I was a kid, I liked doing puzzles. There were 100 piece puzzles which were easy to solve and there were 300 to 500 pieces, which were hard. The 500 piece puzzle required attention to detail and discipline. Sometimes, when I would take on the harder puzzle, my parents and sister would help.
                   In life, Circumstances can be a hard puzzle to solve. Sometimes, we need the church and the Pastor to provide the missing part but the most important of all is God! He has the missing piece of the puzzle. Life will give us a curve ball with its difficulties and challenges. Sometimes, we pull our hairs out and bite our nails thinking about our problems. I have good news---Get the missing piece of the puzzle in life. God is waiting to help you solve that mystery!
                      I want to issue out a challenge. Dig into the book of Proverbs. Study it! Meditate on it and even memorize it and see what God won't do! It will help you in the long run. So, today ask the Lord for wisdom. Remember Christ is made unto you wisdom. He is the know it all with all the answers in life and he lives in you. God bless.

www.biblegateway.com

Confronting your enemies!

                                  

                
 Picture courtesy of Image courtesy of anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. ( I Sam 17:36)

Whether you know it or not, you have a Lion and a Bear waiting for you. In a battle, it is important to identify and name your opponent. The Bible calls Jesus, the Lion of Judah and as children of God, we are Lion cubs, growing and getting groomed for battle. When I think of a Lion, it reminds me of the cowardly lion of the Wizard of Oz.
The poor sap had a problem with fear but at the end, a medal was given to the Lion by the Wizard of Oz to instill in him courage. We have more than that--The Bible says we are more than a conqueror. We have no reason to fear. So, what is the Lion in our lives? Satan! He comes in as a roaring lion, but guess what? He has been defeated and has no teeth. (Ps 3:7)
When we take our place in Christ, there is a roar. It reminds me of the Three Stooges when two of them masqueraded as a fake bull. When the real bull came in view, they left their costume and headed for the hills. The same with us as we take our place in Christ. All fear and unbelief is gone with our roar!
What is the Bear?

                                   IDENTIFYING THE BEAR! 

              Let's identify the Bear. The interesting part of I Sam 17:36 is the word slew. Slew means to kill. A wild beast like the Lion or Bear that is wounded can be dangerous. That is why many of you have seen your situation go from bad to worse. You have to slay those wild beasts.
In fact, as you read I Samuel 17:34-36, you find that David was no wimp. He was a tough guy who grabbed those beasts by the beard and beat them to death. We have to do the same with our spiritual enemies. Show them no mercy. 
Let's take a look at the bear. The bear represents finances. Two things I have to state my case. First, in the stock market, there is what is known as the Bear Market. The Bear Market is when it is tough to make a profit and the stocks are unsteady. Have you ever heard of the saying---That is a bear of a problem?
The reason why many have problems in the financial realm is that it is a Bear that is facing them. We need to be like David---Confront the problem and nip it at the bud. The first place we need to start is in our minds. We need to see ourselves victorious. We need to renew our minds. 
Our debts and finances are talking to us day and nights. Many are staying awake thinking how are we going to pay this bill! We need to talk back to our debts and financial oppression. 
In fact, we should gather our bills together on our table and converse with them on a daily basis. 
Learn to laugh at your problems. You are in covenant with God and if you are tithing and giving offerings, your enemies are God's enemies. In fact, he's laughing at them right now in heaven. (PS 2) Have a good laugh. Its good for you and see yourself in victory.

Bible verses provided by Biblegateway.com

Please look at my Free ebook offer below. I want to bless you. Thank you!

To all....

                                                  photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net



                First of all, thanks to all who have supported and read this blog on a frequent basis. As a special thank you, I would like to offer my eBook for free as my way to thank you for your support. 
Many reading this may be struggling with great financial needs. I am here to tell you that there is help coming your way. God has tremendous biblical principles that will help you get your debts paid and help you to walk in abundance.
                      Personally, I have experienced this in my life. I have sown in the past and have reaped tremendous financial and other rewards. Learn how to use God's principles in my book so that you can be blessed and walk in victory. Also, look us up at our facebook page--How to pray for finances. In it, you will find some financial tips, videos and further instructions on prayer itself. Also, feel free to invite others as well. So do yourself a favor and send me an email. You can email me at 
angelsantos72003@yahoo.com and request your free copy. This book is a gift that I, personally, want to sow into your life as a small token of appreciation of your support. God bless. 

From my heart to yours!

                                              photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net    
                  

                First, I want to thank you for helping me with my facebook likes and giving me some support. I, really, appreciate all you do for me and the ministry. God has given me the gift of writing and so far, I have written two eBooks. While I have not gotten rich over my books, it has been a rewarding experience.

