The diary of a Pastor's wife

Don't forget about God's plans!

2012-02-14T17:32:00.001-06:00

"Life is too short to do everything we want yet long enough to do everything God wants us to do." Many have dedicated all their time on personal goals forgetting completely about the plans of God for their lives.

Perhaps at this instant, the most important approach you could have is listening to the voice of God. You may be going through something in which this is crucial step.

Be attentive!

The problem of many is not the fact of having so much work to do but, having this work distract them, take away all their time and make them push aside the most important thing at that moment: our connection and relationship with God.

"Hear, O my people, and I will speak..." (Psalm 50:7)

Good vs. Bad Eyes

2012-02-06T11:52:00.000-06:00

At last... what does it mean to have good eyes?

We live life thinking badly of others, seeing flaws in everyone, not being able to trust anyone... now when you come to church you find out that in order to become a virtuous woman you need to have good eyes... now what?

Well... On top of praying you need to change your thoughts and actions... it all depends on that... if you see a situation and decide to look at the good side, you will have good eyes.

This is how it works: first you "SEE" then come the "BAD" eyes, then you react with "GOOD" eyes... below are some examples...

SEE - She's very well dressed

BAD - She's stuck up, she wants to call attention

GOOD - She took some time getting ready and she looks really pretty

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SEE - She's very messy

BAD - She's dyslexic

GOOD - She didn't have time to get ready today, she must've worked a lot

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SEE - She's speaks seriously

BAD - She unsympathetic

GOOD - She's reserved and must be concentrating on something

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SEE - She didn't say hi

BAD - She's snobby

GOOD - She might have not seen or remembered me

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SEE - She is speaking with a group (being the center of attention)

BAD - She thinks she's all that

GOOD - She's bold and has the spirit of a leader

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SEE - She is not leading just helping

BAD - She's a softy

GOOD - She's a servant, she does her best no matter what it is

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You see... those are a few examples... you can continue this list day by day... when a situation or something you hear brings bad thoughts, beat them with good eyes.

Strive and ask God to help you and you will see a big change!

Source: Espaço Feminino - Força Jovem Paraná

My Love Life - Where Everything Began (Final)

2012-01-26T10:57:00.000-06:00

I went home still thinking this wasn't true. I really wanted Wednesday to come already so I could finally speak with my pastor. On Wednesday morning, I went to church and attended the meeting but didn't have the courage to speak to pastor. I would walk around him but couldn't speak, I had the impression that I was in sin and, also I'd only be able to go to work after speaking with someone about what had happened.

God prepared for me a special person, the pastor's wife. I had never spoken to her about me, but I felt the need to speak to her first. I asked her if she had a minute to spare and with a smile on her face, so beautiful in the inside, she told me of course. We went inside a church room and I took a deep breath... I told her I had a very serious issue to speak to her about, and if I was doing wrong, I was willing to change (she must've thought I was sinning), ever since I've been in the work of God I've been this way, if something was going to harm me, I prefer to obey authority, no matter what it is, what I have to sacrifice, I only want God's guidance and not my own.

I said almost crying... "I like a pastor, and he came up to me yesterday and asked to pray together, what should I do Mrs??" She smiled and told me, "You are blessed child, no need to worry, I'll go speak to my husband — wait here." Oh no, the pastor was going to know but, I was ready and waiting lol. He came in smiling and said, "You can pray my daughter, I'm going to speak to him." Wow... my blessing was complete, the only thing I needed now was to know his name... I asked the pastor's wife and she told me, "Valdo."

That same week we had a vigil with the assistants and my pastor spoke with him. When the meeting ended he came towards me and I ran to the restroom, what audacity!!! I didn't want anyone to know yet. When I came out, he was there waiting for me, I was objective, "I can't speak now, only on Tuesday when I come."

I wrote a letter to him with words of faith and my phone number and took it to the meeting of the 70. I gave it to him and asked if we could be discreet about this, for nothing was certain as of yet (we were there to help people and not see each other). He gave me his phone number and from that day on, I began to know him. We only spoke through the phone, in meetings only from far away. This is when I asked him about the day he came to my church and what happened with that assistant. I laughed because they were indeed introduced only that, he was already interested in me, when the pastor spoke to him about meeting an assistant he thought it was me so he went. He was speechless and then asked her her age, she was almost 2 years older than him, that's when he said he wasn't meant for her, that God would bless her with a man of God.

A month went by and my relationship was approved by the regional pastor, the pastor at my church announced in the morning meeting that in the evening meeting at 6 he would be blessing a couple (the auxiliary that had been an assistant with me) as well as a new relationship. I heard comments with the assistants and members and they had no clue it was me... I stayed quiet and only my best friend Luiciana knew about this as well as the assistant who would go with me to the meeting of the 70.

When the pastor asked for me to go up on the alter, to bless this relationship, many people were shocked. Who knew the chubby girl, wearing cat eye looking glasses, blessed.

The secret was in my trust and the intentions of my heart, I valued myself, I am of God and couldn't be dating one and another.

Don't let time and anxiety, fear and despair hold back the work of God in your life. You don't need to give God a helping hand. Let him work!!!

Do you think this is over? LOL... no. I also faced struggles in my relationship. Do you want to know them? Just wait!!!

The right thing to do...

2012-01-24T17:48:00.004-06:00

This message is for all those young women who have doubts regarding their love life and specially for all the assistants who are dating or interested in a single pastor.

You need to take into consideration a few basic rules in order to avoid making the wrong choice.

What do you as an assistant, have to observe in a pastor before starting a relationship with him?

1. If he is a servant.

2. The amount of time he's been in the Work of God.

3. If his ministry was approved.

4. His personality.

5. His flaws.

6. His age.

7. Only accept to date him with approval from the pastor in charge.

8. Participate in the Therapy of Love meetings as soon as your relationship has been approved.

These are a set of factors that will reduce the chances of an unsuccessful relationship, as well as wasting time with a person that still needs approval. I'm from the time in which you would only pray and just wait on God. The assistant would pray, speak with him only in public (never alone), they never went out together, and they would specially not call each other.

Today things have changed and because of this, the risks are higher. Young women rely only on what's in front of them, they become blind and don't realize that not everything that glitters is gold!!!

Many times a young lady who was disappointed from a previous relationship starts believing that she has found the man in her life... Perfect! But, we have noticed that things are more complicated, they forget that before being a man of God, their suitor is a man. This means that he has flaws and shortcomings, the perfect man doesn't exist, but rather the perfect match for each one of us. Perhaps this image of perfection and holiness has caused many young women to not realize that they need to watch in order not to make the wrong decision. Being of God doesn't mean being perfect, but rather a condition, this condition guarantees a path with fewer rocks, but never without them...

It's hard to accept that we make mistakes in our choices, but being of God is to take courage and confront our mistakes and learn from them.

"The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

Mrs. Carla Leite - Mozambique, Africa

My Love Life - Where Everything Began (Part 4)

2012-01-24T17:21:00.002-06:00

(Read Part 3 here)

I kept on going to the meeting of the 70 apostles and would see the auxiliary I liked in the meetings. The feeling was still there, how could I face him? I would not let him interfere with my plans with God nor with the church. I was not feeding these feelings by, listening to romantic music and thinking about him (aw, I lost him, boohoo), or daydreaming in a fairy tale, noooo... I had no time for that, my mind was in my work, my family, the work of God, souls. It's funny that during this time two assistants came up to me asking to pray with me (I now realize I was very rude but, oh well, lol) The first one asked me and I responded by saying, "Do you work?" He said he was looking for a job...

"Okay, after you get a job you can look for me and we'll talk..."Lol...

I asked the other one, "How old are you"? He answered15. "Okay, after you grow up, then you can look for me, I already take care of a little brother, now if you really like me, start decorating the book of Psalms" I responded.

I could be chubby, use cat looking glasses but, I knew my value, lol, I was of God.

When you start liking someone... don't become fooled by feelings, our time is not the same time as God.

Another detail: When I began liking this auxiliary, I didn't tell anyone, I stayed 3 months with these feelings, not knowing what church he was from, what his name was, I didn't know anything about him nor did I want to know (I didn't want to feed these feelings). After that special meeting I had in church, a month passed and everything remained normal, just as it had always been.

On Tuesday I went to the meeting of the 70 and at the churches door was the auxiliary I liked looking my way. After the meeting was over, he stayed close to me, I would go one way and so would he (I found this odd), but I didn't worry about it. The meeting finished, I counseled people, he had already gone up...good.

I counseled one last person and asked the assistant, that I considered a father, if he could wait for me because I didn't want to go home alone. I went to get my purse in the assistants room. I remember that I was heading towards the exit and I hear a person running toward me in the hall. It was an auxiliary that had been an assistant with me, he called, "Graciele, wait!!" My God, what does he want with me? It's been a long time since I've spoken with him. I stopped in the middle of the hallway. It's funny how he awkwardly asked, "Do you like someone??"

"Hahaha... What kind of question is that?" I responded. I didn't beat around the bush... "I may like someone, why?"

"Because there's an auxiliary who likes you, he's the one waiting there by the door." I looked back and it was him, I couldn't believe it!!!

I answered, "It is him." The auxiliary made a sign for him - "She likes you".

He came towards my direction, I froze... I remember in that moment the prayer I had made, he had to come to me. He came and introduced himself, he called me by my name, I didn't even know his name. He asked if I had faith to pray with him and I said I yes.... he asked for my number and I said no. Calm down girls, lol, it's because I wasn't able to give it to him in that moment, I had to go catch the bus and I also told him that. It was all very new for me, I needed to speak with my pastor... Remember, there was once that I was put down from being an assistant because I didn't let the pastor know that I wouldn't be going on a Wednesday lol... since that day, I let him know everything first lol... even to this day. I started leaving and at the same time asked him his name... but I didn't hear it (what a shame), and I left anyway. The assistant that I would always go home with saw everything, I asked him if he could please not tell anyone about this. I was so happy... because it was all the way I asked God, I didn't force anything, everything happened at the right time...

To be continued...

Note: I would like if you could leave your comment. What do you think about your love life? Have these posts been helping you?

Kisses...

7 tips to be happy in your love life

2012-01-21T08:56:00.001-06:00

1. Pray that it is truly God's will and that it's the person He chose for you. Believe in His response.

2. When you find a person ask God for a confirmation the he is the one He chose.

3. Don't act with emotions but instead with reason.

4. Be attentive to the persons attitudes. (comments, attitudes, words, etc...).

5. Always desiring to do God's will, will make a big difference.

6. Be careful with the difference in age and mentality (maturity).

7. Make sure the person is compatible (ex. spirituality, mentality, objectives, faith, etc...) with you.

Cristina Macedo

Reading, Pennsylvania - USA

My love life - Where Everything Began (Part 3)

2012-01-20T13:16:00.003-06:00

(Read part 2 here)

We prepared everything for the meeting at our church. I still wasn't sure if I would be in that meeting because, I worked on Saturdays. I didn't make any arrangements to assist in the meeting.

The long awaited Saturday came.. and to my joy I found out last minute that my boss would be going to the meeting with the 12 pastors and, I would be able to go and assist. I arrived at church an hour before and it had many people. I went to change in the assistants room, I had never seen so many assistants getting ready for the service. The thing was that it was different, some were getting ready because they would see the SINGLE pastors, that was the least of it though... I was already used to it.

