Day 18 - My 21 Days

Hope doesn't mean waiting but fighting daily to become better and not giving up on your goal. It's believing that God is always with you, and that if we do our part, we will eventually get to the top (The Kingdom of God).

It's always believing in your potential and the potential of people, it's always having hope that each day we live will be more filled with love. Always have hope in yourself and in others that we will be a big influence for their salvation wherever we go.

Note: Today I will be going on a new journey to save souls. It's a new language and new place in Los Angeles, California :-)

Day 17 - My 21 Days

"Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:3-8)

Our faith is being constantly tested, it doesn't matter who we are: assistants, members, pastor's wife's, etc. Friends, we are always being tested! In our home, job, school, church, during a meeting, during a conversation and in the deepest part of our being. Everyone is tested! The difference is that not everyone is accepted. Only those that have been accepted receive perseverance. It doesn't matter how hard things might become, whoever perseveres keeps their faith and their calling. There is no way for you to keep one and lose the other.

If you are one of the few who desire to do the Work of God, to serve Him, know this: You are desired both by God and the devil. God is waiting for you, and the devil is working against you.

Day 16 - My 21 Days

The longer I live the more I recognize the impact our attitude has in our lives. To me, attitude is more important than the facts. It's more important than our past, education, money, circumstances, failures and what others think or say. It's more important than appearance. 

It can make you or break you.

The amazing thing is that we can choose our destiny for that day according to the attitude we adapt. We can't change the past... we can't change the way others react... We can't change the unchangeable. We can only change what we are able to and this is our attitude. I'm convinced that life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% what we make of it. It all depends on us...

We are responsible for our attitudes.

Note: Sorry girls but I'm being transfered to another place, that's why I wasn't much around here... Soon I'll let you know the good news :-)

Day 15 - My 21 Days

"Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Mercy that is achievable by the merciful is not necessarily the same mercy that others show to us when trying to lend a helping hand. Quite often the "tender mercies" of others are in fact "cruel".

God has mercy on us in as much as we have mercy towards our neighbor. This is the same as the principle of of forgiveness, God forgives our mistakes in as much as we forgive the mistakes of our neighbors. (Matthew 6:12)

Being merciful is a new state that arises with the new birth, where the just become like Christ. This similarity is not evident through conduct, but stems from the new nature. 

Day 14 - My 21 Days

...When your eye is good (simple), your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)

The eye is the lamp of the body. "If your eyes were simple, you'd be full of light." Simple is to be open... the things things of God are very simple, many times it's us who complicate things. If the way you see things is complicated so also your life will be filled with darkness and consequently you'll be living without the light that comes from God. Do you want more of God? Do you want to have an encounter with Him? Do you want to be filled with light?

Look at your life in a simple way, of someone who is preparing for the Kingdom of God. My life would be very difficult if I continued worrying about what people said about me, of being this or that and worrying with things that are yet to come and etc. It's no use to stress about all that, and lose my opportunity of entering the Kingdom of God (thank God I was able to wake up and see things with simple eyes). Simplicity makes you a blessed person of God that's understanding, confident, compassionate, patient, and makes you look at things through God's eyes.

God is in the simple things and the complicated ones don't seem to understand that. 

Day 13 - My 21 Days

"But those who wait on 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)

It's very strong when the prophet compares those who trust in The Lord with eagles. I researched and look at the comparison: They have a special way to face storms. When a storm comes near, they open their wings, having the ability to fly 90km per hour, and confront the storm. They know that above the dark clouds and lightning shines the sun.

During this difficult time they can lose feathers, can be hurt, but they don't fear but keep going forward. Then, while everyone else is beneath in darkness, they fly victoriously, peacefully above. Confidence that expresses certainty is their motto. Beyond the storm lies the sun, and the sun is what they seek. 

The simplest attitude we could have in this life is to trust in God! He always has the solution, comfort and the answer. Be like the eagles – trust in God.