                Also, the Lord has shown me some vital keys in praying for my finances. Just recently, I sowed into a ministry $58.00 and in about 2 weeks, I got a check for $4,000! While I rejoice at that testimony, I did not get to that faith level overnight. It took a while and some hard work. (Trial and error), but lately God has given me some revelation knowledge that has paid off for me. 

                 I was led to write How to pray for finances and thought that I could sell it to my brethren for a small investment, but lately, the Lord told me to offer it for free. You may ask---What will it cost me? Nothing! God has worked it out beautifully in that I can offer my facebook partners my book for free, but hurry, this offer will not last long. You have 2 weeks in which to act. Just email me at angelsantos72003@yahoo.com and I will rush it to you. 

                    I, only, ask that you invite your friends to our like page. We need to get the good news to others as well. In these last days, many will be in need of finances. This is an excellent tool to have the bait for others to be saved. Think about this, if I was unsaved and in need of finances, I would be open to the good news. So, can you help me reach others with my page? I would like to reach 1,000,000 likes. Please consider this task prayerfully. Anyway, enjoy your book  and God bless you. 

            

                               Pastor Angel 

Is tomorrow not promised?

                                           Picture courtesy of  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)

                                                         Knowledge of his will 

               Tomorrow is not promised. Many in the body of Christ say that so much. At times, it may sound biblical, but the truth of the matter is, it is not in the Bible. Many confuse the above verse to speak about death coming to you at any time, but it is not. A look at Col 1:9 adds a piece to the puzzle---

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9)

              Notice that the word, clearly, says with the knowledge of his will. Whose will? The will of God! God's word is God's will! Many, including yours truly, have in the past made our plans. We, even, talk to God in our prayers for the plan of the day. What about God's plan? 

                In a marriage, a man does not, always, carry out his plans....It makes common sense to consult with his wife and get her mind in the matter. In fact, if a man carries out his plan especially in the financial area without consulting his wife, he is asking for trouble.The same with God. Marriage is a covenant between a man and a wife. Likewise, it is the same with God. We are in covenant with him. 
It simply makes good sense to just ask God---Ok, what is your will for me today? The day goes better for us when we do it and we won't have to be out of the will of God. I will take this a little further. God wants to reveal your calling and your purpose in life. (Eph 1:18)

                                               Fulfilling your will and purpose.

                  Friend, don't ever go through life without fulfilling your purpose and calling in life. It is possible to die before your time. (Ecc 7:17) Make sure that death does not surprise you doing your "own" thing. Make sure you finish the work and purpose assigned to you. 
You may reason---Ok, I don't agree. If the Lord wants me to be alive, he will protect me because he is sovereign. Well, look at it this way---You don't get up and say if the Lord wills, he will comb my hair. If the Lord wills, he will brush my teeth. There are some things that are left to you. You have a part to do.
Let me prove my case by sharing the verse below---

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9)

                The key word is willing. Not all that God wants will be accomplished on earth? Why? Because people have a part to do in helping God fulfill his will on the earth. In this case, he is not going to violate the human will to force mankind to accept salvation! The same applies to healing, prosperity and long life. Again in Ecc 7:17, there are things that you and I can do to shorten our lives and not accomplish God's calling and assignment. Some will disagree and quote James 4:15. Let's take a good look at that verse---

                            "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
                                                               (James 4:15)

                        Yes, I agree that it does say if God wills, we shall live and do this. James 4:14 says that our lives are a vapor, but let's look at it from the time it was written. These Christians needed to be aware that not all were called to be a businessman (woman). Some were called to be martyrs. 
They needed to stand watch to be ready to fulfill their calling as martyrs to give up their lives for Jesus. True, everyone is supposed to give their lives for the Lord, but there are some that God will spare in order to fulfill their calling. That is where the knowledge of God comes in. You need to know where lies your calling and assignment. You need to be sure that you are fulfilling your calling and place in God. 
                                  A case in point was Paul. He knew that he was called to be a martyr, but he loved the brethren so much, he asked the Lord for an extension on his life. He went beyond the call of duty and stopped the hand of death in his life. (Read II Tim 4:17, Phil 1:23) Another case in point was the Apostle John. Tradition says that he was tortured and put in a pot of boiling oil. They had tried to kill him but could not. He was exiled in Patmos and when he fulfilled his sentence, he preached until he was in his 80's. (Rev 10:9-11) 
                            Another example is prayer. I was so angered that the Muslims over in Iraq were killing and torturing Christians that I wondered how Satan is taking advantage of robbing many from fulfilling their calling in life.So, I decided to pray for them and dispatched angels on their behalf. After a few days, I rejoiced. Why? Because God had raised up an army of Kurds to face the Muslims for battle. As a result, many Christians were spared and they got to, eventually, come back to their homes. Friends, prayer works! 
                     In America, we don't have people killing Christians, at least, not yet. True, we must be willing to give our lives for the Lord if need be, but I am convinced that through our prayers, things can change. God wants to use us more than we can imagine. So, in this day, don't let the devil rob you from your divine destiny through his lies. Decide to find out where God has called you to and fulfill your assignment. You will be happy you did!