I waited in line for around 15 minutes, I had to change into my uniform. An assistant knocked on the door asking for help to take some things to the sanctuary... nobody moved, no one wanted to go because they were getting ready, I looked behind me and there were 7 other assistants... not including the ones that were in front of me... if I were to leave in that moment, I would have to go to the end of the line. I put my uniform in my locker and went to help the assistant. To my surprise, guess who I find? The auxiliary (my husband) who I had placed in the hands of God. I literally froze, I didn't know he'd be at my church.

I was very worried, I wouldn't be able to assist in the service... the assistants would know I liked him, I didn't know how to hide it. I finished helping the assistant, and returned to the assistants room (I had to do something), I went back into the restroom line thinking, "My God, I came so joyful to help but, I didn't expect this, I know myself, I won't be able to give my best in this meeting, I'll be worried... what do I do now?!"

Once again the assistant knocked on the door, asking the assistants for help in the kids zone, there was no one to take care of them. Many didn't want to go, others finished getting ready quickly and went straight into the sanctuary, what about me?? Again I left the line and decided to be in the kids zone, at least there no one would see me and I'd be serving God.

I went to the kids zone and it was full of kids, I had to take them to their class rooms, three teachers and I. It was a blessing!

Just then a few colleagues (assistants) showed up a few minutes before the meeting. They said that the pastor was presenting 2 auxiliaries to some assistants (one of them was the one I liked). Another came saying that they presented to her an auxiliary and he had given her hope to pray together... I don't know where this courage came from but I asked who it was she'd be praying with, she smiled and said the one with the yellow shirt.

The auxiliary I liked was wearing the yellow shirt. My initial thought was, "You see? Those feelings were not from God... they only wanted to deceive you... forget about it!!!" I had already placed this in the hands of God but, it was good... because if I would've fed that feeling I would be crying on the ground, or even going into the sanctuary to see if he would come up to me.

You know what I did? I left it alone. I helped in the Kids Zone with all my heart, I remember we had 100 kids... we left tired but happy. I knew God was taking care of me. I didn't want to be dating one then another one, I wanted the right one... I wanted to date in order to get married, I wanted it to be a relationship that would be good for me and have the same objectives to, "Serve God on the Altar."

If you're a person who has everything to make another happy then, you have what it takes to be happy in your love life! Trust in God, He will always have the right person for you!

Note: There's another side to the story that I didn't know, later I found out lol... it was all a lie. The auxiliary (my husband) had given the assistant no hope... I didn't know about this so I continued with my life and after 1 month the answer came.

(Read part 4 here)

My Love Life -Where Everything began (Part 2)

2012-01-18T22:31:00.006-06:00

(Read Part1 here)
During that time my love life was non-existent. I wasn't too sure about that subject, I had already witnessed many problems and many friends who began dating, got too involved in it, to the point of losing their relationship with God. They stopped being assistants and even left the church. I thought love life was so overrated.

Thank God I always had good advice, and listened to what they said. The first thing was... that I was young, I needed to value myself and the other thing was that I didn't need a man to be happy and yes... that it would happen naturally over time. I remember in that time (I don't know how it is now because I've been out of the country) there were a lot of youth who wanted to serve God on the altar and the majority of female assistants wanted to marry a pastor. The thing is, I didn't think that way. I wanted to become a pastor... and eventually in a distant future I thought I'd end up marrying an assistant because in my fantasy world, I wanted to be a pastor, not a pastor's wife (I was a little naive on this subject). This was my mindset and I started telling my friends. I'm sure they thought there was a missing screw in my head, lol.

God does everything so differently, not according to the way we think at all. He tests our words and awaits our action. I was really involved with the things of God but something started happening to me. I began to like an auxiliary (my husband) in that service I attended. When I realized that, I felt so revolted against myself. I began to pray against those feelings. I would seriously look at myself in the mirror and say, "Who are you to judge, aren't you taking the same path as the others? Have you gone mad? This is a weapon of the devil, don't you want to be on the altar preaching the word of God? What you are feeling is not the will of God." I fought against myself... for several weeks.

I felt ashamed to ask advice about this, I decided to only make a single prayer, "My God, I place these feelings in your hands, if this is from you, he will approach me, in case he doesn't, take away these feelings." Quickly... I felt God remove a burden of worry from my head, I left it all there. I didn't know his name, where he was from, if he was in a relationship, to me this was very complicated. I didn't let this interfere with my relationship with God. I didn't become anxious because even though I had a radical attitude, I trusted in God.

The bible says that our heart is deceitful, knowing this, we have to be very careful that our heart doesn't deceive us. Therefore, before giving ourselves to someone, we need to consider a few things like, the persons goals, their spiritual level, if they've truly had an encounter with God, etc. Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you guidance and believe that God has a son for every single one of His daughters, God will bless you. I suggest you read the book, "The Profile of the Man of God" as well as "The Profile of the Woman of God". These are books that have advice about this subject, it's one of the things I did :)

During this same week, the pastor of my church announced to all the assistants that we'd be having a special meeting on Saturday, where 12 regional pastors would be coming. We had to organize the meeting, items and etc.

To be continued...

(Read Part 3)

My Love Life - Where Everything Began (Part 1)

2012-01-17T15:57:00.004-06:00

I had just started wearing my assistants uniform (I still couldn't believe it). At this moment all I wanted to do was serve my God and do what He wanted. I had the opportunity to do a special work (holding services only few times a week) at my school. Right after work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I went directly to there. The work we did there began to grow and the pastor sent an assistant to come and help me. I ended up making meetings with up to 100 people, it was a blessing... as I was doing this, a desire began to grow inside of me to serve God on the altar. But with me, everything was different... I wanted to serve God as a pastor... that's right... a pastor.

I used to daydream, imagining myself preaching on the altar and never once as a pastor's wife. I remember that in services in which I assisted as an assistant, my pastor would always call the male assistants to go up and pray on the microphone. I would just stay there wanting to go as well, until one day it happened. The pastor called me to go up and pray (me and some female assistants). I was already decided that I would serve on the altar, the pastor said nothing was impossible - I was positive I would serve as a pastor.

Two months went by and we were told that all the assistants needed to go to the meeting of the 70 apostles in the headquarters. I had to go, so I continued doing the special work on Thursdays and on Tuesdays and then I would go to the headquarters.

I remember that the first time I went, I was in shock. First of all it was a very blessed meeting, people from other states came (a lot of them) for this purpose of healing. Many people were seeking healing and counseling...I didn't just stay for the 6pm meeting, I ended up staying for the meeting at 8pm meeting as well. I felt useful in those meetings, I would leave with my uniform all dirty because the people that were being delivered manifested with demons. I didn't care about anything else... I was there in order to help these people. The second thing that shocked me was that I didn't see many young assistants wanting to do things to help, they stood by the wall while the meeting was going on and afterwards they would go to the restroom to chat. My God! Why?! I Just let it go, everyone is different, God knows everything...because of this we cannot judge.

When I'd go to the headquarters on Tuesdays and I would always be in the restroom anointing people and afterwards assist in the meeting. I got to know assistants from many places, many were really nice but, they had something that made me uncomfortable and many times I would leave quietly. They always spoke about the same thing — their love life.

They would talk about how their "blessing" was in the service (because there were 70 single auxiliary pastors), they couldn't be messy or sweaty because they could "lose" their blessing lol, as well as the opportunity to serve God on the altar, beside a man of God...but there was one day I got so mad...I was getting dressed and they only spoke about that, I couldn't help it, I took a deep breath and told them something...

"Don't you all think you're being anxious? Didn't you notice all the people in need of help, or were you paying more attention to the auxiliaries?"

Goodness!!! They wanted to eat me alive lol... one of them told me I was saying this because I wanted to appear spiritual... the other one told me that I was jealous that they were beautiful and of God...

"Now Graciele, you need to improve your appearance my darling... you need to lose weight (I was overweight back then), those glasses don't go with you (I used those cat looking glasses), look at yourself first child, so then you can say something to us."

You know what I did? Nothing... I stayed quiet. In truth, I didn't know what to do so, I continued going and would speak with them, but, I didn't stay close around them too much because I knew it wouldn't be good for me.

My husband was one of the auxiliaries they would speak about, at that time I didn't know him yet.

Read Part 2...

Note: In the above picture I was already a bit thinner :-)

Sorry for not writing as much here on the blog

2012-01-16T08:42:00.003-06:00

Hi Girls!

I miss writing on here but right now I need to be patient, I need to obey in order to get better... so sorry about that... but I would just like to alert you all on something.

During these days that I haven't been running around much, trying to figure out this or that, being busy doing something, I was able to place more attention in a small but very important thing — our health.

I read a quote on the internet that says, "A strong and healthy body depends on a strong and healthy soul."

Good health is a healthy soul in a healthy body. Our body belongs to God, isn't that right? He gave it to us in order to take care of it, it's like a vehicle that carries your soul during life. Just like you wouldn't harm another person, just as you wouldn't hurt anything that God has created, you cannot harm your own body friend. You need to eat healthy, rest, stay fit, and treat your body with respect in every aspect. Physical health is not an option; it's part of your responsibility with God.

These days i've been yearning to do more things to win souls... but I have to be physically healthy, to truly give the best of me ;-)

Let's focus more on this little detail, I confess it's not easy, but it's of great importance.

Note: My surgery went well :-D Thank you for praying friends.

Obeying God is the correct path to take

2012-01-12T15:22:00.000-06:00

"...I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:28-29)

Every person that does what God tells him to do through His word, and does it with love and compassion, is never left alone, even if the situation may show otherwise against them. These people love God and they are loved back by Him.

It's not by saying many times in a loud voice, "Lord Jesus, I love you", that's going to make us be heard. Those who truly love Him obey the word He gives them, they put it in practice daily, even whilst knowing that sometimes it's difficult to obey...anyhow, it's the only path that pleases God and makes us victorious.

Face the challenge that God has put before you, that was already confirmed inside of you when you heard and read the Word of God. He guarantees that He'll always be with you on this endeavor. Your success in this challenge is the success of God himself.

Don't allow the thorns of life to choke up your divine purpose, which you received from the Lord Jesus. Friend, He will provide!

The doors to the Kingdom of Heaven are open to those who do the will of God and have courage to obey His voice at every moment.

"The man who obeys is nearly always better than the man who commands." - Ernest Renan

We are one in Christ (Testimony of a Pastor's wife)

2012-01-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

The first day that I wore my assistants uniform was on a Friday evening. I was very nervous, shy, and a bit lost. If you've already gone through this, you'll know very well the feeling. It's as if everyone is looking at you. It was on this day that I saw my husband for the first time, when I looked at him I thought, "Could it be that he'll be my husband?"

Girls, it wasn't a malicious thought, I wasn't looking for a boyfriend, I didn't have the desire to be a pastor's wife, it was something automatic. I just looked and simply thought, he was very serious, after some moments the thought passed.

Immediately after he was transfered to another church, he only came on Tuesdays; where we had the chain of 70 apostles, up until now I didn't have any sort of feelings towards him. I only observed... I found him very serious, and that for me was a positive thing for a man. After some time he disappeared, he had been transfered to another city. On a certain day, I was at home, and was listening to the program and the Bishop announced that this certain pastor was going to be transfered to the headquarters. Girls don't think bad of me but when I heard Bishop say this, I thought, "Imagine, me married with this pastor??" Lol, you must be laughing, but it's exactly what happened. After some time I began observing him; his behavior, his meetings, his prayers. On my behalf, I started to get feelings towards him but he didn't like me.

