EYES ON THE HARVEST. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, “Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.” Romans 15:20-21

Observation:
Paul’s ambition is to reach the outsiders and to proclaim the name of Christ where no one has been able to proclaim it. His ambition wasn’t fueled by his own inspiration or desire to be different. His ambition was fueled directly from the Scripture. He saw this plan laid out in Isaiah 52:15. Paul’s biblical strategy caused to have his eyes on the harvest, to reach for those who are lost, and to focus on people that haven’t been tapped by anyone else with the Good News.

Application:
As we continue in our journey serving God in the work of the ministry, it’s very easy to miss the plan laid out in the Scriptures. We may get comfortable with the people already reached and we forget to go to those who have not been touched with the Gospel. We may place too much attention to those who come from other churches. But we cannot forget about the harvest. We must be intentional about giving outsiders a clear and relevant presentation of the Gospel. We must strive to follow God’s plan to proclaim the Good News in a way that people understand it. We cannot give up! We cannot falter! We must keep our eyes on the harvest and set our focus on those who any church is reaching. There are thousands that are on the fence of their relationship with God and need us to bring them closer to God. That’s our plan. That’s our mission. That’s our assignment. We must never forget that!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, this morning I want to refocus my life and set my eyes in the harvest once again. Sometimes is easier to forget our mission. Let me take our church into a new season where we will fix our eyes in reaching the lost. Let us not be distracted with what other churches have done or are doing. We have our assignment and we must be faithful to it. Give me wisdom and the right words to inspire and mobilize the church to bring more people closer to God. Let us follow the plan you have to present the Gospel in a relevant way to people so they have a fair chance to accept it. Please use our church to reap the harvest and give us the heart of compassion that we need to proclaim the Good News with effectiveness and power. Amen!

RUNNIG TO THE CROSS. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that i dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Romans 7:22-25

Observation:
These words from Paul are probably the most real and easy to relate as followers of Christ. The greatest disappointment we encounter in our walk with God is when we allow sin to master again over our lives. Everything in our hearts is disrupted when sin comes in. No wonder Paul feels so miserable when that happens. And the cry for hope comes natural. Who can set us free? He answers, “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is the magnificent truth that gets buried underneath our sinful behavior. We cannot see the cross and its power to set us free when we run towards self-pity and despair. We need to run to the cross, where God’s love and grace is waiting for us to embrace us, to cleanse us, and to set us free again.

Application:
Running to the cross is not the first reaction I have when sin temporarily masters over me. This past week I’ve been feeling miserable because my vulnerability to the enemy’s temptations. I’ve been very disappointed because some battles lost in the recent days. Instead of running to the cross, I’ve been running to condemnation. What a joy to hear these words from God in this particular season of my life. My friend Gregg reminded me over the weekend the strategy that the enemy uses to get the most advantage of us. Our sinful nature knows how to blow a lethal double punch. First, it jabs us with temptation. The enemy is relentless jabbing with the left, constantly alluring and seducing. Sinful natures says, “Don’t worry! One more time is not going to hurt.” Overtime, we become numb and our guard weakens. The jab connects. Then, like the best boxers, the enemy throws the second power punch, a right hook filled with accusations and condemnation. Sinful nature then says, “You are the worse Christian ever. God doesn’t love you anymore and He is going to be so mad at you.” At this point, we need to run to the cross for cover if we want to avoid a knockdown. In our corner we will hear God’s voice saying something completely different. At the cross we don’t hear accusations. We only hear God’s encouragement to keep fighting. And at the cross we also find grace and forgiveness.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, this morning I’m running to the cross for cover. You are my place for refuge when I get pounded my a merciless enemy. Please forgive me for putting my guard down and for letting sin master over my life. Thank you for the cross, for your forgiveness, and for being faithful to me, even when I am not faithful to you. Please me prepare me for the unavoidable battles I will have in the future. Help me to become a skilled boxer. Give me the endurance to resist the jabs of temptation that the enemy keeps throwing at me. Help me to keep my guard up at all times and let me stay free from the power of sin over my life. Amen!

TEACHING GOD'S WORD. By Cheri Shiinoki

SCRIPTURE
13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15

OBSERVATION
Throughout the Book of Corinthians, Paul talks about all of the false prophets that the people were following. What they were saying was smooth and may have seemed logical but was not consistent with God's Word. What happened? Did the false prophets start off being false? Did they intend to serve Satan instead of God? Surely, not all of them started their journey to deliberately mislead people. More likely, they were excited about the word of God, began to preach about it, and eventually became so confident in their knowledge that they "crossed the line," became arrogant, and stopped seeking the guidance of God.

APPLICATION
In the Children's Ministry, we are being trusted to teach children the Word of God. As a curriculum team and as teachers, we need to make sure that we are checking our teachings so that they are consistent with the Bible and that we are listening to God for the messages he wants us to teach. Prayer and discussion with God-seeking individuals about our teaching plans is so important to keep us from crossing the fine line between teaching God's message and teaching our message.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for cautioning us today about the great trust that we have been given to teach your young children. Please keep us humble, always seeking your message for the children, and always checking ourselves as we plan and teach. Keep us on your path, never crossing the line where we start believing our path of righteousness instead of yours. Thank you for allowing us to teach your children. We realize how much trust has been placed with us and ask you to help us steward that responsibility well, with love and always under your guidance. In your precious name, amen.

EXAMINING RELATIONSHIPS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
...You should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. for if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are drinking and eating God’s judgment upon yourself. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

Observation:
The purpose of breaking bread and drinking the cup was to maintain a strong bond of unity within the body of Christ. That’s why the word “communion” was used as the people of God get together to remember the price Christ paid. The sacrifice of Jesus at the cross brings people together in a common union of harmony, sincere love, and respect. Every time that such communion is broken, intentionally or unintentionally, the members of the body become defiled and unworthy. Neither Jesus nor Paul intended to make the breaking of bread and the drinking of the cup a religious practice. They wanted it to be an opportunity to examine our relationships, to strengthen the bond of unity that our flesh makes so fragile, to restore severed relationships, and to bring honor to God in such a way.

Application:
I often find disturbing how many people take communion lightly. Many of us come to celebrate communion offended, or right after offending others. We eat the bread, we drink the cup, and we never stop to examine our relationships, just like Paul instructed us. Sometimes we celebrate communion when there is no common union with others in the body. Healthy and loving relationships is what makes the body of Christ, the church, completely unique. The bond of unity that the cross provides shouldn’t be taken for granted. Our flesh will always come along to sabotage our unity as brothers and sisters. Our fears, our insecurities, our bad habits, our poor people skills, and our sinful nature in general will continue attacking the unity that Christ paid for at the cross with His precious life. That’s why as we examine ourselves and our relationships, we honor Christ and His sacrifice as we receive and give forgiveness, as we restore relationships, and as we commit once again to be ONE harmonious body before the Lord.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I have come to the Lord’s Table unprepared, unworthy, and with grudges towards a brother or sister in your body. Please make me aware of the dynamic purpose of coming together to examine our relationships and to restore anything our sinful nature has destroyed. Let us honor your sacrifice by the way we love each other. Amen!

CROWD PLEASER. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
So Pilate, anxious to please the crowd, released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify him. Mark 15:15

Observation:
Pilate was an insecure leader, unwilling to do the right thing if people would give him a hard time. He wanted to please the crowds above giving justice. He knew that Jesus was innocent and that the Jews were envious of Him. However, he made his decisions according to the flawed hierarchy of his values. Crowd pleasers make the worse decisions ever.

Application:
As a leader, I know the pressure that the crowd can bring to tilt decisions according to their preference. Especially in a culture where democracy is highly valued, people feel entitled to voice their opinion and manipulate leaders to do what the crowd wants. Many leaders protect their position and please the crowds. Other leaders protect their values and please their conscience. If I become insecure or if I start second-guessing what I know is right, the noise of the crowd will become louder and more important for me. Any moment that the hierarchy of my values change and places the will of the crowd above the will of God, I will certainly make decisions that I will regret bitterly. But when I make decisions, not to please crowd, but to please God, even if the decision is not highly successful, I will not live with regrets. My conscience will be clear and free from doubts.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, please help me to be secure in your calling, not in a position. Help me to walk in the integrity of my heart following your voice above the noise of the crowd. Help me to make decisions that are according to your will and acceptable in my conscience. Show me when I’m tilting towards the crowd and move me back to where there is solid ground. Let your glory shine in everything I do as a leader and as a follower of Jesus. Amen!

