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Messages August 16th, 2017 Posted in Messages

No Comments GOD WANTS US TO OVERCOME God wants all of us to be overcomers and not underachievers. He has given us all the tools to do exactly that. Nevertheless some of us are always underachieving because either we do not know the word of God, we do not put it into practice or we do not put it into practice correctly. Jeremiah 29:11-13 “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” God wants us to overcome in every area of our lives. The conditions are that we seek Him and that we call on Him. We should pray to the Father in the name of Jesus – John 14:14. Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” A person who overcomes is one who has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and has remained a Christian the rest of his life. Where you will spend eternity should be the most important thing to you. Will you overcome? Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Matthew 7:8 – “ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” To overcome difficult obstacles we need faith and that faith comes by hearing the word of God. We need to read the Bible, go to church and listen to pastors and evangelists in order to pray in faith, so we can overcome whatever storm we are facing. Are you facing a difficult storm? Romans 12:19-21 “ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” There are many things to overcome, but all of them come from the devil, from our sins and from evil. The most important thing is to overcome the devil and evil with good. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.” Romans 5:3-5 – “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The main weapon God has given us is love. God can work through us and give us the victory if we act in love. If we act or react in anger, we are working for the devil and not for God. Revelation 12:11 “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Just as those people overcame the devil, we can do it the same way. We can defeat him by the blood Jesus shed on the cross and by living a Christian life, so we can have a testimony saying we served God in love as best we could. That testimony comes by trusting in God and not in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – “ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” What is needed on your part to overcome? Work, persistence, perseverance, endurance, faith in God and in yourself. If one of those is missing, you will probably not overcome. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Mark 9:24 – “ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” The devil had been trying to actually kill the child. The father was not sure if Jesus could actually cast out the demon. That is why he said, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” The main weapon the devil has is deceit. That’s why he places fear, unbelief, doubt and lies in people. Anger, Fears and worries If anger, fears and worries are disturbing your life, read the following scriptures. For anger: Ecclesiastes 7:9, 2 Timothy 2:23-24 and James 1:19-21. For fear: Psalm 27:1 and Isaiah 41:13. For worries: 1 Peter 5:7 and Proverbs 12:25. You can overcome, but you have to defeat those as well as lack of faith and confidence. http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (12/28/17)

SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION Jesus came to this world on a search and rescue mission. He came searching for the sinners and to rescue them from their sins, but only if they would repent, ask Father God to forgive them and would receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That means He came searching for you. Are you going to hide or will you allow Him to find you? Luke 19:9-10 “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This is what Jesus said to a crowd of people in reference to Zacchaeus, a tax collector and known sinner who had repented. The people did not understand God’s plan of forgiveness. That’s why Jesus was explaining it to them. Matthew 18:10-13 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones (children), for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.” God worries about the sinners, who are far away from Him, because He wants all of us to spend eternity with Him. That includes you! Mark 2:15-17 “ Now it happened, as He (Jesus) was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes andPharisees (the religious leaders) saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He (Jesus) eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Since all of us sin, Jesus made it quite clear that He came from heaven to rescue us from our sins and to give us eternal life with Him. Yes, no matter how nice you may be, you are sinning. Matthew 9:11-13 “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Your good works will not get you to heaven, but Jesus will. That means you have to accept Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” This is what the apostle Paul wrote to his disciple and fellow servant Timothy. If we cry out go God, through His mercy, grace and by what Jesus did on the cross, we can receive salvation. No matter what you may have done, God will forgive you if you repent, ask Him to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Romans 5:6-8 “ For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” What this means is that Jesus has already paid for your sins. All you have to do is receive that sacrifice that He suffered on the cross around two-thousand years ago. If, for whatever reason, you do not know how to go about it, read the following prayer several times, and when you fully understand it, pray it to God aloud in sincerity and humility. He will hear you, will receive it and will make you His child. That means you will spend eternity with Him and not burning in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. I ask You to forgive me as I receive Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in my heart. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He shed His blood and gave up His life on the cross to pay for my sins, that He resurrected on the third day and that He is at Your right hand interceding for me even now. Thank You, Father God. Amen.” http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (12/21/17) HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY The Bible makes it extremely clear that heaven and earth will pass away, but the word of God will be fulfilled. In other words, nothing is iron clad and nothing is everlasting with the exception of God, His kingdom and His word. Societies may go through changes, new cultures may appear and others disappear, changing times will bring different scenarios, but the word of God will never ever change. Matthew 24:35 “ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Jesus Himself makes it very clear that no matter what happens His words, the prophecies that are written in the Bible, will be fulfilled. Nobody and nothing can derail God’s plan. What is written in God’s word is written and it will come to pass. Isaiah 55:10-11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” What God is saying is that His word will be fulfilled. His words are the prophecies He left for us in the Bible. If we want to know what is going to happen in the future or in eternity all we have to do is read the Bible. The answers are there. Isaiah 45:22-23 “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.” God is saying that He has already sent out His word in righteousness through the prophets (written in the Bible) and it will be fulfilled. Basically He is telling us that salvation is only through His Son Jesus (John 14:6), that every person is accountable to Him and that at the end every single person will have to acknowledge the fact that He is God. Every and I mean every knee will bow and every person will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” God is completely sovereign and through His word, He has declared the end from the beginning because He lives out of time and He has already destined the end and has already seen it. What God has declared will happen because He has declared it, it is in His will and He will make sure it happens, Since He lives out of time and all things are possible for Him (Mark 10:27), He has already seen it happen. Psalm 33:10-12 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Presidents, kings, rulers and nation may have plans, but if they are not in line with God’s plans they will not be fulfilled. God allows dictators and bad leaders to lead a nation because its people have moved away from Him. He allows that, so the people will repent, cry out to Him and He will deliver them from bondage. The Israelites cried out to Him when they were being treated as slaves in Egypt and God sent Moses to deliver them out of bondage. John 14:6 “ Jesus said to him (the disciple who became known as ‘Doubting Thomas’), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Just as many scriptures have already been fulfilled, some are being fulfilled now and others will be fulfilled in the future, John 14:6 will be fulfilled in your life, one way or the other. If you receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior, you will spend eternity with Him, but if you do not, then you will spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons. The choice is entirely up to you. If you want to make sure that you will spend eternity in a paradise type of setting with God, then repent, ask God to forgive you, receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior and try to leave sin behind. Now, you will never be perfect, but you can do your best. In all humility and sincerity pray the following prayer to God. He will hear you, will forgive all your sins and will make you His child. “Father God, I repent of all my sins and I ask You to forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He suffered, shed His blood, died and resurrected on the third day to make salvation available to me. I receive Him as my Lord and Savior and I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can guide me, protect me and bless me. Thank You Father! Amen.” You are now a child of God destined to spend eternity with Him. Start reading the Bible starting with the gospel of John. Find a good born-again Christian church where they teach the word of God directly from the Bible. God bless you! http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected]