One day he called me, told me to forget about him, that he didn't like me, he told me very strong words, he told me I needed to convert, lol, seriously. I couldn't believe I was hearing that, this happened on a Saturday. On the next Sunday morning meeting, I kneeled down and told God I didn't accept suffering, I suffered only when I was served the devil. I told God to have him like me in one week or to take away this feeling completely from me also in one week. I told God I didn't accept this situation, if it was His will, for His glory that He bless this (because if a relationship is for the glory of God, His going to make us happy without a doubt). It was a quick prayer, I didn't ask God for anything else; I let Him do His part.

Can you believe it, on Valentines Day he sent me flowers, it was a confirmation from God. He did like me, I shouted out of joy, I had determined it but couldn't believe it was happening. We began to pray together, after a few months we began dating, after 5 months we got married. In this year, 2012, we will complete 12 years of marriage. God had prepared us for each other, we are one in Christ.

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Rose - Angola

Day 19, 20 and 21 - My 21 Days

2012-01-01T18:33:00.001-06:00

In ever corner lies a hidden challenge! I love challenges especially when it's to save souls. As I said in the previous post, my husband and I were transfered to California and will now be in the English work (my new challenge).

I've had to sacrifice a lot in this past days, cut my finger, had surgery, then I had to move, receive the new pastor and wife, pack, face the airplane (for those who don't know I'm very scared to be on airplanes) all those emotions, anxieties were in my mind but, certainty, faith, trust, reason, never let me down, when souls are your target everything is alright, even those things that go wrong turn out right.

Whenever we're faced with challenges our heart is the first to speak against them even knowing it's for a good cause. It knows that we want to come out of the comfort zone, but when we decide to go by faith, everything is directed by God.

After everything was resolved, going to the airport, there I was again with the challenge of flying in an airplane (this would be the final challenge of the day), with butterflies in my stomach, I went inside the airplane. As it was going up, as I usually do, I closed my eyes and prayed the whole time, it's as if I'm secure in the hands of God, knowing that I will go with peace and security to my new destiny. At last I arrived :-)

Life is filled with challenges and if we confront them in a creative way, they can turn into opportunities. We will always have challenges, it's normal to have emotions and feelings reacting inside of us... but we have to trust in God, believe with all your strength that challenges turn into opportunities.

May this year of 2012 be a year of opportunities mainly in our spiritual life and for the souls.

May God bless you all who are always here on this blog soooo much! Thank you for all your prayers... I love you without even knowing you personally.

Kisses!

Day 18 - My 21 Days

2011-12-29T10:15:00.004-06:00

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

2011-12-28T14:27:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-27T14:28:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-26T14:48:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-26T14:34:00.001-06:00

...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

2011-12-24T17:58:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-24T17:38:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-20T15:56:00.001-06:00

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

If my heart would deny

The grace that saved me

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

2011-12-20T15:35:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-20T15:24:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

"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

2011-12-16T13:00:00.001-06:00

"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

2011-12-15T12:49:00.001-06:00

"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

2011-12-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

"...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

2011-12-13T14:02:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-13T13:56:00.000-06:00

"...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?

2011-12-01T13:51:00.005-06:00

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!

The Perfect Person

2011-11-11T13:05:00.001-06:00

We're all tired of hearing that no one is perfect. Many times despite knowing this, and certain occurrences, many keep falling into the mistake of requiring too much of themselves, being overly concerned to be perfect. Many think that to be an assistant, a servant of God, a pastor's wife they need to perfect... They find it unimaginable to show any imperfection in front of people (or so they think) and therefore impede themselves from being used more by God.

If no one is perfect, why try to create a perfect image? Why try to disguise the worst areas in our life (our mistakes and flaws)?

Wouldn't it be easier if we just confessed that we need to improve?

Human beings make mistakes. They behave wrongly, they try to achieve things but they don't work out, they cry, they have their difficult moments, those days that only God knows who you are but, this doesn't make you any less special.

I want you to remember one thing and not forget it: Nobody is perfect! Not me and not you! I don't know a perfect person, do you? Well, only in cartoons lol, The Wonder Woman, who doesn't exist... The only One who is perfect is our Lord Jesus, and He does exist. What distinguishes people is this awareness that no one is perfect but, to be able to always be examine themselves in order to improve, grow and learn.

Know that our imperfections make us dependent on God, if we were perfect we wouldn't seek our Lord Jesus.

God will be able to do more miracles only when we understand that.

Get rid of any excruciating demands... be dependent solely on God and this way, He will have complete access to use you.

Seeking until further notice - Final Part

2011-10-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

During these 7 months seeking, I learned that we don't need a uniform to serve God, the anointing is within us, that is shown naturally with time. I remember that during these 7 months I could only participate in assistants meetings but, just the fact of participating of them was a privilege.

With every day that passes I have learned to give value to any situation that I go through. It's only through a certain situation that you manage to learn to give value towards things that seem insignificant to our eyes. At the time it happens, you don't understand but later on when it passes, it's as if you eyes open, you look at the situation in a positive way... you mature.

I came to the point of forgetting that I was just a member because I was so focused on serving God that it didn't matter to me. In one of the assistants meetings, my pastor (the one who put me down as an assistant) who I later became more familiar with... I began to admire him, because of his work, his anointing and how he cared for his church. His wife was an example to us assistants, and without expecting it, he called me. I came to him and he asked, "Why are you not an assistant? What did you do again? I cannot remember..."

Man! I did not expect this, lol! I reminded him of the whole story, and he remained in silence. My heart felt troubled because he remained silent. When he opened his mouth to speak, I heard God talking directly to me. "Graciele, you can start wearing your uniform again. I sat you down because I knew you would remain. We have many here that if I were to put them down as assistants, they would leave in that instant because they're attached to their uniform. But you my daughter, are of God. Go in faith that God is with you."

Haha... That is what God expects with me, to remain. This situation that I went through made me stronger, more confident and mature.

Maybe what you are going through is impossible to the eyes of men but, remain my friend... God is with you!!! He wants to use that situation so that He can be glorified. I know it's not easy, but keep going, don't look for what people think or say. Look at yourself, look to your goal which is The Lord Jesus, that's how you conquer any situation. It's obvious that there are situations that take months and even years but know that as long as you remain, you will turn out more stronger, confident and mature.

Remember: "The secret to obtaining the promises of God is to remain in the faith, even if it takes a lifetime."

Seeking until further notice (Part 2)

2011-10-08T11:06:00.001-05:00

When I got home, it was as if my day had already ended. My head what swarming with thoughts wanting to understand what had happened. I remember that in my house I didn't have any privacy, my living room was my bed. I needed to speak to God, I was still holding my tears, and I didn't want to let it all in front of my mom.

I took my bible and went to a block close to home, where there was no one. I began crying, question God why... I was serving Him with all my heart, I had done anything to receive this. And that's when He spoke to me:

"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:10-12)

When we serve God, we are blessed! We are HIS people! That should be the real motivation to continue growing in Christ. There in no injustice in the work of God, if we see something go wrong, it's with people... Know first that God sees all things... Secondly, He lets those things happen. If were are true servants of God, we have to go through tests, through situations that we weren't expecting, we are not pampered when we serve God, things like these will always happen and we'll have to overcome them with perseverance and patience, and this way, we'll be acknowledged. If were really are serving God, then, it's normal for us to trust in Him, right? That's exactly what God spoke to me... it was a bucket of cold water!

I went back home, fully aware that I was indeed serving God, I would continue doing my part. A uniform would not make the difference, but rather me, behaving as a servant, God knew this was what I needed and I finally understood.

I did as the pastor had told me, I went to church everyday to participate of the meetings (even Fridays I passed through the trail of salt) I even thought... I can do more without a uniform, I then made a prayer book and before the meetings started, I would sit with the people and ask for their names to pray for. I evangelized on Sundays...for me this period of time was very powerful. Being put down as they say, was not a punishment for me but a necessity for my life with God. I continued serving God, and you want to know for how long this went on? 7 months... That's right.

Besides I never stopped serving my God because He is the most important One in my life and I didn't stop saving soles. Many came and told me I was dumb, that I had to report the pastor to the head one, because they can't do that. I didn't do it, I knew God was working in this situation... I trusted in Him. I only gained during those 7 months...

I'll continue this... just wait :-)

Read part 3...

Seeking until further notice (Part 1)

2011-10-06T19:42:00.005-05:00

My times as an assistant were moments that'll last a life time. It was a time where I needed to be ready to learn, no matter the cost. When God calls you, you need to show Him that you are chosen. I was only 15 years old, single and still with a lot of maturing to do... deep inside of me I had an assurance that I was chosen to serve, to be a different kind of assistant and it all depended on me.

I was in the faith... I went to church everyday, it was a pleasure to be there. When I went to the meetings I didn't just go to go, I always went with a purpose of blessing someone, counseling, and if a person came to speak to me, it had to be God Himself speaking to them. That has always been my faith, I didn't want to be just one more. If I was raised as an assistant, it had to be a privilege for me, not a routine. I always made sure to do things for God, to serve Him in a way that wouldn't become a habit. I would never miss any meeting at church, if something was needed, I was there I didn't mind sacrificing.

Back then everything was fine... actually things were pretty calm for a person who was sacrificing, being dedicated and being faithful. Wouldn't you agree?

And then... our pastor changed. I didn't know him. We had an assistants meeting, some organizing was done because there was a lot of us... assistants were needed to work in some meetings... I remember that he (the pastor) made it clear, that if we were here with all of our heart, we had to do our part, we had to be responsible and do our part as an assistant. If for some reason it wasn't like that, God couldn't count on us. He also added, if there were assistants that were serving just to be assistants, it'd be better for them to give up their position. God would end up revealing, and if someone failed to fulfill their responsibilities and didn't have a good excuse, they would be put down until further notice.

I really liked this new direction, it was the right thing. If we were truly there, we had to be servants of God and help people, being responsible. A few weeks passed, I began seeing assistants stop being assistants, they began having to seek again and no longer wore the uniform.

"My God!" I thought, "What is going on?!"

It was God working, He knew what He was doing. Little did I know the same thing would happen with me, lol. I didn't go to church on a Wednesday where I usually assisted, I remember it was because I had gone to work to another city and wouldn't have time to be back on time, so I participated of the service in the city I had gone to work at (note: I didn't inform the pastor, I only informed him the next day). When I went the next day to speak to him, I explained and apologized about what had happened. He stayed silent just looking into my eyes – no reaction whatsoever.

After a few minutes, the pastor tells me, "It's better for you to only seek now, don't wear the uniform anymore, don't go to the kids zone, don't go into the assistants room, from now on you'll only go to the service room and back to your house... If you want, you can still evangelize."

Wow. It came out of the blue... I wasn't expecting this at all. I had not sinned, I hadn't done anything so why did I have to stop being an assistant? Look, I didn't understand what was going on... I was speechless. It was a complete shock to me, I left that day stunned.

"What's going to happen now?" was the first thing that came to my head.

I loved doing what I did. Just because of that? I cannot believe this. Well, I went straight home that day... with a bunch of thoughts in my head. But, do you want to know what I did?

I'll let you know tomorrow... and you're going to see how God works, no matter what the situation is, He wants to see that you'll be faithful to your word. If I truly wanted to make the difference, here was my opportunity. It took a little bit of time for me to notice though.