SUSTAINED BY PRAYER. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
He went down a little farther and fell face down on the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father, ” he said, “everything id possible for you. Please tale this cup of suffering away from me. Yet, i want your will , not mine.” Mark 14:35-36

Observation:
Jesus knew his calling to go through the cross in order to fulfill God’s plan for humanity. No other human being could do this! That’s why Jesus took human form in order to get it done. However, doing the will of the Father wasn’t easy. Horror and distress filled his heart to the point of exhaustion. That’s why Jesus goes to seek God and be sustained in prayer. In the realm of prayer Jesus found focus, strength, and determination. He found a place where surrendering to the will of God was everything. And during his most difficult moments, jesus is always found talking to God, surrounded and sustained by prayer.

Application:
When hard times come we need to seek the presence of God like never before. In the realm of prayer we can find sustain that neither hard work, nor entertainment, nor hobbies bring. It’s in prayer that we find focus to deal with the storms we face in a daily basis. The key is to rely in God through meaningful and humble prayer. All of us walking with Christ will face tough times. We will be distressed, scared, and sometimes unwilling to follow God’s will. That’s why we need the strength that genuine prayer provides. Also as a minister, I signed up consciously to a lifestyle of constant self-sacrifice where people will criticize, mock, undermine, attack, and sometimes, hurt. Currently I’m facing a series of misunderstandings with someone I consider a dear friend. The more I try to make things right, the more I discover that my friend is hurt and for some reason he cannot embrace restoration. This kind of incidents drain me emotionally. I’m also dealing with a younger brother in the faith that has been receptive to a form of heresy. This false teaching is coming from another gentleman that seems to not have the fruit of the Spirit in his life. I need to confront clearly both the younger man that seems so gullible and the other man that seems so confused. In all this, I need to do this sustained by prayer.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I have a real need to be sustained in prayer. I don’t want to deal with all these situations that come with the territory, but not my will, but your will be done in my life. Please give me wisdom and discernment to make confident decisions. Give me grace to respond to these situations with grace and with conviction. Please sustain me during this season as I seek for your strength in prayer. I love you Lord and I depend on you. Amen!

HARDENED HEARTS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
They still did not understand the significance of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe. Mark 6:52

Observation:
Jesus was extremely patient with His disciples. Many times they were slow to gain insight on Jesus’ messages and miracles. They were so perplexed and astonished at the miracle of the feeding of thousands that they couldn’t catch up with what Jesus was doing next. Mark is quick to point out the reason of their behavior - hardness of heart. They had Messiah right in front of them and they couldn’t see Him or recognize Him. The hardness of their heart caused them to not believe. One thing is to is to doubt what someone tells you, and another is to doubt what you have seen with your own eyes. They were second guessing themselves and couldn’t believe what was already happening before them.

Application:
Hardness of heart is not a demonized attitude. In fact, it’s very common in all of us and regularly practiced by default. As followers of Christ we may try to push our way. But when an instruction that contradicts or challenges where we want to go is given, our hardness of heart will motivate several thoughts and attitudes that may not please God. We may try to undermine, rationalize, and/or stubbornly make a case for our ways. Our choice should always be to trust and obey, even when we don’t understand what God is asking for. I should appreciate the patience of the Holy Spirit and all my mentors and teachers that have been bearing with my hardness of heart. I should trust them and obey them, softening my heart, and embracing an attitude of genuine submission to the divine order of God.

Also as a leader, I must extend patience and compassion at all times, especially to those under my care that have a hardened heart and that undermine my instructions or cannot listen to my lessons. I must not treat these people as if they were stupid or rebellious. I must extend the same compassion the Lord Jesus gives me when I’m the one slow and hard to listen His instructions for my life.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I truly want to be more like your Son Jesus when it comes to be a servant leader. Let me be more patient and compassionate with those who are hardened. They are not worse than me, and I’m not better than them. We all love you and want the blessings of faithfulness in our lives. Let us be obedient in your ways. Let us be soft in heart to your instructions, and guide us into a more trustworthy relationship with you. Amen!

THE TENSION BETWEEN RULES AND RELATIONSHIPS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath. And I, the Son of Man, am master even of the Sabbath!” Mark 2:27-28

Observation:
The Pharisees made a big deal about Jesus and his disciples’ activities on the Sabbath. They had rules about the Sabbath that were sometimes ridiculous. They took one of the ten commandments and built a whole commentary based on hundreds of rules about the Sabbath. This tradition came so far as to change the original intent of God with t he Sabbath. Jesus challenged that mindset and brings back the original intent for God’s rules--to benefit people. Jesus points out that the best way to solve a tension between rules and relationships is to air on the side of relationships without breaking the original intent of the rules.

Application:
Rules are important and necessary because they provide margins that define the pathway in front of us. Just like cones properly arranged in a traffic hazard zone provide a clear lane for flow, rules are meant to benefit the people that use them. One problem comes if we get rid of the cones and allow people to drive over the hazards, hoping for no accidents. Another problem comes when the cones become barricades rather than delineators. People get stalled and flow is interrupted. This creates a tension that must be balanced. And when someone with authority deals with the tension and tries to arrange the cones in the right way, some other people will get offended. These people deal with this tension by putting rules about people. For them is more important to follow procedure than being effective. Rules become red tape. And this generates frustration and sometimes rebellion. We need to deal with tension by honoring people above the rules. And this mindset requires a greater sense of discipline and discernment. Rules are to bless people, not to make their lives more complicated. We need to embrace rules, but we need to manage them well so they never become more important than relationships.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I put rules above relationships, or when I dismiss certain rules in order to make people happy. Give me wisdom and discernment to deal with this in a way that honors you. Amen!

THE REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with boldness and teaching about he Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. Acts 28:30-31

Observation:
What an amazing way to close the book of Acts. Paul was able to get to the place God revealed to him. He was at Rome, faithfully preaching and teaching without serious opposition. Paul’s faithfulness was tested with persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. But he was able to endure all of them. He trusted God and His plan to take him to Rome to proclaim the Good News. He knew that God was faithful, so he was bale to be faithful. And the best part of all, is that God rewarded his faithfulness and Paul became the instrument of God to proclaim the Gospel around the known world in a relatively short period of time.

Application:
Faithfulness trumps personal ability and it will always bring the rewards that God has promised. Paul was many things, but his greatest virtue was faithfulness. He trusted God’s revelation of getting to Rome, the most influential place in the world, to proclaim the most powerful message ever delivered. When he saw all the doors closing and no way of escape, he trusted God and had hope for a miracle. Every single time God rescued him. It’s amazing what faithfulness to God and His promises does in our lives. No matter what opposition we face, when we are faithful and endure, we will walk into the promises of God trusting not in our abilities, but in God’s faithfulness. Today I’m encouraged to face any opposition, any kind of roadblock, and any kind of storm, knowing that God has a redeeming purpose on the other side of my trials. My hope is still alive because I remain faithful to the One who is always faithful.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being always faithful and true. You have given clear images of the future that become blurry when we face opposition. But your faithfulness makes me endure and helps me to be more faithful to you. Please remind me of what waits on the other side of the storm. Show me what is coming after the test. Reveal to me the reward that will come to your people as i continue being faithful to you. Grant me more faithfulness to honor you and to advance your kingdom in the few years I have ahead of me. Thank you Lord. Amen!

A MORE ACCURATE MESSAGE. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
He (Apollos) had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:25-26

Observation:
Apollos was a bold speaker and messenger of the Good News. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence about Jesus but he only knew about the baptism on water. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained him a more accurate way, that includes the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture refers to this teaching as a “more accurate” way of God. In fact, in the book of Acts we keep reading about believers that were not aware to this part of the Gospel and that were taught about this topic for their complete revelation of the work of God and His grace over them. The early disciples knew that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit was an essential part of their daily walk with God.

