Monday, August 4, 2014
Feeling Convicted?
Have you felt convicted? In what ways? God uses the Holy Spirit to convict us in different ways based on the status of our walk with Him. Conviction can expose us to the fact we are walking outside of God's will, a reminder we need to realign ourselves with God's word. Conviction can also come in the form of reprove, a reminder of what we know to be true and the fact we are contradicting this truth by the manner in which we are behaving. Conviction can also come in the form of convincing, convincing us to to do God's will; to take the steps to be right with the Lord. God's conviction through the Holy Spirit serves to ensure we are reminded of His grace and love for us. We are reminded he claimed us by the shedding of His blood and is unwilling to let us depart from Him. In the secular world a convicted person having been found guilty is penalized but in God's world his conviction opens the door for repentance, forgiveness, and renewal. There is no sentence, no condemnation in Christ our Lord! Just a little advice to go!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
The Simplicity of Christ!
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
There is much to be said about this scripture but today I want to focus on the last few words, "the simplicity that is in Christ". Christ's gift of salvation was provided to us with a very simple set of instructions.
First we must understand we are all sinners, guilty of the sins of the flesh despite our every effort to love the Lord. Romans 3:23 reveals to us that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Stop trying to be perfect, stop believing that perfection is a requisite for salvation, and understand our struggle against the sins of the flesh are a natural part of our journey through this life.
Second, recognize that Christ is the son of God and that he died so you and I can have the gift of salvation through his unconditional love. It is by his grace and not our works that we have access to salvation. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” — a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).
Finally, repent from your sins and seek the Lord and you will be blessed. Luke 3:19 tells us, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". How awesome, all we need to do is repent to sincerely turn away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God. A sincere turning away from that which we know is wrong to that which is righteous under God's word. But the best part is our sincerity is rewarded with a refreshing from the Lord, a renewed feeling of oneness with God which completes us.
Yes, Christ's plan is a simple one but we often forget that important detail. If we simply recognize him as our Lord, sincerely repent for the mistakes we make, and live within his word we have salvation. If we practice the word then we become living proof of his immense love and compassion for others. Please remember that living for Christ is not so complicated, he made it so simple! Just a little advice to go!
There is much to be said about this scripture but today I want to focus on the last few words, "the simplicity that is in Christ". Christ's gift of salvation was provided to us with a very simple set of instructions.
First we must understand we are all sinners, guilty of the sins of the flesh despite our every effort to love the Lord. Romans 3:23 reveals to us that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Stop trying to be perfect, stop believing that perfection is a requisite for salvation, and understand our struggle against the sins of the flesh are a natural part of our journey through this life.
Second, recognize that Christ is the son of God and that he died so you and I can have the gift of salvation through his unconditional love. It is by his grace and not our works that we have access to salvation. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” — a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).
Finally, repent from your sins and seek the Lord and you will be blessed. Luke 3:19 tells us, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". How awesome, all we need to do is repent to sincerely turn away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God. A sincere turning away from that which we know is wrong to that which is righteous under God's word. But the best part is our sincerity is rewarded with a refreshing from the Lord, a renewed feeling of oneness with God which completes us.
Yes, Christ's plan is a simple one but we often forget that important detail. If we simply recognize him as our Lord, sincerely repent for the mistakes we make, and live within his word we have salvation. If we practice the word then we become living proof of his immense love and compassion for others. Please remember that living for Christ is not so complicated, he made it so simple! Just a little advice to go!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Not if, But When!
God tells us in 1 John 5:14 that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. Not only does he hear us, but he responds. He tell us in John 15:7, if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. We must learn to remove the doubt from our minds and to recognize his word as truth, it does not return void.
It is not if God will provide for your bills, but rather when he provides for your bills; not if he will heal you but when he heals you; not if you will get the promotion but when you get the promotion, and so forth. God is only limited in responding to our prayers by our doubts and unwillingness to move from the if statement to the when statement. If you catch yourself saying the "if" statement then stop it and move towards the "when" statement. When God heals me, when God promotes me, when God delivers me all recognize that God will fulfill his promises for your life.