Read Part 2...

Analyze yourself

2011-09-15T10:44:00.004-05:00

If we don't know ourselves, we can't mold ourselves to be the way God wants us to be. This is not an easy job girls. No one can become organized and mature without knowing themselves. We need to be angry and look within ourselves, be brave, not worry about how or what, and look to cut off the bad root.

Know your abilities and use them for the good of others. This is not being selfish. Being humble is not devaluing yourself or putting yourself down, it's being faithful to the truth about yourself. And that we can only understand when we start knowing ourselves and recognize that our life belongs to God, and that we're nothing without Him. When we know ourselves, we overcome the misconceptions about our selves and we start eliminating them one by one.

Our change first begins in our mind and we can't be scared to notice our weaknesses, failures and mistakes. Assume up to everything you've done and start correcting what is wrong using faith and perseverance. It's not easy to confront and overcome these things, but it's necessary friend, in order to give God full access to use us. It's necessary to aspire and be humble to recognize these things. Know that our behavior brings about good and bad, explore this, only this way will you know. Do it without fear! Don't forget and of course, recognize your values, do a correct and genuine analyzation of yourself.

Learn to love, accept and be patience with yourself. When we do a deep examination within ourselves, we experience the rebirth of freedom and life.

Pay very close attention to what sincere people say about you, and you'll know more things about yourself. We also have to be fearless to accept correction and constructive criticism, those who give us a sincere criticism are much better for us than those who don't say a thing.

Always be willing to learn, to look at your life and humbly recognize what you need to change. Don't think that a humble person is perfect... know friend that, they make a lot of mistakes, but every time they make a mistake they recognize it... and they learn every time, keeping in step with God... this is the difference and I'm in this faith :-)

Quality

2011-08-28T18:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was speaking with a youth at church. We were talking about something that she had done and that to our physical eyes she did well. After she told me though, I told her she was missing something. She smiled and a little scared she responded, "What was missing?" For her it was normal to do things this way. She was always doing things and she thought she was doing well, that there wasn't anything more she could do in those situations.

It was when I told her what she lacked was QUALITY. She was doing things well... but she lacked quality!

Quality doesn't sum up to producing a lot and doing it well... Saying, "There we go, I'm done! I did what I had to do!" No, it's not like that! It's the way which we do things, the value we see in them. Quality is always doing your best, giving your all even in the smallest things... It's doing things with love. And also of course, respecting each other's opinions, working with good will and in harmony – this is to have quality.

The things of God are so wonderful that we cannot do things out of obedience or to simply fulfill an obligation.

And then there's the famous question... "What if I do things and people don't like them?" And here's the big difference.

When you do things with quality and fear of God, it doesn't matter what it is, it doesn't matter what others think. You WON'T be frustrated! You have an assurance within yourself that you did your best and God is pleased with you!

Many do not understand that 'quality' lies in your attitude and they way you do things. Not doing things in the easiest way possible...

Quality is not a goal to impress someone or doing because you have to but, it's shaping your attitude and making 'simple' things with quality.

Someone emailed me a quote once and it makes us reflect on this issue:

"The simplest things in life are the most extraordinary, and only the wise can see them." (Author unknown)

Enough!

2011-08-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

Insecurities come all the time trying to suffocate us within our thoughts, wanting to always keep us the same... no going forward. They try to convince us: You're shy! You can't do anything! That's the way you are! Don't try it, you've never done this! It won't work out!

Enough girls! If a revolt against this situation is not born within us there will not be any changes! God doesn't just want to use us in some things, but in everyting. He wants us to show our revolt!

Start acting now! Shout if you have to!

When those ridiculous thoughts come in your head, don't think much... just ask: Why not? I can do anything!

"We gain strength, courage and confidence with every experience in which we face our fear upfront."

Phrase of the Day!

2011-07-18T21:41:00.001-05:00

Use that which aims to kill you, to make you stronger!

Will you break loose?

2011-07-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Have you observed an elephant in the circus? During the show, this huge animal does things that far exceed his strength. But before he enters, he remains a prisoner, quiet and restrained only by a chain that binds one of its legs to a small stake driven into the ground. The stake is only a small piece of wood. And even if it were thicker, its obvious that he, being able to overthrow a tree with its strength, could easily break loose and escape.

What a mystery. Why doesn't the elephant break loose?

The elephant in the circus doesn't break loose because he was used to being treated this way since a very young age. Imagine the young elephant being born a prisoner, in that moment the little elephant pushed, struggled just to break loose. And after all its effort, he couldn't break loose. The stake was too heavy. He tried and tried but nothing. Until one day, already tired, it accepted its destiny: to remain chained to the wooden stake, balancing its body left and right, eternally, waiting for the moment to enter the show.

So, that enormous elephant doesn't break loose because he believes he can't. In order for him to break loose something unexpected must happen for a example, a fire. The fear of the fire would make the elephant desperate to break loose and flee.

That happens so many times with us! We live believing in a bunch of things, "I can't have that", "I can't be that", "I won't ever get that", simply because when we were small and unexperienced, something didn't work out right and we received so many "no's" that "stake" was driven in the back of our mind with so much strength that we forget our creativity and just accept it as a simple, "I've always been that way."

I could say that the fire for us would be: the loss of a job, illness of someone close who had no money to do the treatment, or something very serious to make us leave this area of comfort.

The only way to try something new is to lose our fear of confronting this issue, separate emotions from our faith and to not be afraid of breaking these chains! Do as it is written, "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, pleasing and perfect will of God." Don't wait until the "circus" catches on fire to begin to change. Go in faith!

Recent experience in the work of God III - Final

2011-06-27T22:35:00.001-05:00

When I left that city, in front of men my husband and I had lost. I didn't see it that way though. I knew what we were going through and was aware that I was putting my salvation at risk.

I returned once again to Houston with a purpose in my heart to start all over again. I remember it was hard, I had to endure jokes, neglet, (the devil knows just what to do to make us give up... he doesn't need us to leave the altar, he only has to make our hearts sad, contaminated, upset, this way he makes our heart into his party, winning time and also blocking our work to win souls.) Even though all this was going on I knew one thing, God was with me, nothing nor anyone could take away this certainty from me. This same week my husband began working with youth, it was a new challenge and blessing.

Everything was new and we were serving God. The thoughts came back still in my mind though of what I had gone through. I still wasn't able to see my collegues with good eyes, I needed to overcome this, I had to do something.

A few weeks passed and a meeting was announced with the youth girls of Houston. No way on earth could I miss this! I still didn't understand much English... but anything that added to my spiritual life, I was there. God does everything so perfect, the meeting was a blessing for me, I was able to understand a lot of things and one of them was about the Sisterhood. It was everything I wanted. It didn't matter that I was a Pastor's wife, I decided to try out and turned in my application... I really wanted to join! I did all the tasks and it was difficult but, a month to remember... I was accepted!

The first go-personal task I received I couldn't believe. I had to read several times lol. It was so difficult to return to the situation I had left. I felt a knot in my stomach while I was reading it. But it was only God who wanted me to resolve this issue how He wanted, so that's what I did.

I was finally able to get in touch with my old colleague, she was needing someone because her mom wasn't doing all that well. That's the reason I used to call her. After that, I had to change the subject so she wouldn't hang up... it was strange but I had no idea how I managed to straighten up so many things. (I don't think she knew what was going on.) When we hung up, it was such a relieve lol! I was able to talk and laugh with her, we had never done that before. After that call I sent her letters, emails, called her, and we did a purpose for her mom. I still couldn't believe it was happening.

Now I can say from the bottom of my heart that it was worth it. My husband and I don't have bad eyes towards our collegues. We've ran into each other a couple of times and there's nothing bad between us. I had to decide and change this situation, to break this pride with the help of my big sister.

This is the kind of attitude that pleases God. It doesn't matter what title you hold, have good eyes, have respect, have love, perhaps your colleague is having attitudes that aren't good (remember we all have faults, we have to learn to love one another).

Don't let this happen to you... If this has started happening, start working now because the devil isn't worried if we're still serving, but HOW it is we're serving. It doesn't matter what we are doing, it matters what WE ARE and to remain with the good eyes we had since the beginning.

Recent Experience in the work of God - Part II

2011-06-20T19:57:00.003-05:00

Everything started out well. The church was big and the work was advancing. The first 3 months we worked together we were doing everything in Spirit.

Soon I began to see attitudes of my colleagues that I didn't like but I just pushed those thoughts to the side – in the beginning. But, without noticing I began having judgmental thoughts... Inside of me I knew those attitudes were not right. It was then that I decided to speak. I first went to her and spoke about it... she didn't like it one bit! I didn't either (we didn't understand each other) and that's where I went wrong... the small snowball had begun. Remembering this situation now, I should have cut off the problem by the root... but no, I left mad over that situation.

After that conversation, we didn't speak the same way. We lived together and worked together, but nothing! We only spoke when we had to. In my world, I knew I was right. I could no longer tolerate her ways, likewise her with me. The situation was getting ugly because now the snowball had brought it in my husband and hers. There was no longer a fresh atmosphere between us.

Finally, we all sat together to resolve this issue because it was now affecting our work. You see how the devil works? With ridiculous little things like this, it didn't just affect us but also the souls. But in the end, the conversation solved nothing. It's sad to say but neither one of us recognized we were wrong (we were blind).

After that conversation I realized it was getting worse, praying wasn't enough, I needed to act in the right way. But I didn't accept I was having bad eyes, in my eyes they were wrong, I didn't realize it was me... I was the one that was utterly wrong...

I went and spoke to my husband, "We're going to act differently." The following day, I did everything to please them, but the devil is so cunning that my colleagues didn't even care. That's when I thought, "See... its not working, I give up." In truth I should've continued, but when we're having bad eyes, anything done against us our immediate response is, "See? I tried but nothing..."

A few weeks passed, and now it was their turn, they did everything to please us... you know how we reacted? The same way they acted with us.

When we lose fear, we lose everything. There's no point in praying, trying to change. If you don't recognize it, even if you think your right, it doesn't matter, God is being impeded from acting. When we get to that point it's very sad, everything looks bad to you, a job, attitude, it takes us to see things with bad eyes, with judgement. Today I don't know how I let things escalate this far.

I had never gone through something like this. I always loved living with other people, I had heard about situations like this but never imagined that it would happen through me.

The situation got so bad that we had to get out of there, there was no control. That same day I had spoken with God, if I were to lose my salvation I preferred to leave there. And that's exactly what happened.

God is so wonderful... He knew what He was doing. In His mercy I saw my big mistake. Many times a lot of people think that judging or having bad eyes is not that bad. But for those who want to serve God, its a HUGE mistake... It ties you up and not only that but, you can no longer hear the voice of God. How can a person like this give something? Can they save souls? It's impossible!

I'll continue this week, you're going to know what helped me get out of this situation... I had to decide, I had to start all over again.

Read Part 3

Recent experience in the work of God (2009) - Part I

2011-06-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

I've been out of the country for about 3 years. The experiences I've been through have been a turning point with my walk with God. In all truth, the time that I lived in Brazil doesn't compare with the time I've lived here. I'm not ashamed to write about myself, even if I am a pastor's wife. I've learned that if I reveal something I struggled with, a mistake that I made, I can save other people from doing the same. That was my objective when I first started this blog.