I HEAR THE CRIES OF MY PEOPLE Many times when we are in trouble or when we pray, we think that God does not hear us or that He is not listening to us. If we are His children He is completely aware of everything that is happening to us and He hears us every single time we pray to Him. He made us a promise that He would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He keeps all His promises. He does not move away from us, but many times we move away from Him. Hebrews 13:5 “ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God’s promises always have a condition. The condition for Him not to leave us nor forsake us is for us live our lives without covetousness. Covetousness is sin in God’s eyes. Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” God was talking to Joshua, the leader of the Jewish people who had come out from bondage in Egypt, and was telling him not to be afraid of the stronger force they were about to face in battle because He was going to give them the victory. God was with the Jewish people because He had chosen them to be His. If you are a born-again Christian God has chosen you to have salvation. Exodus 3:9-10 “ And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me (GOD), and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” The Jewish people were being oppressed as slaves in Egypt, so God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. God told Him that He had heard the cry of His people and that He would send Moses to bring them out of Egypt. Just as God heard the cry of the Jewish people, He will hear yours if you cry out to Him. 2 Kings 20:5-6 “ “Return and tell Hezekiah (the King) the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.”’” King Isaiah was ill, had prayed to God, God heard him and answered his prayer through the prophet Isaiah. 1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him (Jesus Christ), that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” If we are God’s children and ask our petition in the name of Jesus, God will hear us and if it is His will, He will do it. John 9:31 “ Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.” 1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” The scriptures make it clear that God does not hear sinners, but He does hear His children. The latter are the ones who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. John 16:24 “ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 14:14 –“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 15:16 – “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” Matthew 21:22 –“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” God’s promises always have a condition. What are the conditions here? 1. That you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 2. That you ask in prayer in the name of Jesus. 3. That you ask in faith. 4. That you wait patiently expecting to receive your miracle. http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (12/7/2017)

A MESSAGE OF LOVE There are many forces working in the world. Many of them are powerful, negative and destructive. Others are positive and provide much needed help to our environment and to life itself. Without them the human race could not survive. Some of them are the air we breathe, the water in the rivers and in the oceans and, of course, the sun and the moon. I could mention more, but by now I am quite sure you understand the point. Yes, there are many forces, but without doubt the oldest one, the one that will never end and the one that makes the biggest difference in our lives is the force of love. It has the ability to conquer evil, which includes but is not limited to… hatred, rage, violence, jealousy, envy, hopelessness, disillusionment, despair, tragedies, lack of forgiveness, failure, and anything that may happen in life. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the apostle Paul describes love as: “ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” He could probably have added a few more things to love. God gave us the perfect example of love in His Son Jesus Christ. We should try to imitate Him as much as possible. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? He wants to be your friend, God, Lord and Savior. 1 John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Since God is love and He created us, our love comes from Him. If we do not love, we are not His children. Do you love? Are loved by someone? One thing is sure – God loves you! 1 John 4:19 “We love Him (God) because He first loved us.” God knew us before we were born and He loved us even then. In Jeremiah 1:5 it says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” If God knew Jeremiah before he was formed, He also knew us before we were formed. That means He knew you before you were born, when you were in your mother’s womb and He knows you now. John 3:16-17 “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” The reason Jesus died for our sins is because Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love us so much. Regardless of what you may have done, God loves you. Repent and ask Him to forgive you. Romans 5:7-8 “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Because Jesus loves you so much He already died on purpose to pay for your sins. All you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. Will you do that? Matthew 22:37-40 A Pharisee, one of the religious leaders, asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment and the Lord replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” In essence, what Jesus responded was that there is nothing more important than love. Are you a loving person? If you did not come from a loving family, do not let that stop you from loving. You need to love and be loved. Other than salvation – spending eternity with God – there is nothing more important than love. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (11-30-2017) USING OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS FOR GOD’S GLORY God has given each and every one of us gifts and talents. We are to use them to do God’s will by sharing them with others. Whatever gifts or talents we have, other people need to benefit from them and we need to benefit from theirs. It would be extremely selfish of us to keep them to ourselves. In essence, we would be disobeying God. Those gifts and talents do not have to be spectacular. It could be driving, cooking, teaching people to do something they do not know how to do, giving people advice, praying for others, telling people about salvation, helping people in whatever they might need help, or just listening to them when they have problems. James 1:16-18 “ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” Every gift, talent and ability that we have comes from God the Father of lights. If we are His children we are the lights. The light comes through the Holy Spirit and the word of God. Our mission is to tell others about Jesus Christ and how they can spend eternity with Him. Ephesians 2:8-10 “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The faith that we have in God and the faith that others have is a gift from God. All the good works that we may do have been prepared for us by God. We have to be faithful, obedient and perform those good deeds. We should be looking for opportunities to be a blessing to others. Romans 12:3-8 “ For I (the apostle Paul) say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” What the apostle Paul is telling us is to use our talents, abilities and gifts that God has given us to help others. I should help others and in turn others should help me. That is God’s will for us. 1 Peter 4:8-11 “ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We should use the gifts, talents and abilities God has given us to help others in a loving way. We should not do it because we are getting paid, not out of duty, not because we are expected to do it, nor out of a guilty conscience. We should do it out of kindness and out of love. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” This can refer to money, but it also can refer to just about anything else. That is because there are many different ways of giving. You can give of your time, abilities, gifts, talents, knowledge, wisdom, money, possessions and so on. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-10 “ There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” These nine gifts are normally called the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I will not try to explain how they function. All I will say is that they come through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works through a person and those gifts are manifested. If none of those are being manifested in your life, do not worry. Exercise your talents, abilities and gifts to the best of your ability as frequently as possible and God will be happy with you. http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (11/23/2017)

GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU There is a strong possibility that you may have never heard that God has chosen you. Yes, He has chosen you to spend eternity with Him. That’s what we call salvation, but being the just and loving God that He is, He gives you the privilege of accepting that free gift or of rejecting it. Yes, God gives you the right to decide whether to spend eternity with Him, or to spend it with the devil in the lake of fire suffering forever and ever. It’s your choice! Ephesians 1:3-6 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” God chose you before the foundation of the world. You have an open invitation to be His child, but if you don’t respond to it, you are dead to Him. It’s your choice! Romans 8:29 “For whom He (God) foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (brothers).” God chose you before you were born because He wants to give you the opportunity to live with Him forever. In order to do that, however, you have to repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you, ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, and leave any blatant sin you may be involved with behind. God does not expect you to be perfect, but He does expect you to try to be more like Jesus and less like your sinful self. Yes, it’s possible. It’s your choice! Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” God created Adam and Eve on the sixth day of creation. He chose them to be the first humans on this planet. Unfortunately they rejected Him when they disobeyed by eating the fruit of the tree of good and evil (Genesis 3:6-7). Let’s hope you accept Jesus and don’t reject Him, because if you do, He will reject you. It’s your choice! Genesis 12:1-3 “ The Lord had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, from your kindred (relatives) and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” God chose Abraham to be the father of the Jewish nation – God’s chosen people – and to be the father of the faith for every believer who believes in Jesus Christ, Father God and the Holy Spirit. You can come to that faith too. It’s your choice! Exodus 3:9-12 “ Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come unto me (God): and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou may bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” And Moses said unto God, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” And he said, “Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” God chose Moses to deliver His people from bondage from Egypt. God is sending me to tell you about Him, so you will come out of bondage from sin and from not spending eternity in the lake of fire. You may think that God has not chosen you because you don’t have a college degree, have not studied the Bible, have not gone to church, have been involved in sin or for many other reasons, but God has chosen you because He knows your heart. None of the things I mentioned can keep you out of God’s kingdom if you acknowledge that you need God by repenting, asking Him to forgive you, being willing to leave blatant sin behind, and by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You may be thinking: “I don’t know how or where to start.” Read the following prayer and when you, more or less, understand it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. You know what? He will hear you and make you part of His family. That means you will spend eternity with Him and not with the devil, his demons and unbelievers in the lake of fire. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and I confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He suffered and died on the cross to pay for my sins and that He resurrected on the third day. Right now He is at Your right hand in heaven interceding for me because He loves me. I ask You for the Holy Spirit to live in me to guide me and protect me. Thank You, Jesus, Father God and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (11/16/17)

THE LORD OF THE HARVEST The Lord of the harvest, of course, is Jesus. His harvest is not a crop as a famer may think, but souls. God’s seed is in the Bible. That’s because the seed is the word of God. The word of God through the scriptures and the Holy Spirit comes into a person’s life and changes him or her inside. When a person receives Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior the seed starts to germinate and then it produces fruit. The fruit is the good works that the new born-again Christian will produce. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 “ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” The apostle Paul was explaining that the world is God’s field, He is the Lord of the harvest, and that we – the Christians – are God’s workers. The crop are the people who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Matthew 9:35-38 “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were wearyand scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” The Lord of the harvest is God, the harvest are the people who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and the laborers are Christians who preach and explain to others how to become children of God. John 4:35-38 This is what Jesus said: “ Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” The fields is the world, the harvest are the people who will become born-again Christians, and the one who reaps is God. That’s because He gains another soul. The people who serve God are the laborers and we rejoice too when somebody becomes a Christian. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 “Now may He (God) who supplies seed to the sower (God’s servants), and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

Normally the seed is the word of God, but it can also be money, possessions, wisdom, talents, abilities or anything you may have with which you can bless other people. John 15:16-17 “You did not choose Me (Jesus Christ), but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one” We bear fruit when we bring people into salvation. That’s when we explain to them the word of God, they receive it, and they become Christians (Christ followers) and will spend eternity with God and not with the devil burning and suffering in the lake of fire. Mark 16:15-16 “ And He (Jesus) said to them (His disciples), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” If we call ourselves “Christians” our task, our mission, our mandate is to tell others about the kingdom of God and how to become part of it – through Jesus Christ. Do you believe or will you be condemned? It’s up to you! Mark 13:26-27 “Then they will see the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” That will be one of the final harvests. The elect are the people who have become Christ followers. They don’t necessarily have religion, they have a relationship with God. Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? If you don’t, you will not be part of the harvest. If you want to be part of the harvest and maybe even a laborer, receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. In case you want to be harvested, read the following prayer and when you understand most of it, pray it to God aloud in humility, sincerity and in faith. He will hear you and will become your Father and your God. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and I confess that Jesus Christ Your Son suffered, died and resurrected to pay for my sins. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me. I thank You as I ask all this in the precious name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.” http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (11/9/17)

J E S U S C R U C I F I E D The main message about God was, is and should always be about the suffering, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without that Christianity would be meaningless. Unfortunately lately the pastors and evangelists are preaching anything but that. They are preaching about grace, God’s blessings, the end times, the rapture, the anti-Christ, the tribulation and other things, which may be good, but the focus should not be on them, but on Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” The reason Jesus gave His life for us is because all of us sin and because we do, we could not inherit the kingdom of God or have eternal life with Him. Because God loves us so much He made a provision for us to be reconciled with Him. Hebrews 9:22 “ And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (of sin).” God always required pure blood for the remission of sins. Because we are born into sin and because we sin our blood is not pure. Even if we were to bleed ourselves to death, our blood would not be good enough. Jesus never sinned. His blood was pure and perfect. When He shed His blood on the cross at Calvary it makes us as clean as snow if we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Have you received Him in your life as your Lord and Savior? If you have not you are under condemnation. John 3:15-17 “ That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Father God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save us. We cannot save ourselves, but Jesus, who is God in the flesh, sure can. We have to believe that He exists, that He is God and that He wants to be our Lord and Savior. If we respond to His calling we will spend eternity with Him, but if we don’t we will spend it in the lake of fire burning forever and ever. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He (Father God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus took our sin upon Himself, so we would not have to pay for it by going to hell and later on spending eternity in the lake of fire. The salvation of our souls is free, but it is not an automatic thing. We have to repent, ask God to forgive us and make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” The apostle Paul clearly understood that to some people believing in God or that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins sounds totally crazy, but to the believers, who accept it by faith, it gives them salvation. I am one of them. Are you? Galatians 2:19-22 “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Basically what the apostle Paul was saying was that he had turned his life completely over to God. In other words, he was living by godly principles trying to do the will of God in all circumstances, but when he did slip the grace of God would cover him. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 “But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The apostle Paul preached that the only way we could have salvation was to believe and confess that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and that He was crucified, died and resurrected to pay for our sins. Our mission is to do the same thing. BECOME A CHILD OF GOD If you believe you are going to heaven because you are a nice person, because you belong to a certain religion, because you are doing good deeds, because you believe there is a god or for any other reason, you are totally mistaken. The only way you can spend eternity with God and not in the lake of fire is by repenting, asking God to forgive you and accepting Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior. If you have never done that, you may do so now. Pray aloud the following prayer to God. He will hear you, forgive you and make you His child. “Dear God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and declare that Jesus Christ is your Son, that He suffered, died and resurrected on the third day to pay for my sins. I accept His sacrifice and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can guide me and protect me. I pray all this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.” http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] (11/2/17) NO ONE IS SINLESS Although many people think they are sinless because they are nice people, because they haven’t hurt anybody or because they do good works, God says they are sinning. Sometimes people compare themselves to the worse of the lot and because they are not that bad, they think they are righteous and sinless. However a holy, holy God does not agree with them. The only person who lived a sinless life is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 6:1-3 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I (the prophet Isaiah) saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Isaiah saw the God in His throne in heaven and the seraphim were constantly saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” Nobody, but nobody is holier than God. Revelation 4:6-8 “ Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” This is what John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, saw in heaven. The four creatures were constantly saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.” Since God (God the Father, God the Son – Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit) is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), He was, is and forever will be holy. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He (Father God) made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 1 John 3:5 – “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” Jesus who never sinned died to pay for our sins. All of us sin and whoever says he has no sin, he is lying. 1 Peter 1:18-19 “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, tells us that we have been redeemed from our sins by the blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross at Calvary. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Being that all of us were born into sin because of Adam and Eve, we sin. No, we are not holy here on this earth, but we will be holy when we are in heaven. The ones who do not make it to heaven will not be holy, but damned in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons. You can avoid that by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If you do not accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your wages will be death, which means separation from God eternally – spending eternity in the lake of fire. Jesus already paid for your sins on the cross with the blood He shed and by giving up His life. All you have to do is accept the sacrifice He made for you. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are headed for hell and after the final judgment to the lake of fire to suffer there forever and ever. It does not matter if you are a nice person, have never hurt anyone, have done many good works or belong to a certain religion. The only way to get to heaven is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). If you want to have eternal life with God and not eternal damnation, pray the following prayer to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. He will hear you and will forgive all your sins. “Father God, I know I have sinned, but I repent and I ask You to forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He bled, died and resurrected on the third day to pay for my sins. I not only accept His sacrifice, but I accept Him as my Lord and Savior, as well as asking the Holy Spirit to live in me and for You to be my Father. Amen.” If you were sincere, your sins have been forgiven. Now find a good born-again Christian church and congregate there with the rest of the believers. Come back to my page on a weekly basis to learn more. God bless you! http://thelivinglights.com/ (10/26/2017) THE CHEERFUL GIVER The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. To teach us by example, He was the first one to give. To begin with He gave us this planet, the sun, the moon, the stars, life and then He gave up His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to save our souls. Jesus did not only come to make salvation available to us, but also to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants us to sow bountifully and cheerfully. Depending how much we sow and with what spirit or intent we sow, that will determine what we reap. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” With the same measure we give, it will be given back to us. If we give very little of ourselves, we get very little back. If we give a lot, we receive a lot. The solution is in our hands. Mark 12:41-44 “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” It’s not about the amount we give, but rather about how much we give according to our resources and with the attitude we give it. 2 Chronicles 1:5-7 “ Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there. And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Basically God gave “carte blanche” to Solomon. Because he had offered a thousand burnt offerings to God, God would grant any wish he had. That can happen to any of us if we dedicate our lives to the Lord. 1 Kings 17:10-16 “ So he (the prophet Elijah) went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, ‘Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?’ As she was going to get it, he called, ‘And bring me, please, a piece of bread. ’As surely as the Lord your God lives,’ she replied, ‘I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die. ’Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.”’ She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” Because the widow obeyed, God blessed her and her son. If she had not provided for the prophet, God would probably not have provided for her. The will of God is for us to share with other people the blessings He has bestowed on us. Yes, it can be money, but it also can be many other things. Acts 5:1-11 “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter asked her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”She said, “Yes, for so much.”Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Apparently Ananias and his wife Sapphira were not cheerful givers. They even lied about it. Unlike them, God wants us to be cheerful givers. Our giving should not just be money or possessions, but our time, talents, abilities, intelligence, wisdom advice and with whatever else God may have blessed us. We should share as much as possible. Are you giving back to society, or are you keeping it all to yourself? http://thelivinglights.com/ (10/19/2017) A P O S T A S Y What is apostasy? According to The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus apostasy is “renunciation of a belief, faith or principles, especially religious.” The New King James Bibles defines it as: “A falling away from God’s truth.” Regardless of which definition we receive, that is exactly what is happening in the United States to the Bible and to the Christian beliefs. They are being exchanged for what the people want to hear. Exodus 32:1-6 Because Moses spend 40 days with God on Mt. Sinai when he received THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, the people got impatient, made themselves a golden calf, started worshiping it and therefore fell into apostasy. “ Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!” So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 1 Kings 12:28-33 As you will read below, Jeroboam was the king of the northern tribes of Israel. Instead of following God’s command through the priests for the people to worship God in the temple in Jerusalem, the king made other provisions. This, of course, was apostasy. “ Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense.” 2 Timothy 4:3 “ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.” That time has come. The people just hear what they want to hear. Many pastors and evangelists knowing that is what the people want are giving them exactly that. Of course that leads to heresy (teaching contrary to the truth) and apostasy. 2 Peter 2:1-3 “ But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” From the beginning of time as we know it someone has been giving false doctrine. The first one, of course, was the devil in heaven and later on in the garden of Eden. Because we are at the end of the age, there are many false prophets, pastors and evangelists. Remember…”Not everything that glitters is gold.” Do not be deceived by their convincing words, but check everything with the word of God in the Bible. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” We are living in the latter times where people are departing from the faith and are giving heed to deceiving spirits. There is a religion that forbids its leaders to marry and to eat meat on Fridays just as the Bible predicted two-thousand years ago. Many pastors and evangelists are giving the people false doctrine because that’s what brings in the money to them. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus tells us that we cannot serve both Him and mammon (money, fame, possessions, etcetera). 2 John 9:11 “ Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” He who does not believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Bible is the word of God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16 does not have salvation. We should not be unequally yoked with them (2 Corinthians 6:14). Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” The apostle Paul was talking to some of the members of the first church – the Christian church at its inception. Even then they were listening to false doctrines. There was heresy (teaching contrary to the truth) and apostasy. Do not fall into believing that: 1. You will go to heaven because you are not harming anybody. 2. You will be saved by your good works. 3. You are automatically saved because you belong to a certain religion. 4. Once you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you can sin as much as you want because you are saved by grace. 5. You will go to heaven because you are killing people for your god. 6. You will go to heaven because there are many ways of getting there. 7. That God would not send you to hell, regardless of your beliefs or lifestyle because He is a loving God. What you believe or do not believe does not affect or change the facts. There is a heaven, a hell, a lake of fire, a devil, demons, God’s angels and, of course, God. The real living God happens to be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the God of the Jews. If you worship some other god or do not believe that God exists, you will wind up spending eternity in the lake of fire suffering throughout eternity. If that thought does not appeal to you, then simply repent, and become a born-again Christian. You may do that by reading the following prayer several times. After you understand it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. He will hear you and will accept you as His child. “Father God, I know I have sinned, but I sincerely repent. Please forgive me and cover my sins with the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. I believe and confess that He died on the cross to pay for my sins, but I also know that He rose from the dead on the third day. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and for Your Holy Spirit to live in me to guide me and help me live this life. Amen.” Regardless of your past, if you prayed the prayer in all sincerity, you have been completely forgiven by God. Find a good born-again Christian church and start attending it. Read the Bible and fellowship with other Christians. Read my blog once a week. I update it on Wednesdays or Thursdays. May our God bless you! http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] (10/12/2017) NO OTHER GOD God makes it very clear in the Bible that there is no other God and that we are to worship Him and Him alone. If we worship anybody else or anything else, it is idol worship and God definitely hates that. If we worship anything else other than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we do not have salvation and will spend eternity in the lake of fire. Do you understand the severity of that? Exodus 20:1-6 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image —any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” God was talking to the Israelites, but, at the same time, He could have been talking to us. He did not take us out of Egypt, but He took us out of sin. Some religions worship celestial bodies, others worship animals and still others worship so-called saints. It does not matter what they worship if it’s anything other than God, they will wind up burning and suffering in the lake of fire forever and ever. John 14:5-7 “ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” There is only one Creator and one Savior and that one is Jesus Christ, and there is only one God and one way to heaven. That God manifests Himself in three ways; God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. That God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the God of the Jewish people and the God of any believer who receives Jesus Christ in his heart as his Lord and Savior. You can be one of them. Jeremiah 25:6-7 “ Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me (God) to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.” Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tells the Jewish people not to go after other gods. The main reason is that there are no other gods. The second reason is that God is a jealous God . People make images of so-called saints, virgins or gods and worship them. That only brings God’s wrath upon them. Deuteronomy 4:23-24 “ Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” God is a jealous God and if you worship idols, His wrath will fall on you, you will wind up in hell and later on you will spend eternity in the lake of fire. Deuteronomy 6:14-15 “You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you (for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth.” God was talking to the Israelites, but what He told them applies to us as well. If you don’t believe that, just look at all the catastrophes happening around the world. No, it’s not “mother nature.” It is God removing His protection from us because of the way we are living. The Unites States is moving farther and farther away from God and the results are extremely visible. Even a blind person can see them and understand them. If you are worshiping nothing or are worshiping something else other than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, you will be going to hell and later on to the lake of fire to spend eternity there. However, if you do not want to suffer that fate, all you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you, receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior and start living a Christian life according to God’s principles. No, you won’t become perfect here on earth, but you will spend eternity with God because He will forgive all your sins. If you do not know how to become a son or daughter of God, read the following prayer and when you understand it and agree with it, pray it to God aloud. He will hear you and will forgive you completely. “Father God, I know I have sinned, but I have repented. Please forgive me as I ask Your Son Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I confess and believe that He paid for my sins and that He resurrected from the dead on the third day. Cover me with His blood and allow the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can guide me and protect me. Thank You, Father. Amen.” Read my entire page and keep coming back to it once a week. I normally update it on Wednesdays or Thursdays. http://thelivinglights.com (10/5/17) DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING UNFINISHED We Should always finish what we start, unless we realize that what we are trying to do is totally wrong. Most of the patriarchs in the Bible finished what they set out to do. They went through failures, disappointments, opposition and dangers until death, but they fulfilled the assignment God had given them. There are many examples, but the very best one, of course, is Jesus Christ. He stood firm until death. Genesis 2:1-3 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” God did not rest until He had finished His creation. He always finishes what He starts. Philippians 1:3-6 “ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The apostle Paul was telling the Philippians that the good work God had started in them would be carried out to its completion. God will do the same thing for us, because He does not quit in midstream. Acts 7:29-30 “ When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.” Moses had killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Jewish person, but he thought nobody knew about it. When he heard that it was common knowledge, and being afraid the Pharaoh was going to have him killed, he fled from Egypt. He spent 40 years tending his father-in-law’s sheep. He did not leave that assignment until God gave him a new one. Deuteronomy 34:5-8 “And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried himin Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.” Moses brought his people out of bondage from Egypt at 80 years old and he led them until he was 120 years old. He served God until God took him home. 2 Timothy 4:5-8 “ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” The apostle Paul is telling his disciple Timothy that he – Paul – has finished the work God had assigned to him. He is now getting ready to die and go to heaven. All of us have an assignment that God has given us. Two scriptures will make this very clear to us. Matthew 22:37-40 – “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Jesus told this to the Pharisees, but it applies to us as well. Matthew 28:19-20 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” This message is telling us not to leave anything unfinished. That includes loving people, loving God, making disciples by teaching them the word of God. If we die without doing those three things, we leave unfinished business and God will judge us for that. (9/28/17) http://thelivinglights.com/ NOT EVERYTHING THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD The saying “Not everything that glitters is gold” applies to many areas of our lives. Many times what appears to be good at first glance turns out not to be good at all. Living life as we see fit seems very attractive to us, but in the end it will not only destroy us physically, but in all probability it will also send us to hell and after the judgment to the lake of fire, where we will spend eternity. Genesis 3:6-7 “When the woman (Eve) saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband (Adam), who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” God had told Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but because it looked pleasant to them, they ate of it. Because they did, God cast them out of the garden of Eden. Sin entered the world through them and that is why we have so many problems now. Don’t blame the world’s problems on God, but rather to the devil and to Adam and Eve. Genesis 19:3-5 “But he (Lot – Abraham’s nephew) insisted so strongly that they (the two angels) did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” The men of the city wanted to have sex with the two male angels. In other words the city was filled with homosexuals and lesbians. They were up to sexual perversion. The angels took Lot and his two daughters out of the city and God destroyed it. Being gay seemed right to the residents, but it brought God’s wrath on Sodom and Gomorrah. Not everything that glitters is gold. Judges 16:15-21 Then she (Delilah) said to him (Samson), “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.” With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison.” Samson fell in love with a Philistine prostitute. She looked good to him, but she brought his complete destruction – ultimately his death. Not everything that glitters is gold. Many wouldbe stars go to the glitter of Hollywood and wind up being totally disappointed. Exodus 32:1-8 “ When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” The idol was shiny made of gold and probably looked pretty, but it brought the wrath of God against the people. Not everything that looks good to the eye is good for us. God punished those sinners and they spent 40 years in the desert, instead of 2 or 3 weeks. Since appearances can be deceiving, we have to learn to discern what is good and what is bad. Luke 22:1-6 “Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” I am sure the 30 pieces of silver that the priests gave Judas looked tempting to him, but not everything that glitters is gold. If you read the Bible, He hung himself afterward. He made two wrong decisions in succession. Think of your own experiences when something that looked good to you at the beginning turned out to be bad. The moral of this message is: Don’t fall for everything that looks good. Investigate and pray about it before you get involved with anything or before you make any substantial decision. Stay away from drinking, smoking, using drugs, sex out of wedlock, illegal activities and so on. Remember this: Not everything that glitters is gold. http://thelivinglights.com/ 9/21/17 GOD IS NOT A MAN THAT HE SHOULD CHANGE Ever since the beginning of time, men have changed. Unfortunately most of the time it has been for the worse. Adam and Eve were the first humans to change by becoming disobedient. Their son Cain followed their example of disobedience. God, on the other hand, never ever changes. If He were to change, He would be just like one of us and would not be God. Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord,“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Jesus Himself tells us who He is. He is God, of course, who has always been and always will be. He will never cease to exist and He will never quit being what He is…God. Hebrews 13:8 The author of the Book of Hebrews said: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Because He is God, He cannot change and because the Bible is His word it will not change either. That means we can and should live our lives according to the scriptures. Psalm 102:27 “ But You (God) are the same, and Your years will have no end.” A psalmist, knowing that God is the Creator of everything that exists, is praising Him for who He is. He is acknowledging that God had no beginning and He will have no end. He lives forever and ever. James 1:17 “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights (Father God), with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” God is the Father of lights and since we are His children, we are the lights. With Him there is no variation nor shadow of turning. He will always be the same. Matthew 24:35 and Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Jesus Himself said this about His words – the ones He had taught to His disciples. They hold true for us today and will hold true eternally. Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” God does not have to repent because He has never sinned and will fulfill what He said He would do because if He were not to do it, He would have lied and that is something He cannot do. He cannot change. Titus 1:1-3 “Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior.” Our hope of eternal life is in Jesus Christ, which He promises to us if we repent (Acts 3:19), ask God to forgive us (1 John 1:9), leave our sinful ways (2 Chronicles 7:14), and if we confess that Jesus Christ died, was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9-10) and is now at the right hand of the Father interceding for us ( Romans 8:34). Since God has never lied or changed, cannot change or lie and will never change, we can be assured that if we follow Jesus’ teachings we will spend eternity with Him. In case you don’t know how to begin, start by reading the following prayer. When you understand it, pray it to God aloud in faith and in all sincerity. He will hear you, will forgive all your sins, and will make you His son/daughter. In spite of what you may have done, He loves you! “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He suffered and died on the cross to pay for my sins. He resurrected on the third day and is now at your right hand interceding for me because I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can guide me, protect me and be my friend. Thank You, Father! Amen.” Get yourself a Bible and start reading the Gospel of John. Start attending a born-again Christian church and make friends there. People will welcome you there. Keep coming back to my page – thelivinglights.com I update it every Wednesday or Thursday. God bless you! (9/14/17) WHOM THE SON SETS FREE… The Bible tells us that if the Son – Jesus Christ – sets us free, we are free indeed. It does not necessarily mean free from slavery, communism, a dictatorship or from a physical situation. It means free from sin, from fear, anxiety, worries, hatred, lack of forgiveness, evil thoughts and everything that comes from the flesh, the world, the devil and not from God. He frees us inwardly, not necessarily outwardly. our circumstances may not change, but we change. John 8:31-36 “ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Every single person sins and our sin condemns us to eternal separation from God. That means we should spend eternity suffering in the lake of fire, but since God loves us so much, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross in our place to pay for our sins. If we accept that sacrifice, we will spend eternity with God. If we do not accept it, for whatever the reason, we will receive God’s wrath eternally in the lake of fire. Romans 8:1-2 “ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” There is no condemnation for the people who follow Jesus Christ – the Christians -. If you are not a Christian and if you have not received Jesus in your heart as your Lord and Savior, God’s condemnation is still on you, but if you repent and receive Jesus Christ in your life, the Son will set you free from that condemnation. If you don’t know how to do that, I will show you at the end of this message. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” What the apostle Paul is saying is that to become a Christian you have to transform your mind – change your way of thinking. You become free of trying to fool, deceive, trick or undo people out of their possessions, instead you are now trying to help them. Instead of just trying to live for yourself, you now live to please God and to help other people. In essence, you become a new person leaving behind selfishness, greed, envy, jealousy, hatred, covetousness, anxiety and every other sin that goes directly against God’s will. Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” If the Son – Jesus Christ – sets us free, does that mean that we won’t have any troubles? Not at all! It only means that we turn them over to God, refuse to worry about them and God will help us resolve them. After all, His ways, power, intelligence and wisdom are much, much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Once we leave the sin behind, we should not go back to it. Although it is referring to religious rituals or traditions, it applies to any sin, such as using drugs, drinking, stealing, violence, prostitution, same-sex marriage and so on. Allow God to set you free from any type of bondage and remain in that condition the rest of your life. If you want to be free indeed from the wrath of God, all you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you, receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and leave your sinful ways behind. You do not have to wait until you clean yourself because that may never happen. You accept Jesus by faith and He will clean you up. If you want to become a child of God, be a better person and spend eternity with God, instead of suffering in the lake of fire, pray the following prayer to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. He will hear you and will receive you as His child. “Father God, I repent of all my sins and I ask You to forgive me. I also ask Your Son Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Spirit to live in me. I confess and believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sins, that He resurrected from the dead on the third day, and that some days later He ascended to heaven where He is at your right hand interceding for me. Thank You, Father! Amen.” If you prayed that prayer and meant it, you are now free from whatever sin was holding you captive. As of this moment, all your sins have been forgiven. You have a perfectly clean slate. Every night before you go to bed ask God to forgive you for the sins of that day and He will. Find a good born-again Christian church, make friends there and start attending it on a regular basis. God bless you! (9/7/17) thelivinglights.com BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY God wants His children to be holy. Who are His children? Anyone who receives Jesus Christ in his heart as his Lord and Savior is a child of God. According to The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, one of the definitions of holy is: “Belonging to, devoted to, or empowered, by God.” If we are His children, He empowers us, protects us, guides us and blesses us. Are you His child? 1 Peter 1:15-16 “ But as He (God) who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” God is holy and perfect. We will never be perfect, but we can be devoted to Him by trying to do His will, and not ours, as much as possible. In other words, we should try to stay away from sin as much as it is within our power. Leviticus 11:44-45 “ For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” God brought the Jewish people out of bondage in Egypt and He was telling them to be holy and not to defile themselves. When we received Jesus Christ in our lives, we became God’s children. He did not bring us out of Egypt, but He brought us out of sin. That’s because Jesus paid for our sins on the cross at Calvary. Leviticus 19:2 “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” God wants a holy people. He wants us to live a godly life. If every human being were to do that, there would be no trouble in this world. It would be a perfect one, but since sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, that will never happen until we are in heaven. Leviticus 20:6-8 “And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I (God) will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” God hates witchcraft and idolatry. If you are into that, repent, ask God to forgive you and refrain from doing that. If you don’t, you will wind up in the lake of fire burning eternally. Be holy, which means keeping God’s statues – commandments. It’s not difficult! Leviticus 20:26-27 “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. ‘A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.’” God chose the Jewish people to be His and separated them from all the other nations. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God separates us from all the unbelievers in the world and opens the gates of heaven to us. Ephesians 1:3-6 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Because God lives out of time, He knows everything and is seeing everything that happened in the past, that is happening now and that will happen in the future. Because of that, He knew before time began who would repent and choose Him as his God. Consequently He chose those people for salvation – to spend eternity with Him. Are you one of them? If you don’t know whether you have been chosen by God or not, simply repent, ask God to forgive your sins, receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior and live a godly life from now on. If you have never done that, in all humility and sincerity pray the following prayer aloud to Him. He will hear you and you will become one of His children. “Father God, I know I have sinned. I repent of all my sins. I ask You to forgive me as I confess that Jesus is Your Son that He suffered and died on the cross and resurrected on the third day to pay for my sins. I make Him my Lord and Savior and I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank You, Father! Amen.” If you prayed that prayer to God and you meant it, you are now a son/daughter of God. Keep coming back to my page – thelivinglights.com – as I update it every Wednesday or Thursday. (8/31/17) DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED Some people become discouraged easier than others, but nevertheless most of us become discouraged at one point or another. Many inventions have not been invented, many businesses have not been opened, and many good plans have failed because people have become discouraged. To avoid becoming discouraged we have to maintain a positive attitude, keep our eyes on the goal and pray to God – this only applies to Christian people. If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, keep reading and you will have the opportunity to do so. Philippians 4:6-7 “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Instead of being discouraged, anxious or quitting, you should bring up our problem or problems to God and He will give you peace of mind. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” If you are a Christian, do not fear, do not dismay and do not be discouraged because God will help you. He will see you through the situation. Joshua 1:9 “ Have I (GOD) not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is what God told Joshua when the latter replaced Moses as leader of the Jewish people. Guess what? God is telling you the same thing. Isaiah 40:31 “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.” If you remain steadfast, God will be with you, will renew your strength, so you can see the situation through and accomplish your goal. Psalm 34:17-19 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” If you are a righteous Christian and you cry out to God, He will hear you and deliver you from your troubles. It does not mean that you will not have troubles, but it does mean that God will be with you. Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Cast your burdens on the Lord Jesus and He will help you. He is Jehovah Jireh, which means the God who provides. He is also Jehovah Rapha – the God who heals. Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Do not worry because God will supply all your needs, not necessarily your wants or your desires. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me (Jesus Christ), all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” If you are dismayed, disillusioned, discouraged and do not seem to have any hope, come to Jesus. Not only will He give you rest, but He will give you that peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, this is your perfect opportunity. Read the following prayer and when you understand it, pray it to God aloud in all humility and sincerity and He will give you eternal life. You will spend eternity with him. If you have a Bible read John 3:3, John 3:15-17, John 14:6 and Romans 10:9-10. “Father God, I know I have sinned, but I repent of all my sins, and I ask You to forgive me as I receive Jesus Christ in my heart as my Lord and Savior. I also ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may live a life according to your will. Thank You, Father God. Amen.” You are now a child of God. Find a good born-again Christian church where they teach directly from the Bible. Start reading the Bible and start socializing with Christian friends. God bless you! (8/24/17) thelivinglights.com DO IT WHILE YOU CAN Opportunities to do good and to do the will of God are just that. Many times they present themselves only once and sometimes we are not even expecting them. Opportunities normally happen at a specific time, at a specific place to a specific person. We have to learn to take advantage of them when they happen. Once they are gone, they are gone. Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We should try to do good at all times. Even if we cannot help physically or financially we can give people the proper advice and encourage them. Colossians 4:4 “ Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” The ones who are outside are the ones who have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and therefore will wind up in hell if we don’t witness to them. Redeeming the time means to use it wisely and to take advantages of the opportunities that arise. 2 Timothy 4:2 “I (Paul the apostle) charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” We should be willing and ready to give the word of God and to help others at all times. Many pastors and evangelists are teaching “the false feel good message.” We should be ready, willing and able to teach the true one at any given moment. If we wait for the perfect time, it may never get here. Genesis 25:29-33 “ And Jacob cooked a stew; Esau came from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red stew; for I am weary.” Therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, “Sell me this day thy birthright.” And Esau said, “Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” And Jacob said, “Swear to me this day.” So he swore to him: and he sold his birthright to Jacob.” Two big points here: 1. Esau despised his birthright, which in those days was extremely important. 2. Jacob took advantage of the situation. Luke 10:30-36 “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed,he took out two denarii (the money used in those days), gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” This was a parable that Jesus told a lawyer who was trying to trick him. The Jews and the Samaritans hated each other. Samaritans and Jews never helped each other. The Samaritan went totally against his culture and seized the opportunity to do good. Nehemiah 2:4-8 “ Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.” Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. One day the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad, and so he asked him what was wrong. Nehemiah took advantage of the situation explaining the problem of the Jewish people to the king and the latter send him to Judah to help his people. ISAIAH 55:6 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” What that scripture is telling us is that Salvation will not always be available. It will not be available once we have died without accepting the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Savior. At that time we will be in hell, and it will be too late to repent or to ask Jesus into our hearts. Do not waste your life on drugs, drinking, being lazy or anything else. Get the most out of life. Make a difference in our society and also for the kingdom of God. Leave a legacy of helping people and of being a good Christian person. Do not follow the herd. If you do, you will be mediocre. (8/17/17) thelivinglights.com WHAT GOD HATES THE MOST If we were to ask several people what God hates the most, some of them would say sin. Others would say pride. Of course some would say violence, while others would probably say lack of forgiveness. There would probably be many more answers, and to some extent every one of them would be partially right, but none of those would be the correct answer. Revelation 12:7-10 “ And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” The Lucifer, who was a very special angel, committed the very first act of disobedience in heaven when he rebelled against God, and he and the fallen angels who followed him were cast out of heaven. He is now known as the devil and the fallen angels became known as demons. Genesis 3:6-7 “ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” God had told Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The devil told them that they should and they disobeyed God. Because of their disobedience sin came into a perfect world and made it what it is today. As punishment God cursed the world and drove them out of the garden of Eden. Numbers 20:7-12 “ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Because of disobedience the Jewish people were wandering through the desert for forty years. They complained to Moses that they needed water, so Moses prayed to God and God told him to speak to the rock and water would come forth. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck it twice with his rod. Because he was disobedient God did not allow him to enter the promised land. Disobedience is a serious matter with God. Genesis 19:15-17 “When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” And while he lingered, the men (angels) took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he(an angel) said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” Genesis 19:24-26 … “Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Because of carnal sin, including homosexuality, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, but he rescued Lot, his wife and his two daughters. God told them not to look back as He was destroying the city. Lot’s wife disobeyed, looked back, and she immediately became a pillar of salt. God hates disobedience, but he loves obedience. If you are blatantly disobeying God, your day of judgment will come. No matter how you have been disobeying, repent, ask God to forgive you, quit participating in that sin and God will forgive you. He is a loving God, but He cannot be mocked. (8/10/17) thelivinglights.com Read More

FIVE CHRISTIAN MOVIE SCRIPTS May 12th, 2017 Posted in THE CHRISTIAN MOVIE SCRIPTS

No Comments LEDESMA, RAUL 2718 Decoy Drive, Sparks, NV 89436 Phone: (775)762-6008 or (775) 626-4287 [email protected] or [email protected] SYNOPSIS OF 5 MOVIE SCRIPTS The Little Black Angel The story starts in 1900 in a hospital in the deep segregated South, where Melinda, a white prejudiced woman who had seen the black people living and working as slaves all her life, gives birth to a black baby girl. She is completely surprised and mad at the same time because she cannot understand why this happened to her. Immediately because of her hatred for black people, she rejects the child and makes life miserable for her husband, the child and everybody around her. The child turns out to be very sweet and talented, but suffers tremendously because of her mother’s complete indifference and rejection toward her. The only reason the marriage survives is because the husband is extremely benevolent and suffers in silence, not only because his wife rejects the child, but because she also rejects him blaming him for the child’s skin color. Not being able to keep the secret any longer, Melinda’s mother on her death bed tells Melinda that years ago she had an affair with a black man and that Melinda is the product of that love affair. It takes Melinda completely by surprise knowing that her daughter is black because of her genes and not because of her husband’s. She cries uncontrollably knowing that instead of being the innocent victim, as she presumed to be for so many years, she had been the guilty one. As difficult as it is for her because of her character, she makes an attempt to sincerely repent. She apologizes to her husband and daughter for being so mean to them all those years. The husband and the daughter, who is now almost an adult, forgive her because all they have been seeking all along is for her to receive their love and to acknowledge them as her family. Love Prevails The story starts in Hollister, California in 1945 when Mary, a Christian woman, who has been trying to get pregnant for many years, has a dream and in that dream Jesus appears to her and tells her that she is going to have twin boys. She does not know if it’s only a wishful-thinking dream or if it’s a real one from God. Within the next few months she has more dreams and God tells her to name the children Elijah and Elisha after the two prophets. The children are born and the couple is extremely happy. Then in 1947 many bikers come to town disrupting the peace and quiet of a sleepy town and putting the family in danger. The movie, “The Wild One,” starring Marlon Brando was based on that. The story stays in Northern California going up to the 1970’s. It focuses on the Christian upbringing the family gives their twin boys in which they teach them to live entirely by faith. The first test to challenge their faith comes when the family doctor tells Jack, the father, that he has terminal cancer and that he has only a few months to live. The news is totally unexpected and Jack receives it almost in total disbelief. He asks himself and God the usual question: “Why is this happening to me just when everything was going so well?” Doubts begin to crowd every other thought out of his mind. Because of unconfessed sin, the demon of cancer has entered his body. The twins, who are now attending the university, come home for the summer. As they find out that the father has