Note: I'm writing right now with a great deal of patience, difficulty and pain, I cut my finger, tendon and nerve (I'll be undergoing surgery soon, thank God, I'm fine)... but, I write with joy, because I know that with sacrifice and love, somewhere in this world, God will be touching someone, and saving souls...this is my pleasure :-)

Day 12 - My 21 Days

When a person is born of God, when she is generated by God... she always wins. She may have lost sometimes but those losses won't really matter, she'll never lose.

So, how does God work? The Holy Spirit uses the little strength you have left and uses it to take out all bad things inside of you. Tell me, where is the greatest strength of the human being? In the arms? The heart? The intelligence?

The weakness in people is letting themselves be led by emotions, by the heart... they can be smart, physically strong, well educated... but they will be weak because they don't use their reason. The greatest enemy is not the devil but ones emotions.

What has been your treasure in this world? Think carefully before saying it's The Lord Jesus. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Because of this many have lost and moaned, because their heart is not in Jesus. (For some this answer has only been "the right answer".)

God is Spirit and He works with reason. 

There is a force inside of you, it may be small, low, because your heart has been in control of your life. But if you're able to recognize this today, The Holy Spirit will take this tiny force inside of you and pull out all these weaknesses from within you, and you will have the joy of the Holy Spirit inside you. 

Be blessed right now!

Day 11 - My 21 Days

"Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." (John 12:3)

Mary proved with her actions her love for the Lord Jesus! She pushed herself, economized, worked twice as hard and dreamed of the day in which she would anoint the feet of her Master. He he loved her in such a way that made her feel worthy, special. Mary was transformed through love. This woman is remembered for pouriing over the feet of Jesus, all the she had. That's the law of love... You can give without loving but, you can't love without giving.

You can't economize love, in order for love to grow it's necessary to give. She didn't care about being criticized, about being scolded, or about gossip. She only looked to her Master. He was her target. They called her crazy, insane but, she didn't care because she gave all her love, and she wanted the greater good, her salvation.

If you really love the Lord Jesus, prove it! Show your love! Perhaps you've been discouraged during this fast of Daniel, but don't give up. Do your best from now on, push yourself just as Mary did. Think! If you're not able to crucify your flesh for the love of God, to have an encounter with him (which is already hard), then how will you manage to maintain your salvation in the following days, months and years? (Which is way harder)

Day 10 - My 21 Days

Close to You (Perto de Ti)

If I'd decide to deny my faith
And not trust anymore in Him

I have no where to go

I have no where to go

If my heart would deny

The grace that saved me

I have no where to go

I have no where to go

I'm convinced that without your love

I would lose my strength

and without You my thirsty heart would die and dry up 

Close to you I want to be

From your presence I don't want to leave

Near to you Jesuuuuus, I want to be

From your presence I don't want to leave

Day 9 - My 21 Days

Everything that happens in our future depends on what we did yesterday and today. But, if we pay attention, we'll notice that no day is like the other. Every day brings a hidden blessing; a blessing that is unique for that day and cannot be saved or wasted.

If we don't use this miracle today, friend, you will lose it. This miracle is in the details, the way we see things, our trust and dependence on God. You have to live every minute because, there we find the solution for struggles and difficulties, the correct path for the decision we need to take.

We can never let each day seem as the day before, every day is different. We are in a constant process of change.

"One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

Day 8 - My 21 Days

"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

Humbleness means "being raised up". When we humble ourselves before God, knowing our limits and dependence for Him... He raises us up and places us by His side. This is the secret behind enjoying more of His great presence in a deeper way. Being humbled is the key to being exalted to the highest place, being taken to the Holy of holies, His glory, His all, the fullness of His presence. 

Day 7 - My 21 Days

"And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done. In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them." (2 Chronicles 29:2-3)

"...Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place." (2 Chronicles 29:5)

In the beginning of his reign King Hezekiah did something differently that called God's attention, he began to do a cleaning in the temple of the Lord which had been abandoned, and repaired the doors of the Lord. He called the Levites and priests to consecrate and purify the temple of the Lord. Isn't that what we're doing these 21 days?