After having the experience of being born of God, which was here (Later on I'll write about it), I learned that God had chosen me to come to the USA because he knew I needed to be saved, and then save souls. I needed to get out of my comfort zone (Brazil), to understand a lot of things.

Here as a pastor's wife, we have a lot of opportunities. The work of God needs to grow, there's a lot of things to do here. But a few months back, I ended up laying a trap for myself.

For me, serving God is the most important thing after my salvation. The time that I've been here I've been in church's that were far away (Only me and my husband). I got used to being alone, for me everything was alright. I was serving God, my mind was always busy with something, always thinking up of ideas to save souls, praying, and etc.

It was when I received news I would go to another place. In that moment I was so happy. It would be a new experience, I'd be going to a church that needed to grow (I love challenges), and also I found out it wouldn't just be my husband and I but, another couple would be going as well. I loved the idea. So much time working alone, we were finally going to have colleagues of the same faith. We'd be in the same church and live together. I never had problems in the work of God, I always got along with everyone.

We began this great new challenge in that church and in one faith... In the beginning...

I'll continue this, do you want to know what happened?

Read Part 2

Me... a sinner? (Testimony of a Pastor's wife)

2011-06-03T16:54:00.003-05:00

My name is Fabiana Faria I came to the church when I was 15 years by my mom who had a ton of problems. In my mind, I only accompanied her as a favor, because to be sincere I didn't really like it. But with time after attending and hearing the word of God a interest within me started to grow wanting to know everything in the bible, even though I hadn't had an encounter with God yet. Why?

The more I admired and marveled at the word of God I never saw any of it directed to me for simple fact that I didn't see myself as a sinner. In my head I didn't have any sins, I used to think, "I never smoked, drank, slept around..." My misconception was that I thought those things were the only sins... so when the pastor would call up to the altar those who wanted to repent and convert I thought, "None of those concerned me!" What sin did I have in comparison to those people who lived the "wordly life"? And that's how I assumed that I was doing fine.

Until one day, I felt that something lacked way down deep in my heart, I felt an emptiness, I began asking God to show me why I had that feeling, God showed me. Better yet, he took the blind off my eyes and I began to see what a sinner I was, even more than anyone else. I needed God's forgiveness and a sincere repentance. It was then that I called, cried, and sought a real encounter with God. After that day the emptiness left because I realized how much I needed God.

The day I was called to be an assistant...

2011-05-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

I started growing more and being more dedicated, now I was confident, not deceiving anyone, without any masks... I was just being myself. It was my utmost pleasure to serve God. I was there in almost every meeting in the evening, I sat with the people asking what they needed prayer for and placed their names in my little prayer book. I counseled youth, I gave a lot of effort for my tribe to grow... basically I was giving my all for God.

Time went by, many people kept asking me, "Why aren't you an assistant yet? Join the assistants course. You'll start getting prepared to become a collaborator." I decided to participate not to become an assistant but to learn more. I joined the course 6 months and I learned so much. But, I wasn't raised as an assistant. I continued doing what I loved doing, not caring if I was an assistant or not.

But something started to change within me, I disregarded it at first, but the feeling kept coming back. The desire to become an assistant came after being 2 years within the church. I was even already dreaming that I was wearing the uniform... lol... But my only concern at that time was not letting anxiety take over. I was only 14 years old and still a kid, but, with a mature mind.

The pastor in that time had been there for around 2 years and some months in my church in Cubatão, he was Pastor Roberto Texeira.. He knew me, but he was transfered and I thought... Now, the new pastor will have to know me and I'll have to join the course once again. But, that same week I spoke to God, my life was in His hands. The pastor was in the church for around a week, and I remember that during my lunch hours, I went to church to clean the restrooms. I was also cleaning the service room, as I always did, I loved being in church, being able to clean it... I was there and the pastor or assistants would call me for something, I felt so useful, even if it was to go look for something in the store, pharmacy, etc.

I remember it was on a Thursday, I was there like always during my lunch hour, I had only seen the pastor for the first time on Thursday because he had done the service. I was sweeping the church and he kept observing me. I continued cleaning, a few seconds later he comes towards me and my heart started beating faster... He asked me, "Are you an assistant?" Lol, I wasn't expecting that question. I responded, "No pastor, I'm only in the youth group." Then he told me, "Okay, from now on you're an assistant. I will be leaving soon but I'll let the other pastor know that I raised you as an assistant." I was numb. I didn't expect this, I saw God in that moment raising me up... It marked my life.

On that same day came the other pastor came, It was Pastor Roberto again lol... I went and spoke to him, and it was confirmed that I was an assistant... I couldn't believe it.

In that moment I realized that when we let God act, He acts without any explanation. He knew my heart's intention, and that what I did was for Him. He knew that it didn't matter to me how long it would take for me to become an assistant. Even if I didn't have the title, I was already an assistant. Many times there's a lot of people who have in mind, "When I'm an assistant, it's then that I'll start doing things." They don't realize that the one who raises them up is themselves.

One time I heard this phrase: "There's a lot of assistants who are not servants and a lot of servants who aren't assistants."

Your oil ran out... Now what?

2011-05-24T12:54:00.004-05:00

This message is for those that one day had the Holy Spirit and lost It. Perhaps it was negligence, not being vigilant, sin, but that doesn't matter now.

Learn one thing: The Holy Spirit isn't like the devil who acts like He's God just to accuse us, like he did with Job, no way! He would never do that! He is there by your side waiting for you to repent and deliver the good news on God's behalf! So basically, humble yourself. Perhaps it seems that everyone left you, they got fed up with you and you feel condemned. You still go to church well, when you feel like it, but you avoid everyone, you feel annoyed with people, you can no longer see them with good eyes.

Sorry to say it but, the only one losing out is you! And that's exactly what the devil is feeding off of. The natural thing is when a person feels frustrated it feels like everyone else won't treat you the same as before. If you don't change this and start feeling normal around them, even if you did do something wrong, you're going to need time to reevaluate your situation and make new decisions. That's if you truly want your salvation.

Perhaps you don't trust in anyone anymore. And once again, that's a point for the devil! Your distrust will block you from the people who can help you, also because of your attitude you will end up pushing them away and the only thing they'll be able to do is pray for you. Stop faking everything is fine when its not. Stop trying to show what's not there or give what you haven't received, you can fool everyone but not the Holy Spirit.

"The joy of our heart has ceased;

Our dance has turned into mourning.

The crown has fallen from our head.

Woe to us, for we have sinned!

Because of this our heart is faint;

Because of these things our eyes grow dim;

Because of Mount Zion which is desolate,

With foxes walking about on it." (Lam 5:15-18)

I also speak to you who are currently sinning, and are afraid to confess it, as long as you remain like this your salvation is at risk, you're getting weak, perhaps someone or even you ended up convincing yourself that you don't need to confess it to anyone, only to pray and ask for forgiveness thinking that's enough. It's not. You're leaving your mind dirty and it will bring your faith down! Be sincere with yourself and God, that is the first step. You will start reaping what you will sow without a doubt. The fact of repenting, confessing and leaving behind whatever it is you were doing wrong shows that Jesus is first place in your life, and only like this will the Holy Spirit dwell within you once again!

The Lord Jesus won't reject you, don't be afraid, obey. Your soul is far more precious than a title! You're very special for Jesus, believe it!

"You, O LORD, remain forever;

Your throne from generation to generation.

Why do You forget us forever,

And forsake us for so long a time?

Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored;

Renew our days as of old,

Unless You have utterly rejected us,

And are very angry with us!" (Lam 5 19:22)

The Lord Jesus is only waiting for you to take action: Remove any knots from your heart, cleanse your eyes and restore the crown of salvation. Don't waste time, He is coming quickly!

Roberta Kelly

The wrong intention.

2011-05-23T18:57:00.001-05:00

I remember when I first came to the church... more or less 9 years ago. A desire grew within me to serve God as an assistant, but that intention wasn't to save souls in reality, not even my soul was saved yet!

I observed all the assistants walking up and down the service room, counseling people and using a beautiful uniform. That was so attractive to me! I started getting involved in God's work, in the youth group, evangelizing, everything. My point was to get people's attention and be respected by them because when I was in the world nobody respected me – I didn't receive any acknowledgment.

The intention of my heart was wrong... I only wanted to have a position in the church, not wanting to please God quite the contrary, I only wanted to please myself and satisfy my ego.

I lived 4 years like this in the church with these selfish thoughts. Everyone was being blessed except me. Instead of going forwards I was going backwards. This really frustrated me.

It was only until the penny dropped, and I was able to recognize how wrong I was. I needed to change. So then something happened, a change within me. My intensions, my goals were no longer turned towards pleasing me, but pleasing others, saving souls, it was then and there that a true desire was growing inside, not to please my self but to finally serve God...

After changing my intentions, 3 months passed and that was enough time to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and be raised up as an assistant. It was the happiest day of my life! I made a pact with God, to serve him with all my strength and with all my heart. It's been 5 years since this and I'm still in the same spirit, the same FAITH...

I remembered the verse in the bible that speaks of Hannah's story (1 Sam 1.11)

Hannah only received what she'd always wanted when she changed her heart's intentions. Before, she only wanted a son to get revenge on the person who kept provoking her... but, when she decided to have a son to glorify God, her answer came very quickly...

A secret to being victorious is in our intentions. We have to be sincere before God!

Hugs Mrs. Graciele,

Asst. Cristiane Silva

I'm crushed!!!

2011-05-06T00:32:00.002-05:00

"I'm so sad, literally crushed!... I'm not the leader of the group I'm in any more, I feel so useless... I was in charge but got removed… I don't get it I was doing everything right, why did this happen?"

Hmm... Have you heard this already? Or said it yourself?

Let's see what God wants...

When we say we want to serve God as servants do we say, "I want to serve as leader of group A, B, or C, or I want to be this, this and that..." No way! What we mean to say is that we're willing to serve God wherever He sends us, isn't that right?

So then why do so many people get sad because they're not awarded with a certain position? Or why do they say they can't do more for God because they don't have a certain position?

If you think this way, then your wasting your time.

A servant of God, doesn't have to be a leader, responsible for this or that. She serves God with joy in any position! She doesn't get sad when something is taken away, she keeps serving God. She doesn't care what she has to do, she'll make lemonade from lemons!

She shines when she does things for God, when she doesn't care about her image (Or what they'll think of her) she's the same person when she leads and when she follows and even when she's doing something that appears insignificant to the human eye... even in these things she has zeal in because they're for God. She bears fruit in all she does.

I've always heard the saying, "You want to know a person? Give her everything and then take it all away. There you'll know who she really is." (Isn't this true?)

Those who love serving God make the difference, even if they have to clean a toilet. They are serving the Lord Jesus, not themselves. Those who serve God don't care about their public image, what others say about them, she knows she's a blessing and wherever she goes she will make the difference. Everything she does is and will be for The Lord Jesus.

I'm going to send an email...

2011-04-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

During the time I was an assistant, the internet didn't yet exist.

Our only spiritual food was the pastor on the altar and the messages of Bishop Macedo and the other pastors on the radio.

I remember trying to hear the services of Brás, Brazil through the São Paulo radio. During that time every one worked in the regional cathedral, on Wednesdays there were about seventy.

Some assistants in my church had already been removed from the Pastor of the Cathedral. He said, "Stop talking during the service"...

I don't know why, but we noticed that like when some receive an order, they disobey, and then they have difficulty to do the right thing...