We need to learn to be patient, to trust in His will, and to remain consistent in our belief in His word. We have not because we often ask not and often believe not. As you believe, you shall receive. Accept God's word as truth and His promises will come to pass in your life; not if they come to pass, but rather when they come to pass! Just a little advice to go!
It is not if God will provide for your bills, but rather when he provides for your bills; not if he will heal you but when he heals you; not if you will get the promotion but when you get the promotion, and so forth. God is only limited in responding to our prayers by our doubts and unwillingness to move from the if statement to the when statement. If you catch yourself saying the "if" statement then stop it and move towards the "when" statement. When God heals me, when God promotes me, when God delivers me all recognize that God will fulfill his promises for your life.
We need to learn to be patient, to trust in His will, and to remain consistent in our belief in His word. We have not because we often ask not and often believe not. As you believe, you shall receive. Accept God's word as truth and His promises will come to pass in your life; not if they come to pass, but rather when they come to pass! Just a little advice to go!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
He is Our Hiding Place!
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Have you ever felt like trouble seems to follow you around causing you to ponder why the Lord would allow this. The reality is that God is our hiding place, that he protects us from the storms that come our way. Oh, it might not feel that way but be certain that in the midst of the storm and the pain we experience God is there. Like Job who suffered the enemies attack but remained faithful, you must learn to trust God is your hiding place, that he will surround you with songs of deliverance. Paul found himself imprisoned and instead of accusing God of forsaking him, he began to sing songs of praise; songs which turned into deliverance for him.
I remember going through a storm and crying out to God for help. I felt alone and forsaken, like God had given up on me. As I cried, I asked God to talk to me. The phone rang and I continued in my prayers getting more upset with every ring. I finally jumped up grabbed the phone and angrily asked, “who is this?”. A friend responded telling me that he was praying and the Holy Spirit spoke to him and said call David. He was obedient to the Spirit and when I answered he told me, “David I do not know what you are going through, but God wants you to know you are not alone, he is with you.” I was alone in the house calling on God and he responded and let me know that I was in his hiding place; nothing could harm me. It took a while for me to recognize that my experience was not about the trouble I was in but the trouble he was preserving me from. God’s plan was in play and I simply needed to rejoice in the Lord knowing that I was in his hiding place, preserved from all trouble. I thank God that he surrounds me with songs of deliverance; know that he does the same for you! Just a little advice to go!
P.S. Pray for Mr. Rodriguez who is in the hospital with cancer with little time to live, may God’s will be done and may his peace be with him. Also pray for Gary Smith who is having surgery that he would come through without any complications and have a speedy recovery.
In Christ,
Dave Hernandez
sendtodh@aol.com
Keep on, Keeping on!
http://advicetogo-a2g.blogspot.com
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Have you ever felt like trouble seems to follow you around causing you to ponder why the Lord would allow this. The reality is that God is our hiding place, that he protects us from the storms that come our way. Oh, it might not feel that way but be certain that in the midst of the storm and the pain we experience God is there. Like Job who suffered the enemies attack but remained faithful, you must learn to trust God is your hiding place, that he will surround you with songs of deliverance. Paul found himself imprisoned and instead of accusing God of forsaking him, he began to sing songs of praise; songs which turned into deliverance for him.
I remember going through a storm and crying out to God for help. I felt alone and forsaken, like God had given up on me. As I cried, I asked God to talk to me. The phone rang and I continued in my prayers getting more upset with every ring. I finally jumped up grabbed the phone and angrily asked, “who is this?”. A friend responded telling me that he was praying and the Holy Spirit spoke to him and said call David. He was obedient to the Spirit and when I answered he told me, “David I do not know what you are going through, but God wants you to know you are not alone, he is with you.” I was alone in the house calling on God and he responded and let me know that I was in his hiding place; nothing could harm me. It took a while for me to recognize that my experience was not about the trouble I was in but the trouble he was preserving me from. God’s plan was in play and I simply needed to rejoice in the Lord knowing that I was in his hiding place, preserved from all trouble. I thank God that he surrounds me with songs of deliverance; know that he does the same for you! Just a little advice to go!