Application:
Interesting to find about many honest and sincere believers today that only know about the baptism on water, but have no understanding of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. We must be like Priscilla and Aquila in that regard when we encounter people like Apollos. We need to take them aside and explain the way of God more accurately. As a shepherd, I need to be eager to see our flock not only understanding but also living under the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I need to feed them well and include this important part of the gospel in their spiritual diet.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for the precious gift of your Holy Spirit in my life. Great to walk in a more accurate way. Please help me to take people aside and explain them about this wonderful experience, that is part of the blessings we have because of the cross. Fill our church with your Holy Spirit and let all our people experience the blessing of being baptized with fire from heaven. Amen!

ESSENTIAL "BURDENS." By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
For it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden that these essentials - that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Acts 15:28-29

Observation:
The Early Church fathers understood the importance of honoring basic essentials in the disciplines of new Gentile converts. In many ways, these essentials were “burdens” necessary for their well-being, spiritual growth, sanctification, and witnessing. The good care of their bodies was seen as an essential concern for new believers to follow. A healthy diet and a godly sexual life were very important, at the top of the list. When this foundation is not strong, other disciplines cannot be built. The apostles did not want new believers slaved in a lifestyle that compromises in those areas. They know that when believers walk away from sexual immorality, idol worship, and unhealthy habits, they will be free and do very well in their spiritual journey.

Application:
These essential burdens set up by the apostles deal with “separation” and “consecration.” A follower of Christ is not like everyone else. A disciple of Jesus doesn’t share the same values of the world, but pledges allegiance to the Word of God and its principles. If these are essential burdens for a disciple, then those who are called to be leaders must build upon them. These basics must remain strong and unshakable for a leader in the church. If as a leader I’m not consecrated/separated for the purposes of God, then I will not be free and i will certainly loose effectiveness in my purpose of service. Such separation, the acceptance and observance of these essentials, defines the starting point of a lifestyle that honors God and His Word. An the word the apostles used is “BURDEN” because this essential are not easy. They require sacrifice, hard work, endurance, determination, and self-control. The flesh must be kept weak. And as the flesh weakens, the spirit becomes stronger.

I think every leader must take a regular break and evaluate their walk with the Lord and their observance of these essential burdens. As I dedicate my life to the ministry, I need to be honest about my separation from the things of the world and live consistently in a lifestyle of consecration - to the things that establish a firm foundation in my worship to God. I must honor the Lord with my body and mind, not just with my sermons. counseling, prayers, and songs. The more I do that, the more prepared I will be for the next season of leadership.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to focus more in the way I keep my entire life consecrated to you. Let me have a consistent determination about this, honoring daily your Word, serving you with all my heart, and pruning back to these essentials in my lifestyle. Let me live separated from this world and dedicated to your purposes. Amen!

GREAT REMINDERS. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
After preaching the Good news in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations. Acts 14:21-22

Observation:
As new local churches were born and many more disciples were added to the Church, Paul and Barnabas identified and addressed the need to encourage and remind the followers of Christ about persistence and endurance in their walk with God. The Scripture never makes false promises of constant happiness or uninterrupted growth. In fact, the true messengers of the Good News are have very realistic expectations about life, its troubles, its discouragement, and its ups and downs. They know that faith is fragile and vulnerable to the blows of life. They knew that the new disciples were facing opposition from other people and from their own flesh. They were discouraged because of persecution and injustice. That’s why Paul and Barnabas were full time encouragers. They want to make sure that those who started strong with God remain strong for the the rest of the journey.

Application:
Life is tough, even for a genuine believer of Christ. Our relationship with God doesn’t make us immune to suffering. In fact, because our relationship with God we will be expose to tribulations and pain. The closer we get to God, the bigger targets we become to the enemy’s fury. For that reason, I need to be an encouragement for people around me. It’s easier to be deceived and think that strong starts in the faith will carry people to the end of the race. On the contrary, I’ve seen people that crush soon after they become excited about the Lord. I need to be reminded of this reality in my own life, but also in the lives of others. I need to remind others about this reality and strengthen them when their faith is weakened. Having the key to access to the Kingdom of God is a gift of God’s grace, but we must endure the journey towards the gates of the kingdom and endure to the end. We will succeed, as long as we don’t let go of the key.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be always an encourager for those around me. Give me discernment and a especial anointing to speak refreshing words to those who feel weak in their faith. Let me share the Good News in a way that turns people from their despair to hope. Let me remind people of the realities of our journey with you, that even though we suffer all kinds of tribulations and unfair treatment, you are always with us and for us. Amen!

A HIGHER SENSE OF INTEGRITY. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
Job would consecrate his sons, raising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:5

Observation:
Job had a high sense of integrity, not only for himself, but also for those under his care. As a father and a leader, he was very disciplined and quick to seek God’s face in repentance every single morning. He couldn’t bear the thought of having a day away from God’s presence and favor. He wouldn’t allow any sin, intentional or unintentional, to take away from his integrity and devotion to God. Hi tried to keep a high sense of integrity before the Lord. Perhaps that’s the reason why God is so confident that Job will pass Satan’s test. Job’s higher sense of integrity gave him the ability to get up again after each blow of the enemy, not to curse God, but to continue devoted to Him.

Application:
In many ways, I’m the only one responsible for the stewardship of my integrity. Fortunately, there are people around me that love me and help me to be aware and deal with my blind spots. These are people that pray for me and would confront me in a loving way in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before God. In the same way, I must help those under my care to pay attention to their habits, actions, attitudes, motivations, and mindset in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before the Lord. I should never be afraid to confront towards a higher sense of integrity. As I personally pursue integrity, others will pursue it. This principle gives me focus as I pray for other people, specially for my family, my ministry team, and the congregation I lead. The integrity of my heart as a shepherd covers and influences many people. For that reason, I must pay close attention to my regimen, specially in my intercession early in the morning, to make sure that my sense of integrity for me and for those around me is always higher.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to live as a good steward of integrity. I need your help to be more responsible for my own high sense of integrity, but also to stand on the gap and intercede for the integrity of your people. Help me Lord to be more passionate about it, with a holy zeal about it, and with a deeper understanding of the ways you pour out your favor upon your people. Create in me a consistent heart for intercession and a desire to restore daily a high sense of integrity. Amen!

THE "FRUITFULNESS OVER TIME" TEST. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it i of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

Observation:
Gamaliel’s advice was result of both his experience and intuition about the problems that the high council had with the Early Church. God used this man to influence the religious establishment of the time and spare the lives of the apostles. Gamaliel’s words reveal the essence of a test of “fruitfulness over time.” A drastic intervention was not necessary. If a movement comes from God, nobody can stop it. But if it’s not of God, it will be stopped one way or another. And history proved that the apostles were following the plan of God. The church continued growing with supernatural force and today is about to reach every person of the world with its message.

Application:
As many people claim they are following God’s will for their lives, sometimes is very difficult to discern how much of their plans are being blessed by God. Fruitfulness over time is the best way to test if God truly has directed someone. There is no point to oppose somebody with judgments alone. It's true that some people have character flaws, or they are mavericks in their own approach of life; but still, God could be calling them to serve Him in a very unique capacity. Who am I to oppose them? Who am I to stand on their way? I should never speak judgment against them or criticize their approach. I should leave them alone and wait and see if God is truly with them. I should never be fighting against God! I don’t know all the answers and I’m not the only one with vision for this city and for our church.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your faithfulness and for putting your hand and favor over my life. I don’t deserve so much and yet you bless me constantly. Please give me wisdom to always chose your side. I don't want to be found fighting against your plans. I always want to be found in your team. Let me apply the fruitfulness over time test as I deal with new ideas, vision, and people. Amen!

STILL & QUIET. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with his mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord - now and always. Psalm 131.

Observation:
This short psalm of David reveals the importance of simplicity and devotion before God. When we deal with the different issues of life, our nature is to overcome, to find solutions, and to make our lives much better. However, this pursuit can become very self-centered, prideful, and independent from God’s wisdom and intervention. That’s why David concluded that it was better to be still and quiet before God, just like a child runs to his mother for safety and comfort. This is the only way we truly put our hope in God, not in our efforts and good intentions.