The worst thing is that the Pastor, he seemed aggravated, still on the altar he could see... he could see the attempts to hide what we did wrong...

I was included in that situation, but in truth, I didn't even go to the cathedral on Wednesday because I studied.

But one day, that marked my life forever, I went...

And I saw all the assistants, my friends... friends that had forgotten to tell me the order the pastor had given... In other words, I had no idea what was happening...

An assistant stood by my side... laughed about something and left...

Like always, the pastor called all the assistants to talk to them. I didn't even see when he walked in, in that small room with all the regional assistants. Basically, we were so occupied on waiting for the pastor that we were laughing and talking...

But when he told me to give up my uniform I listened...

I didn't think he was talking to me but he was.

"I had already told you all that when you give up your uniform it's no use to cry." After I realized he was really talking to me (I was in shock for a few seconds), I could only think, "Why?"

Without a doubt the Pastor needed to receive an email from me...

How could he humiliate me? In front of all the region? I didn't even usually attend the services in the cathedral to be accused of something I didn't do.

But in that time, nobody thought this way... and after a few minutes... After an earful...

He blessed the assistants, and made a purpose to place his hands on our heads.

I thought... "He humiliated me and now he wants to bless me..."

I was the first one. My life changed after that very blessed day, blessed words... Blessed the hands that blessed me...

I married that Pastor. After two years in front of all the assistants in that regional cathedral.

A lot are witnesses of our story...

Many times people stop the blessing or blessing others because they start judging.

It doesn't matter who was wrong, but the will of God in every situation. If you think about that, we're going to know what God intends for us to do.

But if I had sent that email...

Graça Lourenço

The Invisible Woman

2011-03-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

Good intentions? Only with a new heart!

2011-03-05T23:17:00.001-06:00

You've heard and read so many messages about having good intentions in your heart but, how are you supposed have good intentions without a new heart? It's hard isn't it?

When pleasing God and worrying about what He thinks of you isn't your priority, your intentions start changing...

For example: A person who wants to be rich and prosper, do you think God is going to let that happen if it's not to please His name? Or the wife who wants her husband back, she fights and goes regularly to church but, she's only thinking about HER OWN well being. She isn't worried about her husband's soul. Or, the assistant who's dream is to marry a pastor but it's only to have a great love life or a position in the church. Is her dream to serve on the altar or be served by the altar?

The new heart has no personal desires. It is pure and free from every evil influence, it doesn't judge and does not allow resentment inside. If you do not have this new heart, you can't seem to hold a communion with God, one hour your good and the other you feel bad, you don't keep your purposes of faith with Him, you need to seek with all your strength. Below is a purpose that I learned a long time ago, it helped me a lot and I think I can help you! It's a prayer preferably done in the morning because it's a bigger sacrifice with three purposes:

1 - Talk to God about what you do (the attitudes you take - things that perhaps nobody knows that you do) on that day, what you know displeased Him. 2 - Talk to God about what you said (Talked about something wrong a person did or a gossip, a lie, a dirty word, if you responded with defiance or ignorance to someone), which of course displeased God. 3 - Talk to God about what you thought (of leaving the church, to give up everything, you've tried so many times and it seems things will never change, etc..) that displeased Him.

After this purpose, man! You must repent, tell God that you must change and that without His help you can't, this my friend has to be from the bottom of your soul, your heart! Your eternal life depends on it! Perhaps because you do not live in sin, you think that nothing needs to change and this has prevented you from receiving this spiritual transplant. And of course after all, begin to monitor and implement the necessary changes! This requires a daily effort from you!

And how do you know if you've had this transformation? Evaluate your innerself, which voice you've obeyed, and be assured you'll remember that the old heart and old self with contempt. You'll never remember your recent actions with joy, nevertheless, your glory is to have known God, and your past will serve only as a testimony, from the difference that is or will be inside of you!

"Then shall ye remember your evil ways and your doings that were not good, you shall loathe yourselves because of your iniquities and your abominations." (Ezekiel 36:31)

Don't leave for later something that is so important: a new heart! And you shouldn't use excuses as to why you can't have this because of problems, bad testimonies you see and such. It's only your personal responsibility.

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? ³² For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:31-32)

The first love and the imbalance

2011-02-19T00:33:00.000-06:00

When I got freed and then was baptized in the Holy Spirit, a great love for souls was born within me. There was a transformation inside of me, I was in awe at what God was doing in my life. I was so marveled that I had an imbalance.

At 13 years old, before knowing the Lord Jesus, I had problems in school and stopped studying twice. And then the imbalance came this time of always wanting to be at the church helping and I stopped studying once again. I wanted to be in church every day. In that time I was part of the youth group. I evangelized, cleaned, participated of the services... I even took my backpack with food to eat, this was my first love.

Only now do I understand that I didn't do the right thing. I ended up giving a bad testimony to my family back then. Even now, I have dificulties just because I stopped studying. I know that it's really important to be in that faith, the first love, but we need to have a balance. This is also necessary for those who want to serve God on the altar. I have dealt with this imbalance and its revolting! I've been in the USA 3 years and had to learn spanish when i first got here... I have to confess - it was very difficult. I had a lot of trouble learning this new language.

The worst part for me was when we had meetings and people came up to me for counseling, back then we didn't have many assistants, and several times the people came to me crying and I understood nothing. It was very frustrating for me, those were horrible moments. I felt like nothing because I couldn't speak or understand them. But with struggles and perseverance I learned. I still regret having stopped studying in that time though. Now I am learning english, because in this moment I'm involved with the youth group.

There are days I feel like I'm going crazy... studying, struggling to learn, and also sacrificing half of my day to go to school. Sometimes I feel like quitting, those thoughts come "you have so many things to do in the church and you're here in school wasting time." I then remember the reason why I have to understand the youth, I need to help them. And once again I'm in this situation.

If I didn't have this imbalance in the past, I wouldn't have to be, at 27 years of age, in school. And the worst thing is knowing that the work of God needs women and men of God that know another language. Sometimes we have a church and no one who speaks the main language. That's why we need to have a balance. If you have the desire to do the work of God, don't limit yourself. As of now as a youth, assistant, etc, finish your schooling, try to learn as much as possible because in the future it will be really useful. This as well is doing the work of God.

God wants to use us in an extraordinary way... But we cannot limit ourselves. Take advantage of the opportunites now so that you won't regret it later.

The lost coin

2011-02-14T21:57:00.000-06:00

My name is Elaine. I’m an assistant in the body of workers for the Lord, and I would like to share a little of what recently happened in my life.

From the moment I became an assistant, I served God in fear and with much dedication, but a few years ago, I began losing myself in His work and at home. Problems began to surge in my family and my financial life, causing me much embarrassment as an assistant. Due to this, I began looking at my problems more than trusting in God. That’s how it started and I allowed doubt to settle in my heart.
It's exactly how we’re taught in church: "If you’ve conquered everything by faith, you can lose it all by doubting."

I allowed evil thoughts to invade my mind and eventually they took over. I started thinking that I didn’t have the Holy Spirit and that’s when my mind became totally contaminated. I accepted the impure thoughts that ran through my mind. I, someone who always had a pure heart and mind, began having horrible thoughts. Thoughts of everything in this world and beyond that were far from the discipline of God raced through my mind, like thoughts of promiscuity, homosexuality, doubts about campaigns of faith and much more.

I hadn’t done anything wrong. I actually didn’t want things to be the way they were. Deep within myself I loathed all of these things but I was like an erupting volcano. I was confused and didn’t know what to do with myself. I couldn’t find a way out (the thought of death passed through my mind several times) because I allowed myself to be contaminated and my "outer woman” became corrupt. I was unable to overcome those thoughts that dominated me and I could no longer put on my uniform. My heart was in terrible pain, all I did was cry. I couldn’t handle the daily torment of so many awful and impure thoughts. When I tried praying, getting up from that spiritual weakness and starting over, I was unable to. I felt accused, overwhelmed and found myself unable to react.
I was like the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8). I didn’t leave God’s Work and I hadn’t committed any sins, but I was confused to the point of considering giving everything up.

At this point all that was left for me to do was seek out the bishop of my church for help. I couldn’t take it anymore. The day I went to ask for help, I was willing to do anything to raise myself back up. I didn’t think about my losing my uniform, I didn’t think about the embarrassment I would have to face, I didn’t think about how many years I had been an assistant; I just opened my heart. The bishop, like a father, was used by God to guide me.

Through him, I learned that there are battles which we must overcome on our own, but there are others that, when we are unable to overcome them on our own, we must ask for help, confess and trust in the men of God that are on the altar.

We may appear to lose everything; have to give up a title in the church and have people treat us differently, but we must never allow ourselves to lose our SALVATION, up until the end.

Assistant Elaine

Posted by: Bishop Edir Macedo

Departure from God

2011-02-11T01:38:00.004-06:00

Have you recently stopped to think how your life is doing? Things you did before are now part of the past. Do you remember the times when you were so dedicated? You were tired from work but still ran to church only because you were pleased in serving God. In the end all the tiredness went away because God was there sustaining your spirit. But, with time many things change...

A job comes up, the long awaited promotion, an opportunity to take extra classes, and even Mr. Right shows up. That's great, its all you've always wanted. But, are you being thankful to God who gave you all that? Or have you let those things take the first place in your life? There are so many things to do that we end up forgetting about God. He's the one who took us from the world, forgave our sins and was there when we had no one else. With so many things to do we start seperating ourselves from God and start to think that some things don't really mean anything... Like listening to wordly rap or rock songs, a relationship with less restrictions, or even going out with old worldy friends. "That isn't bad, everyone does it..." or so you think.

How strange, you go to church Wednesdays and Sundays, maybe even making a chain of prayer... but things aren't like they used to be. You're not seeing any results. But, that isn't God's fault. God warns us in His word, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:33) That is, if you want to follow Jesus, you need to give up the wordly things. Without realizing it you didn't go back into the world, but the world ended up turning into you!

All the fellowship you once had, all that commitment you once had for the work of God is no longer part of you. The essence of the "first love" is no longer inside of you. You didn't even notice, the anointing you had diminished... and you became weaker.

Nobody falls one second to the next. Can you remember where it all began? Perhaps you can remember your encounter with God but not your departure, can you?

When we fall like this, we've gone too far. Your prayer goes no further than the ceiling and your prayers no longer bring tears of repentance or joy when worshipping God. Could it be that you've become a "conformed Christian"? Can it be that where you work or go to school at, people still see you as a man or woman of God? If God wouldn't be pleased with your response, then friend, God is speaking to you today!

God chose us and knows our flaws yet, He loves us. God was crucified on the cross so that all our sins would be forgiven and so His mercy would shine in all this. You can be a member, assistant, Pastor's wife and if you recognize you need help then, come running to the arms of God!

Admit your wrongs and ask for forgiveness. Be sincere and humble before God. Ask Him to help you start again. Pick your head up, you ARE important to God! So now, seek your RE-ENCOUNTER with God, he won't reject your forgivness prayers.

"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." (Luke 15:18-20)

Caroline Oliveira

Where has your heart been?

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-06:00

This week I heard a Sunday meeting by Bishop Macedo and this spoke very strongly to me, opening my eyes.... The message that God revealed through His servant was really strong. I would like to share with you what God spoke to me.