They put out all rubbish that was in the temple and afterwards they praised and worshipped with great joy. We are the spiritual Temple of the Holy Spirit, for that reason it's necessary to clean, throw out all rubbish, install an automatic cleaning system in our heart, and also clean exteriorly. 

Take advantage of this fast after all, we've spent longer times without distractions... try not doing only an inner cleaning but, a physical one as well. Take these days to deep clean each room of your house, work, church (dedicate one day for each place) look for things you no longer use, if they're in good condition donate them, if not, throw them out... see if there's things you need to do, house repairs, work or church, that you're able to do: replace a light bulb, paint,sew, repairs, etc... friend, do them! Know that the Holy Spirit will be watching you, you will be doing something different that will call the attention of God and will influence others to do the same.

This week, since last Sunday, my husband and I began doing this in the church. We did a deep cleaning in every room in the church and it has been a blessing. People have see this and began helping as well, and not only that, they're doing the same in their houses :-)

After cleaning the interior and exterior, we will praise and say with great joy, "What a day!"

Note: Read and meditate on 2 Chronicles 29, it's very strong!

Day 6 - My 21 Days

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God..." (Romans 8:28)

I always heard this verse and when I went through tough situations, struggles, difficulties and deserts... there I was confessing this. Today though, God spoke to me so strongly that I couldn't hold back my tears of happiness.

When God shares big things with us, and if we're immature, we run the risk of leaving space for our personal ambitions (our will). Ambitions deceive our heart, they lead us into emotions, because we begin to live our will and stop listening to God.

All strengtheonment and spiritual advancement (maturity) depend on us dying for our personal ambitions (our will) and instead living to do God's will (which isn't an easy task). When we allow God to be our main priority, adversity gains a new meaning, it's the means by which God keeps us attentive to His purposes for our lives. 

Today I can understand that I went and will go through difficult situations in order to acquire maturity and develop more trust in God. Isn't that wonderful? I have truly learned that everything does work for our good. Friends, I can have many flaws and mistakes but, it's wonderful to have this certainty inside you, that God is with you, that He is your all, even if war is breaking out all around you.

If you have not yet had this experience, friends work with all your strength, it's marvelous! And if you have and need to be renewed, don't waste time – return to your first love!

Day 5 - My 21 Days

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phillipians 1:6)

When we decide to give God all that we are, His work can be faithfully completed inside of us... if, we are faithful to Him until the day of Jesus Christ. And in order to remain faithful to Him, we need to live with a constant faith in action, with power and growth.

It's inconceivable for someone who says they are in Christ, to remain motionless in their communion with God and here lies the importance of devoting ourselves, renewing ourselves with the first works, because His work will be completed until the return of the Lord Jesus, if we remain in Him.

The Lord Jesus wants to perfect our relationship with Him every day... leading us to bear many fruits. He has been waiting for you to completely surrender your life to Him so He can finally fulfill His good work in you — He loves you so much! He wants to begin and complete His works in you... decide today, go and meet him with all your strength, you have nothing left to lose!

Day 4 - My 21 Days

"...I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Henry Ford once said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." We need to look towards the power of God and not towards our obstacles, and learn to see obstacles as opportunities in disguise. A small amount of faith can remove any obstacle and bring about amazing results.

Faith, even if it's small, does not turn back or take the longer route when it sees an obstacle; it removes the obstacle.

It's possible that you may identify a major obstacle in your life right now in order to have the Greater Good, which is your Salvation. Whatever it may be, God is with you! He will help you remove all obstacles!

Don't take your eyes off God's Power...

Day 3 - My 21 Days

Speaking today to a pastor's wife and friend (Daliene), God spoke to me:

"For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." (1 Corinthians 2:11-12).

When we have a communion with God, we have access to everything the Spirit of God is doing. If Christ is in us, we have His Mind! God allows us to know what He is thinking... He communicates with us Spirit to Spirit. 