Application:
How easy is to focus on our own strength when facing situations in life. My kids love to be independent until they hit a roadblock. They run to me or mommy to find help because they trust in our ability to help them. One of the tragedies of getting old is forgetting that we can always put our trust in God. Self-confidence is important and needs to be developed. God wants is to learn how to solve problems, to make wise decisions, and to deal wisely with difficulties. But He never wants us to do it alone. He is always there to assist us when we need Him. So let’s be still and quiet before God in a regular basis. Let’s dedicate more time and energy to be devoted to him, without barring our head in the ground. We can put all our trust in him, now and forever.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times I want to walk though the issues of life on my own, thinking that I can do things without you. let me be more dependent on you, just like my kids are dependent on me and Karen. Let me put my trust in you for all the issues I face daily in my personal life, in my family, and in the ministry. Amen!

NOT AFRAID. By Pastor Jan Tomai.

Scripture:
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God." "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7

Observation:
Jesus wants us to fear God (v. 4, 5). Not a "paralyzing, I am going to die" fear, but fear or awe that brings forth trust in God's love for us. Jesus goes on to declare that nothing happens in our lives that God does not care about. No detail is too small for his consideration. God looks on our lives with ever expanding vision.

Application:
I have heard these scriptures many times. And, each time I read them aloud, afresh, and believe...I am brought closer to God. I have this habit of letting struggles, difficulties, or crises interrupt my relationship with God. I find myself moving away from God. There God is just waiting on me with open, loving arms to trust in Him once more. He didn't move, I did. And, if His love isn't complete enough in caring about every detail of my life, He stirs up the Spirit within me (Haggai 1:14) to bring me closer to Him. Isn't it awesome to have a God of detail!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being a God of detail. Help me to walk each and everyday with renewed trust in You. I lift up those that need to experience our loving God. Those that are under unfair judgment, pain, suffering, loss of family, friendships, divorce, poverty, depression or whatever struggles they face day to day. I give you praise and thanks for what You have already done and what You are about to do!

LESSONS FROM FASTING & FEASTING. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
His father said to him, “Look dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and now has come to life! He was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:31-32

Observation:
While the prodigal son is suffering and forced into fasting, he learns life-changing lessons. He learns how good the love of his father was and how much better life is for a slave in his father’s house than for a man living faraway from it. He is forced to fast the good things in life. Then he decides to humble himself and return to his father. He is received with great joy and the father calls for a feast to celebrate the return of his lost son. But the other brother was upset. He had many opportunities to feast with his father but he didn’t. He was so close to the father, yet so far away from his heart. He forgot the lessons in the feast.

Application:
The lessons we learn fasting cannot be forgotten while feasting. Many of us have gone through difficult seasons, sometimes because of our stubbornness and poor decisions, and sometimes because of the path God sets for us. Either way, we will be exposed to life-changing lessons as certain things and comforts are stripped away. These are the lessons learned in the fasting. But tough times are not forever. Better times are always in the horizon and our fasting will turn into feasting. The key is to never forget the lessons while fasting. Human nature forgets easily and forces people to go over and over again over the same lesson. Allowing this will make us like the jealous brother, so close to the love of our heavenly Father, yet so far away from his heart.

Jesus interrupts the story and doesn’t let us know what happens next. I think he does that on purpose to let us finish the story. For the prodigal son, I hope that he learned the lessons while fasting, and that he never forgot them while feasting in his father’s house. For the older brother, I hope that he humbled himself and joined the party. I have choices in front of me and I want to honor our father no matter what. I want to steward well the lessons learned in tough times so I can have a humble heart when I go through better times.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the lessons learned in tough times. I don’t want to learn them again. So please help me to remember them when times are better. Help me to grow in wisdom and understanding in a way the brings glory to your name. Amen!

FINDING ALTERNATIVES. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
The gardener answered, “Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty o fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.”
Luke 13:8-9

Observation:
Jesus gives a parable that sets the expectations for fruitfulness in the lives of his followers. After a period of time, fruit must be evident. The Lord expects the fruit to come. And if there is barrenness, the Lord will consider cutting any barren source. However, those who serve the Lord in the harvest always find alternatives to bring fruit in people’s lives. They are creative and diligent to try again, to pay extra attention, to nurse and to care for a person that has difficult times producing fruit. They don’t give up easily. But there’s a moment of reality where they even recognize that certain people are not going to be fruitful under their care and they must let them go.

Application:
The compassion of God and His patience with each one of us is amazing. He gives us opportunities to grow and to become more fruitful. We cannot miss those opportunities. We cannot neglect our growth or get distracted. We need to do whatever it takes in our lives to bring froth the fruit God expects in our lives. If we need extra care and fertilizer, so be it! We need to be willing to put ourselves in the hands of the Holy Spirit and in our spiritual leaders to find a path of blessing and productivity in our own lives.

In the same way, as we help others to become fruitful, we need to be creative and diligent in doing everything we can to boos their fruitfulness. At the same time, we must be discerning about those who will waste our time, efforts, and resources, and that do not want to be fruitful. We must be really good in investing where fruit thrives and in walking away from where barrenness is taking over.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please make my life always fruitful and thriving with your glory and grace. Touch our hearts and let us be diligent in producing the fruit of your presence that you expect in each one of us. Also give me innovation and diligence to invest in people that want to be fruitful. Help me to walk away from those who are wasting my time and my energy with a compassionate heart and with a clear conscience. I love you Lord. Amen!

COMPREHENSIVE MIRACLES. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just trust me, and she will be alright.” Luke 8:50

Observation:
These three phrases Jesus tells Jairus, upon the news of the death of her 12 year-old daughter, are charged with hope and encouragement. In the midst of a tragedy and its consequent pain, Jesus deals with the top three human feelings: fear, distrust, and uncertainty. Fear because the pain is too big to deal with the situation. Distrust because we wonder why God would allow a tragedy to happen. And uncertainty because we don’t know the outcome of the tragedy. Once the Lord Jesus intervenes, just as Jairus requested, He will come to address these human emotions. What Jesus did not only did a miracle in Jairus’ daughter. He also did a miracle in Jairus’ heart. The miracle of the girl is very impressive, but we cannot undermine the miracle in Jairus’ heart.

Application:
No matter the tragic event or difficulty we are going through, when we ask Jesus to come to our rescue, He will always address our fears, our lack of trust, and the uncertainty of the future. He will replace them with courage, trust, and confidence. In my view, when Jesus intervenes in a difficult situation, He comes and deals comprehensively, touching all the areas in our lives that are affected. Jesus is a master when dealing with multiple challenges and complex situations. We can certainly rest assured that He will always use our circumstances to bring blessing and to build a better character in our lives.

As I go through difficult seasons, I’m encouraged by Jesus comprehensive miracles. He is not only working in the surface. He is also dealing with the deep issues of the heart. This gives me confidence to share with others as they go through their tragedies and complex situations. I can truly say to them, “Don’t be afraid, trust the Lord Jesus, and everything is going to be alright.”

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for dealing comprehensively with all the issues in my life when going through a difficult time. Thank you for helping me to face my fears and to find victory as I find strength in you. Thank you for teaching me how to build more trust in you as I continue depending in your power, love, and grace. And also, thank you for giving hope about the future outcome of my life as I face the ripple effects of a tragedy. I know deep in my heart that your presence makes a huge difference and that my future is secured. Amen!

WHY DO MOTHERS WORRY? By Lei Rol

Scripture
When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Luke 2:48-50

Observation
I can understand how Mary must have felt, traveling for a day thinking she had her one and only son, only to discover that he was not in their company. I can imagine the thoughts of great fear that something may have happened to him. Then you start to panic and ask everyone if they saw him and when no one knows you backtrack in your footsteps to see if he was somewhere along this trail and ask everyone along the trail if they saw him. You continue to anguish as you look for him. But did Mary at anytime go to God to ask Him for his protection or to help find him? If she did, it was not written but at the same time if she did she would have found comfort in knowing that God would protect him or even so God may have revealed to her that he was ok and where he needed to be. All of her worry and anguish would not have happened if she went to God first. I think that is why when she finally found him he said to her, "Why were you searching for me?" "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. She did not understand because she never took it to God first.