The bible says that the heart is deceiving, knowing this, we need to be extra careful so that our heart doesn't deceive us. The heart appears to know and be sure of this or that, it makes you feel, have a desire for that which he 'says' is right for you, it gives you anxiety that makes you fight for the so called love of your life that your heart showed you. Then you start praying, fasting, sacrificing (even though your reason tells you this isn't the right way), but you have confidence in your heart. Hence, you use your faith, you know that faith has power to move mountains... but are you sure its God's will?

Now listen... God allows you to receive the answer in response to your faith but did you (as a servant) try and find out if it was God's will?

This not only applies in our love life but in all aspects (this is awareness for all of us!). Many have used the power of faith but they have forgotten to ask if its really the will of God... it's then that you see many people getting married and then divorcing... Many converting and losing their salvation... all because, they followed their heart and didn't ask God whether it was His will or not.

If we have decided to be God's servants so then, we need to OBEY GOD and DISOBEY our heart (flesh). If its otherwise, then, you are following your heart, you are no longer serving God but YOURSELF. Sooner or later, YOURSELF is going to win.

There are many people losing their salvation for following their heart (flesh). People out there are interested in having Jesus serve them and not in being servants for Him. They are running after the wind. Now I ask you... Where is your heart??? If your heart is at the center of God's will then your expiration date is eternal.

When we are servants of God, our focus is in the center of His will, in pleasing Him, OUR dreams are HIS dreams. If you please God... He'll give you things beyond your dreams, in double portions, He will do this in your life. When I desire the desires of God, He is pleased in giving me the desires of my heart.

He who is wise takes care of his salvation and doesn't risk it no matter what the heart tries to convince him of... He will always obey his Lord.

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires." (Psalm 37:04)

Don't get tired of planting!

2011-01-26T09:24:00.000-06:00

A new day begins in our life. It's a day to plant and sew good seeds. Only those who plant good seeds reap good fruits. The dream of every person is to reap happiness. Nobody was born to be unhappy. We all dream with a rich harvest of happiness. But to reap, it is necessary to start planing. Most of the time we forget to plant or get tired of planting seeds. And then here we are, surprised when the harvest is not good. How are we supposed to reap what we don't plant? Paul says "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Sometimes I see people getting tired of planting good.

They say, "I invested so much in that person for nothing! I didn't get anything in return! Now, I may as well just give up!"

"I'm tired of always being available for them! It's always the same ones who do everything! Those other people don't do anything, ever!"

"Yes, I'm tired of serving, of loving, of doing good."

We can never get tired... Because, He insists, "Don't give up! Don't get discouraged! In time you will reap! Lets learn from the patience and perseverance of the farmer. He knows that to harvest it is necessary to plant, whatever the cost. Sometimes the seed and rain is not sufficient for a good harvest. Sometimes the farmer plants but a storm comes and takes away his seed. Sometimes he plants but the insects come and devour the hard work. Even though these things happen, he doesn't give up planting. He is persistent because he knows that at the right time the harvest will come.

How can I harvest friendship if I get tired of doing good to others?

How can I harvest peace if I've gotten tired of forgiving?

How can I harvest love if I don't want to serve anymore?

How can I harvest happiness if I don't work hard for the happiness of others?

How can I harvest blessings if I live complaining about life?

The great things are not obtained by our strength, but by our perseverance.

The Desert

2011-01-15T10:15:00.000-06:00

You have already heard about it, certainly in the church. It was during a meeting with the pastor, or during an interview with a pastor's wife or an assistant ...

"One day you'll have to cross a desert ..."
"Everyone must pass through the fire ..."

As long as we still do not live this experience, we can't really imagine it.

We imagine that one day we will pass by a strong event in which God will test us to see if our faith is really strong in Him. And of course, it is clear to us that we will fully succeed in this "test" because our faith is unshakable.

"I will never leave the presence of God for anything."

The truth is close to that, but as I said above, until we live it,we absolutely can't imagine what will really happen to us.

A few months ago, I made this prayer to God:
"Lord, I am really grateful for all that You have given me and for all that You have entrusted in my hands. During this year, You have even given great blessings that I did not even expected.
So I want to be honest with you: I think I don't know the true value of these blessings. I want to give value to all that You have given me, so I will never neglect them. I beg you, reveal to me the profound value of those great blessings that You have entrusted in my hands recently."

Today, I realize that my prayer was answered. Through the desert that I am crossing, I learn every day to give its real value to whatever God gives me.

Here's the best definition of spiritual desert:
"The desert is not necessarily the place of ruin, failure and defeat, but rather a place to learn more of God. God allows some deserts to happen in our lives, to teach us and to build our character. The truth is that there are things that can be learned only through a desert.
The desert is where we depend entirely on God. The place of the daily food of God. The more we depend on God, the more we trust him. "

A woman of God told me: "In the desert, you are alone. Nobody is there for us, we must face everything alone. And the worst part is that even God does not answer you."
When you're in the desert, I assure you that very quickly, all that's inside of you is screaming, "HELP ME! PLEASE! HELP MEEEEEE !"

But there is nobody who can help us, for 3 reasons:

1) Because if you belong to God, you're not going to tell everyone around you, you will be discreet. So, few people see that you are crossing this desert.
2) The few people who know what you go through, will give you words of faith and courage, but they will not always be with you to"caress your head". If they are of God, they will allow God to test you. Those around you can not cross this desert for you.
3) Even if they try to help you, each desert is different for each person: nobody can tell you exactly what to do, YOU are living it.

So, in the desert, you are alone.

But all is not hopeless.
Remember the children of Israel in the desert of Sinai : at the time of entering the desert, God did not tell them which road they should take, or how long they would have to walk. God did not tell them that He would walk with them throughout the journey to help them.
And yet ....
- They had nothing to eat, but food fell from the sky,
- They had nothing to drink but water came out of a rock
- They walked for several years but their clothes and shoes were never worn,
- They did not know where was the promised land, but a huge pillar of cloud guided them by day and a pillar of fire guided them during the night ....

Did you ever wondered why it was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night?
In the desert, the days are dry because the sun is burning mercilessly. This pillar of cloud certainly gave them freshness and even make them shadow as they walked behind it! And nights in the desert are incredibly icy... The column of fire had to warm them in addition to illuminate them in the completly dark nights.

God was with them all this time spent in the desert. Even if he knew that his children had to be alone to be able to fully confide in him, God has done everything to make this journey as painless as possible.
God certainly wanted totest them in the desert so they learn to fully trust Him even in the worst situations, so that when they come into the land of plenty, they will still be able to trust only in God.
For us who are His children today, it's the same. He even set that example and lots of others in the Bible so that we know what awaits us!

YES, each person must go through this experience, and not only once
YES, it will be really different and much more painful than anything you can imagine
YES, you will be alone for the cross
YES, this experience will be incredibly beneficial spiritually

So when you will go through your desert, remember this: it's really hard, but only those who hold to the end will reach the Promised Land. Do not trust what you feel in this moment : continue to hope and especially PERSEVERE.

Written by Aurore Desvarieux - France

Piece of humble pie anyone?

2011-01-10T23:21:00.001-06:00

"Now it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel along with him." (2 Chronicles 12:1)

Isn't that what happens most of the times? We fight, fast, pray early dawns, and when we get what we wanted we no longer seek God with the same intensity and position. You see that Rehoboam not only turned away from God but he led all the people to turn away from Him. When we take the wrong attitudes, we make others mess up. Do not forget: We are the mirrors to the members.

"Thus says the LORD: ‘You have forsaken Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak." (2 Chronicles 12:5) Leaving God isn't just leaving church, it involves SO much more! For example, it's to stop trusting in Him when facing a big problem, its also reaching the 'self-sufficient' status, or achieving financial blessings and stop trusting in God because we depend on our own achievements. When we stop seeking God we automatically drift away and lose his anointing and protection. This is what happened to Rehoboam. But, I have good news: he humbled himself! If we humble ourselves and recognize that we're nothing, the response of our merciful God will be immediate!

"So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, "The LORD is righteous. Now when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, "They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance. My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations." (2 Chronicles 12:6-8)

This difference exists in each one of us, when we humiliate ourselves before God and serve Him with sincerity. God allowed the devil (Through Shishak) to touch some things (verse 9). In the end the person will reap what he plants; but when The Word of God finds a heart in good soil, the fruits will be obvious! So then, lets be humble! Remember, God is not blind to your problems.
"When he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, so as not to destroy him completely; and things also went well in Judah."

Roberta Tavares

You can run... but you can't hide

2011-01-06T20:48:00.004-06:00

Nobody escapes the desert. Someday, for some reason or another, we will all go through it. Therefore, we must understand that the desert is not necessarily the place of ruin, failure and defeat, but rather a place to learn from God. God allows some deserts in our lives to teach us and to build our character. The truth is, there are things that if we don't learn while in the desert, we won't learn any other way. The desert is the place of full dependence on God. The place of daily provision of God. The more we depend on God, the more we trust Him.

With regards to our character and temperament, the desert is the classroom of lab tests of God. The desert experiences are the refining fire, polishing and sanding touches. It is exactly at this time when many are treated for character and sanded or polished in their temperaments. Moses and Joshua also experienced this transformation.

The scars from the desert are indeed signs of a life that dwells trusting in God. The desert hurts but stiffens. It burns our skin, but tempers our character. In the desert there are no supermarkets, no groceries, but an abudant grace of God supplying the every day needs.

Whenever God wants to use someone, he leads them to the desert to exercise their limits of dependency. With the given drawbacks of life ... God promises us we will overcome! He will not let NOTHING hinder our path! Nothing and nobody can prevent us from achieving what is rightfully ours! Still, hell may rise up and even though it may seem difficult, like you're not going to get what you want, God says: No one will be able to stop YOU!

Dare to change

2011-01-02T02:06:00.001-06:00

When someone developes, everything around them develops as well... When we try to better ourselves, everything around us becomes better too.

You are free to choose... to make decisions, but you need to understand to make your decisions with courage, selflessness, and sometimes with a certain amount of anger. We will only understand the world and universe when we stop seeking explanations. In that moment everything will become clear.

Learning something new means stepping into an unknown territory, where simple things are the most extraordinary things. Dare to change, take on the challenges,don't be afraid, and keep insisting over and over and over again.

Remember that without faith you can lose the battle you already thought you won. Do not give up, remember always your goals... and start again if you have to! The secret is to not be afraid of making mistakes and remembering that we must be humble to learn.Have patience to get to the right moment and congratulate yourself. And if seems that your efforts weren't enough... analyze the causes and try harder ...

The world is in the hands of those who have the courage to dream and to take the risks that they come with.

Are you building your own statue?

2010-12-27T19:33:00.006-06:00

Saul had apparently done good deeds. He practiced acts of charity to the king by saving his life, and an act of devotion to God by separating the best of the cattle of Amalek to offer as a sacrifice. However, God sent the prophet Samuel to let him know he was doing very bad as king. What would be seen as noble gestures were the cause of Saul's rejection.

The bible shows us why God had this attitude toward Saul. It shows us that Saul was making a statue for himself. Who knew that behind Saul's good deeds were hidden, inner selfish motives? What mattered to Saul wasn't the love he had for the king, nor that he wanted to honor God with this offer. It was plain and simple - Saul wanted to impress and pretend to be something he wasn't.