When we are in sync, everything we do, we do according to God's will... if we are not in this synchronization, we do things by the strength of our arms and place a wall between God and us, also in between us and the souls.

As long as we have this communication with God, we are attentive to what God speaks and we understand the things that were freely given by God and when this happens, people who are in need, needing help, will come to you with no effort! When we invest in the things of the Holy Spirit we naturally attract souls (like a magnet) to us, they know very well that inside of us dwells the Spirit of God!

Day 2 - My 21 Days

Moses was one of the most humble men and at the same time a vigorous leader. Being humble means knowing your place before God... that you have no purpose in life without Him... that there is no future without him... you are completely dependent on God, the meaning of your existence is to glorify Him.

But, there is another side to humbleness, to know who we are before God. He being our Lord, makes us become giants in the spiritual world (invest in your communion with God). We can do anything through our Lord Jesus!

And perhaps when you're starting something these thoughts may come, "You? Trying to do something big for God? What a waste of time! You're so insignificant!"

But if you understand and are humble to accept that you are nothing without him, I repeat, you can do anything! Being vigorous and humble seem contradictory but, in the Kingdom of God, they go together (hand in hand).

Think: Where is your humbleness when you worry more about your image (in front of men), than doing the work of God?

Let's be humble, with a big vision, vigorous and have a courageous faith. Remember: the point of your existence is to glorify Him.

Day 1 - My 21 Days

"...Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Phil. 2:12-13 Notice it is Paul who confirms that salvation comes through faith, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" you need to express an aspect of faith, surrender, investment and sacrifice (hard work). 

Faith is not immediate trust but, permanent trust: living trust, magnificent, and "watchful". Our salvation is a miracle from God that "works in us", and for that reason it requires all of our attention. Working "with fear and trembling" means being conscious that every moment should be an investment in our relationship with God (as in a marriage), because God is working in us at every moment.

Fearing God means loving him irresistibly... in these 21 days may we learn, be renewed, invest and show attitudes of love toward Him.

How can I prepare myself?

Many young ladies email me asking how they can start preparing themselves to become a pastor's wife. Today I was remembering some guidance I received while I was dating and about to become a pastor's wife... :-)

• Take advantage of your last days of being a single lady to prepare yourself in every way. Sometimes many girls take longer to get married and even begin thinking it's unfair... They cannot see that this is an opportunity to prepare themselves for the Altar... So, invest in yourself now that you're currently single.

• Understand that your life will no longer be yours. Learn to stop living for only yourself and start living for the souls. Leave behind those 'girl clicks' in church and invest in maturing every day. Not as an obligation, but so God can count on you as a woman of God. Another thing few accept is learning to be submissive. 

• Learn to be a housewife. See yourself already as a married woman, take time to care for your place, even if it's your parents. While you're at it,  give them attention as well. Learn to cook, take care of your clothing, do house chores and how to take good care of your self.

• Learn a new language and finish your studies. Choose a language that you would like to learn so you can save souls that way in the future. Today you can learn in school, internet, youtube, etc. Also, Study! Finish your studies. I know that there's the possibility you may get married before finishing your school, but until that happens, invest in your studies.

• Forget about your feelings. Forget about your emotions, sentimentalism and bad habits of wanting attention for yourself. Learn to live by faith.

• Preserve your salvation. If you are getting to know or dating a pastor, there is still a chance things won't work out between you two. Many assistants will destroy their lives by not noticing "the signs". They don't want to think about their boyfriends not being of God – they don't use their reason. Many pastor's have left the work of God so be careful! Friend, don't get carried away by a 'title'. Observe if he's really of God, if he Fears God, if he makes comments that don't make sense, speaks bad about authorities of God, is conceited, doesn't respect you, doesn't take time to get to know you, is jealous, proud, doesn't take care of souls and so on... If this happens, leave the relationship, it's not worth it! Remember your salvation is your first priority!