Application
I too have gone through what Mary went through with my only son. The many nights he would not come home as a teenager, I would stay up all night in worry, pacing the floors, crying because I felt something must have happened to him. If I had only taken it to God and put him in his hands I would not have all of these white hairs on my head today. Now that my son is 25 years old, I think I am much wiser now and I take everything to God in prayer. This morning my son calls me from the airport in Panama City Florida on his way to Qatar close to Saudi Arabia for a civilian job that will take him away for 1 year. This scripture reminds me that I need to seek God first in prayer before my human emotions of worry, fear and sadness take over. As I ended my conversation with him before he got on the plane, I told him that I loved him and I will be praying for him.

Prayer
Lord my prayer today is that I ask you for my son's protection as he travels to Qatar. Keep a hedge of protection on his mind that nothing fills his head with fear, on his body so he stays healthy and on his spirit that he continues to seek you everyday in all he does. Thank you Lord for being the Father of all his fathers to my son. And Lord thank you for also being my Father my God, Lord of all Lords and King of all Kings, in Jesus name Amen.

OUT OF GUILT OR OUT OF LOVE. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”
Luke 7:44-47

Observation:
Jesus makes an important contrast between an immoral woman and a “good old boy” named Simon. Simon neglected the most common practice of hospitality towards his guest, judged the woman’s lifestyle, and condemned Jesus for allowing her to touch him. Simon was so blinded by his own ego and by his self-righteousness. On the other hand, the woman comes humble, giving more that what is requested, pouring everything before the Lord. Jesus points out that her attitude is not motivated out of guilt, but out of love. Simon cannot see how wrong he is, but the woman knows how unworthy she is. We don’t know if Simon was an immoral man in his private life, but he certainly wasn’t perfect. He pointed fingers at others, but he neglected self-evaluation just as he neglected hospitality.

Application:
Our human nature pushes us to be a pharisee like Simon. We want to neglect our own condition and we want to hide behind the more visual sins of others. Also our human nature tries to deal with sin out of guilt, but not out of love. Jesus knows the heart of the woman and sets her as an example for his followers to apply in their own lives.

As I look at my condition, I cannot see a strong pharisee attitude, but I cannot see a strong humble heart either. I’m thankful for his forgiveness, but my attitude is not as bold as the woman’s. I know that I’ve been forgiven much, but my response to him is not as meaningful. It seems that I’ve been going through the motions, getting used to His grace an mercy, and taking for granted the huge forgiveness I receive form God. This may cause me to serve out of guilt, and not out of love. I don’t want to become a pharisee. I want to become a thankful servant that serves and gives away out of great love because of the much that I’ve been forgiven.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for neither a cold or a hot , but a warm response in my heart towards your grace and mercy. Please set my heart on fire. Let me remember always where I have come form. Let me keep in mind the many sins I’ve been forgiven. Help me to keep a pure heart as I serve you, not out of guilt, but out of love. Amen!

NEW THINGS. By Pastor Jan

Scripture:
"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." "And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, "The old is better.'"
Luke 5:38, 39

Observation:
God is always trying to bring us into His "new" wine skin. God's
mercies are "new" every morning (Lam. 23:3, 2 Cor 1:3, Eph. 2:4). It
takes a risk to understand God in new ways that can be very
uncomfortable. Daniel, Simon took a risk with their lives to submit
in obedience to God. Daniel saw things that made him faint of heart.
Yet, God draws us toward him. In the drawing, faith in Jesus can be
active and alive (a life on fire) because understanding God breaks
down the sometimes legal systems we set up in our lives. God's mercy
gives new compassion daily.

Application:
It is easy to cling to the "comfortable" traditional structures of
the past. I tend to reach for the familiar. The familiar then
becomes my mindset and finally my lifestyle...a sometimes legalistic
lifestyle. When I was younger, I was a risk taker quite drawn by the
"unknown". I learned to fly Cessna's for the thrill of flying alone
across California. I need to quit falling back on what I already know
and step out into God's mercies for the "new" every morning. As
Daniel learned to understand God in a fresh way, I need to risk being
"faint of heart".

Prayer:
Lord, for Your light to shine, stretch me, mold me, fit me into the
new. Help me to discard the old that is "not of you". Root out the
rigid, legalistic mindsets of my life. Broaden my perspective that
risks everything to continue to live for you.

CARING FOR THE TREE. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Luke 6:45

Observation:
Jesus here is talking about the fruit in our lives. He points out the importance of looking for the evidence of a good heart. Good hearts produce good deeds, just like good trees produce good fruit. Jesus wants to be consistent, especially in dealing with the condition of our heart, which is the source form where life flows. The sad thing is that very often we want to fix the fruit rather than the tree. Fruit can be easily retouched to make it look very nice. But once you take a bite, you will really know if that fruit is really good.

Application:
Integrity in character is what determines the outcome in our lives. We may try to cover up the true condition of our hearts, and we may present really pretty fruit to people. But once they get a bite of reality, the true condition will be revealed. We need to pay attention at the way our heart grows. If our hearts are not good in one area, even if we try to cover up its real condition, sooner or later the true fruit will be evident. When we cover up we have to be self-conscious and very careful of the things we say and do. But once we loose control, then we will say what we really think. We must take care good care of our hearts and to make sure that everything, from the roots, to the trunk, to the branches, to the leaves are healthy. Only in that way our fruit will bring glory to God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to keep a good care of my heart. I don’t want to have anything that will cause my fruit to be bitter. I just want to bring glory to your name. Please help me to identify roots of selfishness, judgment, and pride that could cause my fruit to be polluted. Let my entire life be a fruitful tree that not only brings glory to your name, but also that blesses others around me. Amen!

RESOLVED TO PRAY. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much. Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your vision."
Daniel 9:22-23

Observation:
When Daniel decides to fast and pray for the sake of his people, he came before God in humility and repentance for the corporate sins of Israel. Amazing what such attitude does! Gabriel the archangel came to provide insight and understanding, but also to encourage Daniel and to reaffirm God’s love for him. When Daniel started to p[ray with such heart, a command in heaven was given. Prayers certainly can change things supernaturally when we have the right motives and when we come requesting the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Application:
Impossible to deny the benefits of prayer and fasting with a humble heart and on behalf of the people. Intercession is such a powerful weapon that sometimes I don’t understand why we don’t use it more often. We come with multiple excuses about our lack of prayer. We don’t have enough time, or we try few times, or God knows our requests, so no need to ask. The bottom line is that Daniel was able to tap into something greater than himself and we are invited to have the same privilege in sincere and humble prayer.

For a long time I’ve been convicted by the HS about my lack of prayer. I can see why Jesus wants us to persevere in prayer. We can truly become the light of the world as we bring the kingdom of God through genuine and effective prayer. I cannot think of my prayer time as a waste of time, or as a less productive activity in my schedule. I need to engrave in my heart that prayer sets things that I cannot see and that brings blessings that I will never be able to understand. It makes sense to me to ask for revival in my heart when it comes to prayer and fasting. I need to ask our church to come together in prayer and fasting for God’s will to be done in our midst.

Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for my lack of consistent and humble prayer. I am called to intercede for your people and I have neglected that post of authority. Please give me the desire to be devoted in prayer, to seek your face in humility and in repentance for the many sins of our land and our church. Please guide us into a new season of blessing that comes as a result of our humble hearts poured before you. Give us insight and understanding as we advance your kingdom, and remind us often of your faithful love for us as we continue obeying your principles, specially the call to pray and fast with a humble heart. Amen!