That's how it is for everyone who does things with the wrong intention, no matter how beautiful and amazing the things they do are... They have the wrong motive in their heart. Likewise are those have do right things but in only to impress others. As well those who like raising praises to themselves. What they do is not to help others, but instead to impress them. People like this feel deeply offended when they don't get recognized for their good works publicly. Jesus said that they have received their reward, and therefore cannot expect anything of the Father who sees what all men do and the reasons why. (Matthew 6:1)

Of course, we ARE called to do good works, but every time we notice the desire within us to be recognized and congratulated, its time to examine our heart and ask God to purify us. Sooner or later whatever is in our heart will come to light.

Saul wanted to be praised, but instead he was rejected. May God keep us from deceiving our selves! (1 Samuel 15:12)

Always be yourself!

2010-12-20T00:31:00.001-06:00

What blesses our life and everything we do???

Just being our self...

And before anything else confessing your true feelings in every situation. Say the truth without trying to disguise it, don't beat around the bush, and be superficious. It's not only telling the truth to others, but specially to yourself. It's recognizing what you did was good or bad. It's admitting that you want to do better than before... always. It's not caring whether or not the truth will be to your advantage or not, if it gives you something or not, and specially not themost convenient route to get what you want.

So, when you want to conquer goals and friends do it by being 'real'. Its a harder route but... in the end its much safer. Do not worry about being the person your not in some situations, in order to achieve something, because you will have it for some time, but you will not tolerate being someone your not, or even agreeing with things just to get along well with the others. Its a delay in your life and especially in your life with God.

Remember: We only find ourselves, after facing the truth. Just being real (who you are) will give you the opportunity to change. Some things need to change, but just by being who we really are, we are able to see them. When we are fake, we hide attitudes that are not good, and they harm us... it is difficult for God to help us. Only the truth creates peace to our soul. Lies and hypocrisy have two personalities: even though they don't show, they already produce punishment for not being true. You will end up losing credibility.

Hidden Secrets

2010-12-17T23:52:00.004-06:00

Try walking around your house in darkness and see if you don't bump into two or three objects. Try choosing something without looking. Try singing without opening your eyes at all. No way, right? You're going to end up tripping and hurting yourself. You're going to end up choosing the wrong thing and you'll also fall for lack of balance. That's exactly what happens when we keep living a life of hidden secrets.

Hidden secrets tie up your life and over time, become even worse. And as if that were not enough, they remain in your consciousness and no matter how much you pray and ask God to forgive you, they never leave. And do you know why? Because they are hidden in the darkness, and God does not work in darkness. The more we cling to our secrets, the more will be in the shadows of darkness. You feel you're the only one with all these secrets and end up feeling vulnerable. Even though God can remove these thoughts from you, it will never happen - not because He doesn't want to, but because He can't. It's up to YOU to get rid of them.

Getting rid of these secrets requires bravery. So many people prefer to keep them safe and well kept in the darkness, so that way no one can judge or criticize them. They lack the courage to confess them and still continue living in the darkness. They live life hoping that God will do the work and get rid of them... Excuse me, but God does not work this way!

"For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:20-21)

Even though you have no prideful attitudes for being a person of God, you are still transparent - you cannot hide anything from Him. Not even your mistakes or failures. Who doesn't have a past to be ashamed of?Who didn't do something embarrasing? We all have flaws! But when you purify yourself, those terrible mistakes are erased in an instant. Revealing these secrets is painful, but quick. However, when you keep avoiding this, thinking you'll never have to deal with them again, you end up feeling even more uncomfortable with each passing day. Every time you pray, your secrets accuse you. And because God's Word always comes true, they will show up when you least expect them...

"For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light(Luke 8:17).

And when they come to light, its not just for a little while... So, why go through all this? Why cling to secrets that sooner or later will be revealed? Your secrets are not safe, they prepare a big trap for you to fall into when they eventually are revealed. Do not give them this pleasure! Be transparant not only before the throne of God, but also before people.
　

It's worth the wait (Testimony of a Pastor's wife)

2010-12-16T23:42:00.002-06:00

I came to the UCKG when I was 15 years old. I had dreams, was single and looking, had problems, friends, doubts, etc., I began attending the UCKG along with my family, I felt welcomed by the assistants, the youth group, and especially by God. I liked being in church but had not been born of God yet. So then, I started doing what my flesh wanted and began getting cold in my faith. Those good feelings from the beginning disappeared.

I met a guy, who at first was just a friend. We began liking each other, he was a good guy and he came to church with me, I quickly became his girlfriend. I didn't know I had to wait some time, to see if he was the right one for me. My dad was against this relationship from the start, but I insisted, and with that my spiritual life went up in ashes!

I was no longer in the mood to seek God, I became cold. Time went by and my mother kept fighting for me, took me to church, I kept going because I was forced then the unexpected happened: I started to go back, I became aware that I needed God in my life. In every meeting I felt God take me in and strengthen me. But it wasn't easy to go back, oh how I struggled fighting against myself, against the world, and against my own will but from then on I came back even stronger, I took part in everything, I was firm, I was very happy to be back but still, I had a problem. My current relationship was not pleasing God and that made me feel guily.

It was then that God used my dad to prevent me from dating sinceI was still living at home, I obeyed and broke up with my first boyfriend leaving behind all the dreams I had with him and replacing them with the dreams of God. Don't think this was easy... It was very difficult for me, I suffered a lot, I cried, but I believed and clung to God without knowing he was preparing me for the future...

The purposes of faith of my mom had been doing were being answered - she wanted me to marry a man of God. A year later I met Paulo, my husband. I never imagined that one day I'd marry a pastor, but God doesn't choose the perfect, right?

We have faced many challenges together, the distance, the wait (we dated for four years). Today, thank God we're together for four years, we're happy, he's a man of God, has a good character, he's not perfect, because nobody is a Prince Charming only in movies, but he's someone I love very much, admire and respect for his love of souls.

So that's it, now I'm twenty-eight years old, and I can say I gave up many things, but God given me the best. Believe me, it's worth the wait, it's worth trusting for.

Hugs,
Gisele

Eternal Dependence

2010-12-16T02:45:00.002-06:00

I asked God for a response... and He answered me, it wasn't the way I wanted but, it still came. In a second I felt strange, lost, but with an inner strength, an immense peace and calmness because I know that with God I am more than an overcomer.

Sometimes we need to go through such compelling situations, to remind us we need God, and only He knows all things, He can take care of us. We can't forget that the most important thing in our life is salvation. So, no matter what you've been through, no matter what they say about you, or what you'll lose, the important thing is you have a Good Conscience.

It may be a situation that you never dreamed of going through, but if you know, really know the God you serve so then, a storm can be going on... but the peace inside of you will be tremendous and wonderful.

That's why I appreciate time, it makes us mature, it teaches and improves us, if everything were a sea of roses, we'd stop depending on God.

Be in God's plans. Do not give up, because the most important thing is your life with God, your salvation. If today you do not understand the reason of everything going on, you don't need to! Just know that your treasure is your sincerity, being yourself, being humble, that's what God loves... God is with You.

The parable of indecision

2010-12-16T01:32:00.002-06:00

There was a large wall separating two large groups.

On one side of the wall was God, the angels and loyal servants of God.
On the other side was satan, his demons and all humans who do not serve God.

And on top of the wall was an undecided youth, who was raised in a Christian home, but was now in doubt on whether or not he should continue serving God or tasting a bit of worldly pleasures.

The undecided youth noticed that the group on God's side called and screamed non-stop to him:

"Hey, come down now... Come!"

The group of satan didn't scream or say anything. This continued for some time, until the undecided youth asked satan:

"The group on God's side has spent all their time telling me to come down to their side. Why hasn't your group called or said anything about descending to your side?"

The youth was extremely surprised when satan replied:

"It's because the wall is MINE."

Never forget: There is no 'in-between'. The wall already has an owner. Think about this.

Repairs aren't good enough!

2010-12-16T01:03:00.003-06:00

One day, I picked up an object in the closet of a friend and BAM! A porcelain mug slipped and fell, breaking loudily on the floor. Besides the horrendous noise, which called the attention of my colleagues, bits and pieces fell broken on the ground. Embarrassed, I tried to take it out, close the closet door quickly and gathered each broken piece one by one. I knew I couldn't, but the instinct to "fix" is very strong in me, so I tried fixing it. I bought super glue and patiently glued the 'puzzle' formed by the many broken pieces. The first ones turned out well, making it almost intact, but eventually I found that I had small parts that were unfixable, and so then cracks began to appear. The results were not pleasing.

I was really disappointed about the mug, and then it became clear in my head, "Even if you try fixing your life, you still won't be able to restore it to the orginal condition." There will always be plenty of 'junk' left by the disasters of life. Right then the Holy Spirit spoke to me: "Only God makes all things new." I would end up having to pay for a new mug for my friend after all.

This same way the Lord Jesus paid the price for our life brought by sin on the cross. Jesus sacrificed His life on our behalf in order for us to have the "new life". My friend, there is no doubt that this freed me from any debt. The nice thing about this incident was that it made me think about how God is also gracious, forgiving us our debt.

I leave you with this question: Are you still trying to pick up the broken pieces and fix it all by yourself? It's an impossible job to be done on your own. Put your whole life in God's hands, the potter, He makes all things new.

Strength is exactly what we need

2010-12-16T00:14:00.002-06:00

One day a small opening appeared in a cocoon, a man sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to pass its body through that little hole. All of a sudden it stopped making progress.

It seemed that it had gotten as far as it could and could go no further. So then the man decided to help the butterfly, he took scissors and cut the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But its body was withered, small, and it had shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the the body,which would become firm in time.

Nothing happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a withered body and shriveled wings. It was never able to fly. What the man did not understand in his kindness and goodwill did to help the butterfly was that, the struggle inside the closed cocoon was necessary for the butterfly.

Passing through the tiny hole was the way in which God made the fluid from the body of the butterfly pass onto its wings so that it would be ready to fly once it was freed from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives.
If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, this would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could be. We would never be able to fly.

I asked for Strength... and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom... And God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity... And God gave me a Brain and Muscles to work.

I asked for Courage... And God gave me fears to overcome.
I asked for Love... And God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors... And God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted... But I received everything I needed.

Be inside the arena

2010-12-15T23:45:00.001-06:00

"The credit belongs to the person who is really inside the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood, who bravely exerts effort, who fights repeatedly because there is no effort without obstacles; the one who really strives to accomplish the tasks at hand, they know what it is to have great zeal and devotion and apply all their strength for a worthy cause; at the end they discover the success of great ACHIEVMENTS and if he were to FAIL, at least he fails with dignity. This way his place shall never be with the cold and timid people who know neither victory nor defeat. "

Attitude

2010-12-15T23:18:00.001-06:00

The more I live the more I recognize the impact that our attitude has in our lives. To me, attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than the current circumstances, than our failures, and more important than what people think or say. It is more important than just an mere appearance.

It can make you or break you...

The amazing thing is that we can choose the fate of our day according to the attitude we decide to exercise. We can't change the past... we can't change the facts that make people act, we can't change the inevitable. We can only accomplish something that's within our reach, and this is our attitude. I am convinced that 10% of our life is what happens to us and 90% is how we react to these events. So it all depends on us ...

"We are responsible for our actions."

Hello

2010-12-15T22:42:00.000-06:00

I'm going to start this blog to share with you things I've experienced in my life hoping that somehow I can help you because when you depend on God, nothing is impossible. "Being happy doesn't mean having a perfect life, it's deciding to stop being a victim to your problems and actually become the writer of the story of your life."

Graci