             

Your roots are in Christ!

                                         Your roots are listed in God's word!
                                          Picture provided by www.freedigitalphotos.net/


"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
                                     ( I Peter 2:9)


                  This verse says it all. A holy nation (singular), not nations! If we were to take this to heart, racism within the church would be wiped away. There is no separation of races because all are one in Christ. It is interesting that when God revealed his plan to Abraham that he was to become the father of all nations, he started with the stars. That indicates the spiritual seed came first in God's mind.
                  If we were to so identify ourselves with Christ, we would enjoy a trainload of blessings. It is amazing how ancestry.com can promote and make money just by stirring up people's curiosity of where they came from and their roots. Many of them take pride in being related to a famous person. Nothing wrong with searching for your natural roots. I did search for my roots and found a blend of etnic backgrounds in my family. I have to admit it was interesting what I found out through ancestry.com.
                How much more in Christ?  I, for one, am happy to be related with Christ Jesus--God in the flesh! The one who created the universe. You can't get better than that! If you want to find your roots in the natural, read Noah's life in Genesis. I am sure you can find your etnic background in there. Again, nothing wrong with trying to find your roots, but when you spend time searching  your roots in Christ, you will be astounded at what you see. First, Acts 17:26, says that when we accepted Jesus, you and I are of the same blood.
                 Some of us don't like the sound of the word blood. To some, it brings bad memories of an acccident or a tragic event. But, blood can be a good thing. How many of you would like to be from a  family with blue blood? Blue blood means coming from royalty and  I Peter 2:9 says it all! A royal priesthood. You and I came from royalty!
                   Second, sickness and generational curses travels through the blood. How many of you would like to have Christ's blood flow through your veins and kill all the germs, sicknesses and bacteria? It can be done through communion and remembering what Christ done for us! Meditate on your roots in Christ. It can be a life-changing experience! God bless!

Bible verses by www.biblegateway.com

                        

Be careful with your feelings!

                                          Picture courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/


 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

                           Many times, when we hear the word soul, we, automatically, think of the spirit and yes, in some bible verses it may imply that.  In others, the soul is completely different. One thing to see is that man was created in three beings---Spirit, soul and body. (I Thess 5:23) The soul implies the mind, thoughts and feelings. In the above verse (Heb 4:12), we see that the word helps us to see the difference between our thoughts (Soul) and God's thoughts (Spirit).  You see, Brethren, we need to be so Christ-inside minded that our very thoughts are in line with his thoughts. We need to have discernment on identifying our feelings and if its in line with the word. Remember, you have the mind of Christ!
                      A case in point was Noah. God gave them a command. Let's look at the verse below--
            " And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. " (Gen 9:1)
                  Sounds familiar? Of course! That is the same command given to Adam and Eve. God had allowed a flood to come in the form of rain and destroy mankind, except for Noah and his family. Now, Noah and his family were given a charge---Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth!
Sounds simple, right? Wrong. If you continue to read the accounts, Noah and his family did not follow through on God's command. How do I know this? If you read Gen 11:4, we see Noah's seed. They wanted to build a tower whose top may reach heaven, make a name and finally the words....Lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of this earth! It started with one act of disobedience and grew into defiance and pride.
          Defiance because of making a tower whose top may reach heaven. Brethren, they were building this tower in case another flood came. They knew about God and heard about his works, but they fell into the same carnal mindset of the past before the flood. Sin multiplied and it was contaminating society. They knew that God was going to judge them and prepared themselves for the flood---just in case.
                    They were, also, prideful. They wanted to have the glory and not give it to God. Pride comes before a fall. The root of this was the first command of God --To be scattered about the earth and they were not about to do this. What happened? They dwelt in Sinar, which was Babylon. Babylon means confusion. When you depart from God's command in your life, you dwell in confusion.
             What happened after this? God had an ace up his sleeve. He did not judge them with the flood, but with confusion of their language. Before this, they spoke one language, now their language was split into different dialects and words and they could not communicate. Are you relying on your feelings? Seek God's face and get some godly counsel. Yes, there are times in which God speaks through feelings, but be careful that it does not contradict the word nor God's direction for your life. Failure to follow through can not only affect you but your family and generations to come. God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com