CHANGING DISOBEDIENT MINDS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
He will be a man with the power and spirit of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for His arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.
Luke 1:17

Observation:
John the Baptist had the power and spirit of Elijah. He was the one who prepared the way for the coming of the Lord. He set the stage of repentance in Israel for the Messiah to come. Under JB’s ministry, people came in repentance to be baptized in the Jordan. people were confronted with their sins, with their apathy towards God, and with their disobedient minds. As a result of JB’s ministry, the hearts of the people were ready to receive the seed of the Gospel. He brought a sincere conviction of the mindset prevalent at the time where people were mostly culturally and traditionally religious, but their lifestyle was faraway form the plans of God.

Application:
Just as the time before the coming of Jesus as a child, many people today have disobedient minds. We are educated beyond our level of obedience. We know what God wants and even memorize Bible verses. But when it comes to obey and lie according to the Scripture, many of us have disobedient minds. One of the keys for true revival in our personal lives is the renewal of our minds. Once we submit our minds to the power of Jesus, we will experience a change in our disobedient minds. Now we will accept godly wisdom.

Some people may resist some teachings of the Bible because they seem old fashioned and irrelevant for today’s society. They want to embrace a lifestyle that is not blessed by God, yet they want to be known as good people that follow Christ. In a more secretive way, sometimes we harbor attitudes and habits that are against the Way of God, and we cover them up with our spiritual exercises. We cannot fool God. He knows the condition of our hearts, even when we try to put makeup on them. As we continue walking with the Lord, we need to be consistent in our humility to allow the Holy Spirit to change our disobedient mind. As we accept godly wisdom for our lives and trust in their life-giving principles by applying them, we will prepare the way for he coming of the Lord in our own hearts.


Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for any disobedient mindset in my life. Please renew my mind as i accept the godly wisdom you provide in your word. My spiritual maturity depends not in how much I know, but in how much I obey. I want to be obedient to your ways, to your process, to your instructions, and to your desires. Please change my disobedient mind and stubbornness. Make me more like you. Amen!

MEASURED FOR GLORY. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
Revelation 21:15

Observation:
John and Ezekiel both had an encounter with an angel who measures. The meticulous task of measuring was very important in the ancient times for construction and assessment. Equal importance is attributed today. And in both, the OT and the NT, God is consistent in revealing His desire to measure. He commanded the standards and exact measurements of how to build a place of worship; and He did it in a way that people would be able to do it. So when God sends His angel to measure, He wants to make sure that everything is in place, in order, so His glory fits and brings blessing throughout.

Application:
God has set standards in how to build our lives. He sets the blueprints and trusts in our diligence to build our lives according to those plans. He wants the place for His dwelling to be spotless, fitting for His glory. For that reason, He will consistently inspect our progress with His measuring tape, and point out the areas where we come short, or where we set the wrong walls, or when our gates are not properly built. He wants to make sure that we are building lives where His glory will be well received and we will be measured for glory.

If that angel would come today to my life with his measuring tape, what would he find? Certainly, there are many areas in my heart where God’s glory doesn’t fit. My compulsions, my sinful habits, and generally my disobedience to the measurements provided by God have caused me to build too short, or to set up gates in vulnerable places where the enemy has easy access, or to raise walls that hinder the flaw of His power in my own life. The purpose of His measuring is not for condemnation, but for re-calibration. I still have a window of opportunity to make corrections and build a life according to the divine blueprint and its measurements.

Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. I cannot avoid to be ashamed for the condition of my life this morning. There are so many areas where your measurements could bring disappointing readings. Please forgive me! I have placed walls where should be gates, and I have placed gates where should be walls. Your glory doesn’t fit in some areas of my life. Please help me to correct what is wrong and give me the strength to faithfully build according to your template. Make my heart your home and let your glory dwell in all the areas of my life. Thank you for your mercy and for loving me as imperfect and unfaithful as I am. Amen!

WISE AND DISCREET RESPONSES. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.
Daniel 2:14

Observation:
Daniel had an amazing attitude when dealing with difficulties. Instead of getting anxious, he cools down and thinks in the best solution. He doesn’t react, he responds. He keeps emotions under control and depends on God to bring the solution to his problems. Even though Daniel had the education, the gifts, and the predisposition to be very smart, he still depends on God to face difficult situations. His wisdom and discretion took him to places of influence and leadership that brought glory to God and blessing to His people.

Application:
As I watch the political campaign for the White House, I can only see unwise and indiscreet reactions to sometimes vicious attacks, but other times to miscalculated statements. This may be the political game we are used to, but it reveals a lack of wisdom and discretion when dealing with difficult situations.

In our daily reality we have two options when dealing with difficult situations. We will either react or we will respond. Reactions are usually emotionally charged, thoughtless, tactless, rude and dangerous. Reactions don’t help to solve problems. Actually they make things worse and distract us from doing what is right. On the other hand, responses are charged with wisdom, calculated, precise, candid, and safe. Responses give room for the Holy Spirit to come alongside and guide our thoughts. Taking time to respond is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom and discretion.

I have many opportunities each day to either react or respond. I want to be a man that responds handling situations with wisdom and discretion. I need to fight the natural tendency to react to problems and accusations. I must control my emotions, avoid taking things personal, and focus in God’s way to deal with things. I need to develop more dependency on God as His presence makes me more wise and discreet in all my daily affairs.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to choose responses rather than reactions when dealing with difficult situations. Teach me more wisdom and discretion so I can bring effective solutions to everyday problems. Amen!

DARING TO HOPE. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness
 is bitter beyond words.
 20 I will never forget this awful time,
 as I grieve over my loss.
 21 Yet I still dare to hope
 when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
 His mercies never cease.
 23 Great is his faithfulness;
 his mercies begin afresh each morning.
 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
 therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:19-24

Observation:
Jeremiah vents before God about Israel’s and his own misery. He is at the center of the storm, with the worse damage passing by, and with the most intense pain eating his bones. However, he dares to hope in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For Jeremiah, everything can be taken away--the nation’s splendor, the temple, the city walls, the people, but as long as he has hope in God, not everything is lost.

Application:
Difficult times are a reality in life. Sooner or later the storms of life will hit us and test the resilience of our fragile hearts. But what they test the most is how willing we are to loose our hope. Those tests take us to the fringe of our strength, to the breakpoint where it seems that hope is the last thing we have. We can only pass the test when we refuse to loose hope and rather we dare to hope. Daring is a defiant act against all odds. Those who dare to hope in spite of the scoreboard reveal a character that only those with divine royal blood have. The children of God shine not when things in life are thriving but when the storms hit them hard.

This week I’ve been able to see a family shining their character in one of the most brutal storms a family can face. As one of their children is laying on an ICU bed fighting for his life, this family dares to hope in the love and mercy of God. This child of God has been suffering for many years several physical problems. This family has all the right to question God and His love for this young man. Nevertheless, they dare to hope--against doctor’s diagnosis, and against the pain to see their loved one suffering. I’ve been able to witness the glory of God shining through this situation because they dare to hope. I’m learning from this family because I want to shine the same way when the brutal storms come my way.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the privilege to see a godly family daring to hope in your love and faithfulness. Let me learn form them. Please help this family during this trial and bring peace and comfort into their troubled souls. Let your will be done in the life of this young man and bring the ultimate healing, whatever it look s like, according to your perfect plan for him and for this family. Amen!

FROM THE CLOUD TO THE HARVEST FIELD. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Revelation 14:14-16

Observation:
John describes a vision of one wearing a crown of gold on his head and a sickle in his hand. This picture is rare because royalty are the ones wearing crowns, but royalty never goes out with sickles to harvest. That’s the job of the servants. However, things are different in the kingdom of God. The ones harvesting are the ones with regalia. And as the divine prince goes out and harvests the earth, there’s a sense of right doing. The one seating in the cloud has no problem in jumping form the fluffy comfort of the cloud into the fields of ripe harvest.

Application:
One of the greatest blessings we receive when we restore our relationship with God is our identity as coheirs with Christ. With salvation comes a restoration of the royal dignity God created human beings to bestowed for eternity. The Lord himself promises a crown of glory over our heads as we continue walking and persevering in His ways. But with the crown also comes a sickle. With the blessing also comes a responsibility to have our eyes set on the harvest of the earth. The harvest of the earth is being prepared to the coming day when the sickle will be swung. We need to have readiness and sense of emergency towards investing in the harvest. People all around us are the harvest and they need to be prepared so they are ripe when harvesting time comes.