P.S. Pray for Mr. Rodriguez who is in the hospital with cancer with little time to live, may God’s will be done and may his peace be with him. Also pray for Gary Smith who is having surgery that he would come through without any complications and have a speedy recovery.
In Christ,
Dave Hernandez
sendtodh@aol.com
Keep on, Keeping on!
http://advicetogo-a2g.blogspot.com
Monday, May 26, 2014
Upheld by God's Righteous Hand!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Imagine straying from your father, rebelling, becoming homeless and ending up in jail. That is the story a new friend, Josh, shared with me two weekends ago. You see, my friend made mistakes that were costly and left him alone and forsaken. He was released from jail and returned home to his father who accepted him with open arms and some pretty strict restrictions. He faced some tough challenges but soon found himself with the opportunity to come home to his Spiritual father. He gave his life to Christ, surrendering to him and repented from his sins. He began a new journey that would lead him to marriage, the mission fields of Africa and Ecuador and the blessing of a son.
There is a lot more to Josh's story, but just the little I've shared speaks to God's amazing grace and ability to transform us from fearful and dismayed to strengthened and upheld. God will uphold each and every one of us with his righteous hand, all we have to do is come home to him. Just a little advice to go!
P.S. Josh will graduate from Cornell Law School next December and return to Arizona to practice law wherever God leads him. Please keep him and his family in your prayers!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
There is a lot more to Josh's story, but just the little I've shared speaks to God's amazing grace and ability to transform us from fearful and dismayed to strengthened and upheld. God will uphold each and every one of us with his righteous hand, all we have to do is come home to him. Just a little advice to go!
P.S. Josh will graduate from Cornell Law School next December and return to Arizona to practice law wherever God leads him. Please keep him and his family in your prayers!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
A2G: A Benefit Plan Like No Other!
Psalm 103
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
God offers us a benefit plan like no other, one that ensures eternity for all who sign up. With so many disheartened people suffering because of the daily challenges at work and home, there is a need for a new benefits plan, one that only God can offer. Psalm 103 provides us with benefits unlike no others, we simply have to sign on the line that says, I believe!
Benefits:
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
God offers us a benefit plan like no other, one that ensures eternity for all who sign up. With so many disheartened people suffering because of the daily challenges at work and home, there is a need for a new benefits plan, one that only God can offer. Psalm 103 provides us with benefits unlike no others, we simply have to sign on the line that says, I believe!
Benefits:
- Forgiveness is available through sincere repentance and the practice of unconditional forgiveness. You have to practice it to receive it.
- Healing is provided for physical, emotional and spiritual ailments. You need only to faithfully request it and believe..
- Redemption is promised, He will buy back of your issues, your pain, your sadness, and more; He will restore you to whom he intended you to be.
- He Crowns us, beautifying us as we become a new creation worthy of all his promises with the old things passing on as we learn to let go!
- Satisfaction is guaranteed, like the eagle is renewed you are renewed to the status God intended for you filling you with a spirit of joy that never ends. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Monday, May 5, 2014
Fighting Discontentment, A Worthy Battle!
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks Himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:10
This is the day that The Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24
Pray for me! Recently the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about how often I neglect God's word, failing to live it each and every day. It is easy to live in discontentment focused on all that is wrong; the challenges at work, at home, and in your spiritual walk. Before you know it, the obstacles become so difficult that you find yourself sounding and acting as a defeated person. Somehow the fact that you are surrounded by numerous blessings bypasses you and you reflect a spirit of discontentment believing that everything is wrong and subject to criticism.
Thank God for the faithful servants he utilizes to speak to our lives and to help us battle the lies of the enemy. In my case a friend patiently lsitened to my complaints and then asked the key question, "so tell me about what is going right"? Right then and there God began to move my spirit reminding me of all the blessings he placed in my life. Several days later I heard a message on the subject of discontentment and thought, there He goes again reminding me to stand up and rejoice. Finally, yes I am a bit slow, I turned on the television and heard a message on defeating the spirit of discontentment and knew it was time to stop complaining and strart rejoicing. Wow, what a difference when you can start the day by rejoicing and being glad for the gift of salvation, for the robes of righteousness, and the ornaments that he bestows upon us. Yes, this is the day The Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it! Just a little advice to go!
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