We need to be very intentional about the harvest. Do we enjoy the comfort of the fluffy clouds too much that we forget about the harvest fields? Do we polish our golden crowns with so much diligence that we forget that our sickles need to be sharpen as well? What are we doing in a regular basis to be in the harvest, to plant seeds, to water the hearts, and to endure in raising the crops? Part of our identity as royal children of God is to be servants in the harvest. I must never forget that!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for calling me to be part of your kingdom as both, royalty and harvester. Please help me to enjoy the clouds and crowns, but never to forget that there’s a sickle in my hand as well. Let my life be about the harvest. Let my family be about the harvest. Let our church be about the harvest. Give us a passion for the lost and for the process that will help people around us to become ready for the harvesting time. Amen!

REMARKABLE OBEDIENCE. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“...The next morning I did everything I had been told to do.”
Ezekiel 24:18

Observation:
What an amazing character Ezekiel portrays, His lifestyle was of remarkable obedience because he was swift to obey. No rationalizing, no excuses! He simply does what he has been told to do. He displays the attitude of a servant by being obedient voluntarily. He is not forced to be obedient, but he becomes obedient because of his unwavering character. There’s much to learn form someone like Ezekiel.

Application:
I am far away from being as remarkable as Ezekiel. Even though I’m not an evil person doing horrible deeds, my character allows excuses to be slow, and even apathetic towards God’s desires for me. I’ve been lacking discipline to listen to God and to make serious decisions and changes in my lifestyle. I talk about change, but I don’t walk the path of change. I have good intentions, but I have no actions. It seems that I chose a side of apathy, waiting for some reward without paying the price, and avoiding diligence to self-evaluate my progress.

I will always remember while in the army how I used to be known for my remarkable obedience. My superiors were delighted at my swift, “don’t ask why just do it“ attitude. I even put baby powder once all over my face just to please the order of a superior. If I can do something so meaningless for someone not so important, why I cannot be diligent to do something significant for my God and Savior? I need lots of repentance on this... and the best way to walk in repentance is to humble myself and walk again the path of dependency on His voice and remarkable obedience to God. That’s why King David was chosen instead of King Saul. David was vehement to obey. Saul was willing to reinterpret God’s ways according to his selfish wishes. I don’t want to become a Saul... I want to embrace the attitude that great men of faith like David and Ezekiel had. Above all things, I want to be obedient to the smallest wishes of my King.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, this is probably the core of my sinful nature exposed. Everything that breaks relationship with you and that steals blessings form my life is at the core of my attitude towards your instructions for my life. There are clear instructions in your Word that you want me to follow. But also there are specific instructions for my life that I’ve been neglecting for a while. Whatever the reason for such character flaw, please forgive me for this apathy towards your instructions. Let me learn a remarkable obedience as you continue giving me grace and favor to be on this world. Let me train under your kind, yet firm classroom. Help me to move everything in my towards this kind of character. I know my spirit is willing, but my body is weak. So please, come and restore anything in my heart that resists your will or that remains unmotivated to obey. Amen!

JUDGED FOR YOURSELF. By Kamu Sing

Scripture
Ezekiel 18:20 - The person who sins will die The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

Observation
God is now making it very clear on how we are responsible for our own actions. We do not hold the mistakes of our father on our shoulders and our father doesn’t hold our mistakes on his. Basically, this is saying that we are now responsible for our own actions, good and bad. If we bless someone and do good, we will be held accountable. If we wrong someone and do bad, we will be held accountable.

Application
There are so many things that make you, you. Every experience in life, from the bully who picked on you in elementary to the first time you held someone’s hand. Everything is an added experience that leads to the kind of person you are today. In today’s reading, God’s speaks of how we are not responsible for the mistakes of our father nor are they responsible for our mistakes. Honestly, it is so easy for me to take the junk about me and blame it on my parents. “They raised me to be like this” or “It’s not my fault I’m this way.” But here, God reminds us that we are accountable for ourselves and we have the ability to overcome the generational curses and put more of our identity in Christ. That no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, we can always change who we’ve become to be more like Christ without playing the blame game.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for second and third and fourth chances. Thank you that you’ve given us a way to change to be more like You. That we can be accountable for our actions and that there is always time for change. Lord, help me to be more like You, especially in the areas of my life that I struggle in from the wounds of my past. Heal my heart, restore me to who you’ve called me to be. I love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

WARNING AGAINST OPPORTUNISM. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who controlled the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been destroyed, I will become wealthy!’”
Ezekiel 26:2

Observation:
As God reveals his plans of Judgments over Tyre, He discloses his distaste for opportunism. As Jerusalem was being punished and lost its prominence and advantage n the trade market, Tyre rejoiced and seized the opportunity. T this, many will say, “business is business.” But from God’s perspective, lack of compassion for those who fall will always awaken an opportunistic attitude that eventually will prepare the stage for pride to settle in.

Application:
Opportunism is one of those attitudes that may seem to bring a lot of effectiveness and success. But underneath the possibility of getting ahead, there is a compromise of godly character. There’s nothing wrong in filling a void left by someone’s failure. What is wrong is to rejoice at their fate and then build upon someone else’s brokenness. We can see our hearts craving for opportunities for us to be more prosperous and to get ahead. It’s in our nature to grow and to get better. However, the end doesn’t justify the means. Jesus Himself went ahead everyone else in creation with His humility, compassion, and submissive heart. We need to learn from Him and imitate His attitude.

Even in an endeavor as noble as ministry, Christian leaders can compromise a lot through opportunism. When another ministry in the community suffers, what do we do? Do we rejoice thinking that our constituency will grow because of their misfortune, or do we come with a helping hand to aid our brother or sister in need? As a shepherd and a leader I need to be aware of opportunities and seize them, but without an opportunistic spirit.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for any trace of opportunism in my heart. I want to be diligent in making decisions and in seizing the opportunities you provide. However, I want to be humble in the process. I don’t want to take advantage of other’s suffering or misfortune. Let me grow in integrity in this area of my heart. Let me put others first as your Son Jesus always does. Amen!

LEGACY OF RIGHEOUTSNESS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“What?” You ask. “ Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?” No! For if the child does what is right and keeps my laws , that child will surely live.
Ezekiel 18:19

Observation:
God is righteous and just. He will always turn to and bless a person that wants to do right, even if their environment and their upbringing incline them to do wrongdoing. Numbers 14:18 says, “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” This may seem a contradiction. God has always been just. The curse upon generations for the sins of the fathers is real, but is irrevocable and breakable. If the children live righteously, that course will never become a reality. God is just.

Application:
Many people use their parents as an excuse for their wrongdoing. The truth is that we all have a fair shot at doing what is right. It may be more difficult to those who have an environment that promotes sin. But also there is wrongdoing in families that promotes righteousness. God is going to deal with me for my personal sins, not for the sins of my parents or the sins of my children. For that reason I need to continue walking in righteousness, developing a character that is more Christlike, and raising my children in the ways of God. My greatest legacy and inheritance for my children will be a lifestyle of devotion to God. I have a small window of opportunity to raise my children in a way that the will love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. I need to be more intentional and passionate about shaping their character and helping them to develop the right habits that will make them not just successful in life, but also more dependent on God and in His presence.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being so faithful and just, for dealing with my sin, and for not allowing the course of the law to take effect in my family line. Let us continue bringing righteousness into our family DNA and give each generation a new zeal to honor you and to become more like you. Amen!

LUKEWARM AFFECTIONS. By Pastor Jan Tomai

Scripture:
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Rev. 3:14-15

Observation:
God speaks to us being lukewarm in our affections toward Him more then one way. Rev. 3:1 says, "I know your works that you are alive, but you are dead." Luke 6:46 says, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do the things that I say?" God is always speaking to the core of our attitudes and motives. His love is to draw us closer to Him in simple obedience for our everyday lives.

Application:
I struggle to give up my own selfish concerns that keep me from being closer to God each and everyday. I feel silly and immature when I realize how much time I spend thinking about "what I want, what I need, what will make me feel better! All of these "wants" keep me from hearing God.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for my selfish attitude. Continue to teach me to do and care about the things that you care about that You are glorified. Thank You for Your grace that I do not deserve.

DISCIPLINE LEADS TO HUMILITY. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”
Revelation 3:19

Observation:
When the Lord reproves and brings discipline into our lives, He has a clear goal in mind - to motivate our humility before Him and to develop a zeal for Him. Because my Father loves me, He will bring discipline, chastening, and consequences of poor decisions. This happens when my zeal for His ways dims away and when my pride starts to grow. But I believe that is possible to avoid the chastening and reprove of God. If we have a genuine and consistent zeal for integrity in our hearts, and if we repent often of our wrongdoing, then we will not have to be disciplined. Our Heavenly Father is righteous and He will never reprove me by mistake, or unnecessarily, or unfairly. That’s why repentance must be a common practice in my everyday life. I cannot let my zeal for righteousness to be compromised when I’m tired, or hurt, or distracted.

Application:
God’s discipline over my life comes because God’s love for me is real. He says, “I love you Fernando. I accept you the way you are, but love you too much to leave you that way. For that reason, you will suffer the consequences of your poor decisions and sinful habits. I reprove you because I want to humble you. I want to break you, so I can make you according to my plan.”

Nobody likes to be disciplined, but it is necessary. That’s why humility and repentance are so important. However, we can confess and repent all day long; but if we don’t change our wrongdoings, God will take us by the hand, in His love and grace, to places where our impurities will be removed with His consuming fire. As we endure His discipline, we will be renewed and we will become more like HIm.

In our Christian walk we will experience great victories over some areas of our lives, but defeat in others. Our flesh becomes addicted to wrongdoing and by default we continue to fall. When that happens, and we realize about our sin, it’s already too late! At those moments we must trust the Lord, repent before Him, and walk willingly to the altar of sacrifice and face the consuming fire of His love. The more I walk that way before God, the greater my zeal for integrity will be.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me not just for my sinful habits, but also for avoiding the consuming fire of your love. Please help me to submit to your ways and walk in the integrity of my heart. I’m trying to control my flesh and be more aware of my compulsions before sin happens. I need you more of You in my heart. Teach me how to develop a consistent zeal for your righteousness, for the truth, and for purity. I don’t want to embrace the father of lies, but I want to be truthful like you. Humble me as I walk in the loving discipline you bring into my life. Amen!

NO BREACHED WALLS. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
...May there be no breached walls, no forced exile, no cries of distress in our squares...
Psalm 144:14

Observation:
The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina over the city of New Orleans in 2005 has become one of the saddest stories of natural disaster in American history, especially because it could have been prevented. The enormous water pressure breached some sections of the levees of the city. The consequent flood took many lives, left thousands of people without homes, forced an exile to neighboring cities, and spawned a multi-state wide crisis. Before this tragedy happened, engineers and experts warned about the critical condition of the levees. Unfortunately, officials responsible for their maintenance did not wanted to pay the price of the repairs. Nobody paid serious attention to the cracks on the wall, and when the catastrophe occurred, the price to pay was exponentially higher than the repairs.

In ancient times, city walls were the last line of protection against enemies and invaders. A breached wall was a sign of vulnerability and an invitation for the enemy to come to teal, kill and destroy. Rulers and citizens paid close attention to the condition of the walls. It was a priority for their lives.

Application:
In our own lives we have a real enemy that wants to bring disaster and chaos. We live in a world that constantly puts huge amount of pressure against our hearts. The wear and tear of this battle will eventually cause some damage, small cracks, that need to be repaired immediately. There is a window of opportunity to fix these cracks. And if we procrastinate in the repairs, our lives will become easy targets for the enemy and vulnerable to the constant pressures of this world. The consequences of neglected cracks will be devastating. Disaster will come unannounced. The cost of a repaired crack will always be small compared to the cost of a breached wall.

We need to pay attention to the kind voice of the Holy Spirit who will reveal and make us aware of certain cracks in the walls of our hearts: unforgiveness, unresolved sin, stubbornness, pride, etc. These cracks will not repair by themselves. We need to patch them up and reinforce the walls with sincere repentance and with the powerful blood of Jesus. We can avoid future pain and unnecessary devastating consequences by the diligent measures we take today.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, let’s have an inspection together to the levees in my heart. Show me the cracks that could become an open invitation for the enemy to come to steal, kill, and destroy. Let me put my trust in the power of your blood to make my life safe from the pressures of this world and the attacks of the enemy. I need you Lord to stay sharp and to maintain solid foundations and strong walls in my life. Let me forgive those who constantly offend me and forgive me for the many trespasses that weaken my walls. May there no breached walls in my life, in our home, and in our church. Amen!

THE SHEPHERD'S RESPONSIBILITY. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
“My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them stray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and cannot remember how to get back to the fold. All who found them devour them...“
Jeremiah 50:6-7

Observation:
The Lord reveals to Jeremiah that His people are so far away from Him because the shepherds of Israel did not do their job. They became more preoccupied in keeping their positions of privilege rather than in feeding the people with the truth of the Lord. The shepherds of Israel were responsible for the spiritual condition of the people, and when the people turned form God, it was a direct reflection of the performance of the shepherds.

Application:
Israel had plenty leaders, but not many shepherds. and those who took their responsibility seriously to feed the people, were mocked, even killed. We can have a lot of leadership in our lives and still walk away from God if there is no shepherding. This morning I’m reminded of the importance to be a shepherd that leads, not a leader that tries to shepherd. My calling from God was to feed the lambs, the sheep, the flock that God has entrusted me. If I fail them as a shepherd, their spiritual condition will be a reflection of my failure, they will suffer unnecessary consequences, and eventually, I will be at fault. For that reason, I need to keep my heart of a shepherd sharp at all times. I may make many mistakes as a leader, but I cannot fail as a shepherd.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for calling my to shepherd your people. I want to take my call seriously because the spiritual condition of many people are at stake here. Your people deserves the best, loving, God fearing shepherds. Please use me to feed your people well, so they are strong in difficult seasons. Help me to instruct them to build a solid foundation in their lives. And bring shepherds to our team that serve with that kind of heart. Not people like Diotrephes, who loves to be a leader, according to 3 John 9. But people like Your Son Jesus, who showed us how to serve and love the flock. Amen!

THE WILL OF THIS WORLD VS. THE WILL OF THE LORD. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you don’t have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are form this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But the if you do the will of God, you will live forever.
1 John 2:15-17

Observation:
The battle of the ages is not lived in iraq or in Georgia. It’s fought right in our hearts between the will of this evil world and the will of the Lord. This world entices our hearts with a triad of pleasures: lust for the physical pleasure, lust for the things we see, and pride in our possessions. The will of God calls for righteousness and obedience to His ways. This battle is constant i and every day these two forces will collide for ownership of our soul. The amazing thing is that our hearts give the advantage to either one. JOhn is very clear about this. Loving this world and its pleasures will steal our life away. All these pleasures are momentary. But Loving the will of God will give us life everlasting. The pleasures God offers are unending.

Application:
Choosing the will of God over the will of this world is easier said than done. Daily we have opportunities to crave the things of this world, to respond to the lust of our hearts, to envy what others have, and to be prideful when we obtain them. This three areas show three important indicators of how well are we following the will of God: sexual purity, contentment, materialism. If we are failing any of these three tests, we must recalibrate our hearts and chose to follow God’s will. Is God’s presence shining so brightly in my heart that my sexual life and thoughts can remain with Him? Am I satisfied with the things i Have, or do I continually crave and envy the things that others have? Does my material possessions make me feel better about myself, or do I need to possess something in order to feel better? The answer to those questions will determine who is winning the battle in my heart.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please let me be an ally and supporter of your will as the battle for my soul intensifies against this evil world. Let me give you the advantage as I chose to obey you and to follow your ways. May my moral life be always acceptable in your presence. Grant me courage to refuse immoral thoughts in my mind and immoral actions with my body. Help me to be constant and thankful with all the blessings you provide for my life. And teach me how to have a simple life and to find my joy in following your ways. Amen!