cancer, they begin to fast and pray with their parents. One day, Elijah – one of the twins prays over his father. He rebukes the spirit of cancer, who talks back to him, but has no choice but to come out in the name of Jesus. Jack, the father, is completely healed leaving the doctor confused as to how he was healed from terminal cancer. As the boys are returning back to the university ORU the plane crashes, but just before it does the boys pray for God to protect them. Many passengers die, but as a miracle from God the boys are completely unharmed. The story ends as both of the boys return home and establish their professional lives. Good prevails over evil and love prevails over everything else. From Spain To Israel The story starts in 1492 when, because of racial hatred for the Jews because of their refusal to convert to Catholicism, they are expelled from Spain. They are given three choices; convert to Catholicism, leave the country or be incarcerated. Some of them for not complying are killed or injured by the knights. Then the story continues in the 1920’s when a Jewish family, looking for a place to practice their religion and for better financial opportunities, leaves Spain and moves to Mexico. In Ensenada, Baja California they succeed for a while as sheep ranchers, but then they encounter violence because the Mexicans have not forgotten that the Spaniards plundered their land. On top of that, at that time, there are still many wealthy Spaniards raising sheep and paying the Mexican peasants very low wages for taking care of the sheep. The Mexican peasants resent that, but they have no choice since they are extremely poor. Their child Aviel is taunted and beaten up by Mexican children because they consider him to be a Spaniard who does not belong to the Catholic religion. The hatred against them grows to the point where the locals burn their house down and want to kill them. As they see the locals approaching their house at night with torches, they flee for their lives. The family goes to Tijuana where the father is killed by a drunk. Eventually the wife, Chava, remarries. A Mexican-American pastor, whom she met when they prayed for a dead Mexican child who had been run over by a car and as a result of their faith and prayer God revived him, asked her to marry him. She does and they move to the United States. Aviel grows up in the United States and having seen hatred against his people most of his life and having seen God perform miracles, becomes a pastor in the US, gets married to a Jewish girl and by God’s will they relocate to Israel in 1948 where they see the birth of a new nation. Together they start the first Christian church in the new nation of Israel. The story is very realistic because it does follow history. It has love, hatred, friendships, family relationships and miracles because of their faith in God. The Unwanted Ones In 13th century England, a wealthy childless and unbelieving couple who has never heard from God hears from Him through dreams. At first they don’t know what to make of it, but as the dreams keep reoccurring they not only begin to believe and have faith in God, but they take action. They are told to leave everything behind, to build a cabin in Sherwood Forest, to rescue twelve urchins from the streets of Nottingham and raise them in the woods as if they were their own, teaching them how to become productive Christian citizens by learning to be responsible, by loving themselves, loving others and loving God. Each individual child as well as each adult goes through the growing process of learning how to live in a primitive environment, how to work as a team, who they really are, how to establish a relationship with God, how to grow in faith and how to depend on God for everything. In the process they encounter many challenges that brings out the best or the worst in each one of them. Some of the dangers they overcome are poisonous snakes, dangerous bears and bobcats. Other obstacles are: Robin Hood and his men, who threaten them, but then become their friends, hard work and a strong discipline. Because some of the children are in danger and have not yet fully believed in God, Jesus appears to them to protect them and to let them know that He is real. This not only affirms the faith of the children, but it also reaffirms the faith of the adults, who are also going through the process of learning to live God’s way. This story has everything: Doubt, faith, lack of discipline, discipline, love, fear, grit, compassion, danger and much more. God Has No Boundaries God’s love, protection, forgiveness and authority have no boundaries as it is demonstrated in this story, which deals with a current situation that many families are facing today. It starts in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico where an American pastor and his wife have made intimate connections with the local Mexican people. Because of the dire situation in Mexico, the pastor and his wife illegally and successfully smuggled a young Mexican family into the US. If they had been caught they would be facing jail or prison time. They would be considered “coyotes,” people who smuggle illegal aliens into our country. The young couple comes with two small children. By borrowing birth certificates from parents of American children who had died, the parents are able to enroll the children in school with fake names. The children adjust quite well, but the parents are forced to live in the shadows, as if they were criminals. Pastor Bill takes Memo, the Mexican man, to Utah where they are giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. On their way to Utah they find a man who has died in an automobile accident and has gone to hell. They pray for him, his soul comes back to his body and his injuries are completely healed. Once Memo has his license, he is able to use a pickup to do yard maintenance work. However, Memo and the family still live in constant fear of being deported. Tito, Memo’s oldest son, asks an American girl to a high school dance. She goes with him because she likes him, but her grandfather is opposed to the whole thing because he is totally prejudiced against Mexican people, but since her grandmother likes the boy everything turns out OK. After quite a few years of living in this country, Memo and his wife are caught by immigration officers and are sent to an immigration detention camp near San Diego. Their two sons, who are now teenagers, with help from the pastor, his congregation and from God manage to get their parents released. Many Hispanic families are facing similar problems right now. Families are separated, children are left without their parents, wives are left without husbands and husbands are left without wives. As long as Mexico, the Central American and the South American countries remain third-world countries the problem will remain. There are no protagonists or antagonists, but there are many victims on both sides of the border. Read More

ARTICLES TWO January 12th, 2017 Posted in ARTICLES TWO

No Comments YOU ARE NOT JUST ANYTHING Most people who do not have what we would call a very important job or occupation, simply think of themselves as just being something. They are totally mistaken because in God’s eyes no one is just something. For example Adam was given the job of taking care of the garden of Eden. He was not just a gardener. It was an extremely important assignment and because he did not do it correctly according to God’s instructions, he and Eve were removed from there. In essence, he disobeyed God. Was Adam just a gardener? I don’t think so! Because of his disobedience and not doing his task the way it should have been done, all of us have been penalized and are now paying the consequences. Yes, sin came into this world and because of that all of us suffer in one way or another. Not only do we suffer in this world, but all the people who refuse to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Redeemer will wind up in the lake of fire burning and suffering forever and ever. One of those people could very well be you. Open your eyes, your soul and your heart and that will not happen to you. If you are a teacher at any level, do not say “I am just a teacher.” You are impacting children every single day you work with them. Some of those children will grow up to have extremely important positions and you will have had a part in shaping their futures. No, you are not just a teacher, you are a person who can make a tremendous difference in the lives of your students. Do it with pleasure, with joy, and with plenty of satisfaction. If you are a stay-at-home mom, you may say: “I’m just a stay-at-home mom.” But you know what? You are a lot more than that. You are shaping your children’s future. They need your love, your caring, your attention, your guidance, your teachings and your help. Your legacy will live on through them. Whatever they accomplish in life can be directly attributed to your efforts. Maybe you work in a factory and your job has become just a routine to you. Don’t let it be so. Because of who God is and because of who you are, do the best you can and you will feel good about yourself. You have to see the overall picture. The items you work with could be vital to a machine, such as an automobile, a train, an airplane, a computer or something even more important. If you do not do your job correctly, it could affect many other things. It could even cause someone’s death. No, you are not just a factory worker – you are someone who is important in our workforce and extremely important to your loved ones. It could be that you are a regular church attender and your think of yourself as just a Christian or just a church member. You are much more than that! When you pray, God hears you and because He does changes take place, which can affect many people in a positive manner. Your tithes keep the church afloat and your presence in church does make a difference, whether you realize it or not. You could be thinking: “I am just one of millions of Americans. I do not count.” Your vote, your taxes, your voice and the work you do are very important in sustaining this country as a democracy. This country would not be what it is without people like you and me who serve in the military, pay our taxes, vote, work and live under a democratic form of government. No, you are not just another American, you are an important one. Regardless of where you live, what you do for a living, your age, sex, ethnic group or anything else, your life does matter. Upon reading the Bible, you will find out who you really are. You are a child of God (Genesis 1:26). That means God is your Father and He will bless you. By receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you become a chosen person, a royal priesthood, a holy person and God’s special person (1 Peter 2:9-10). More importantly, you will spend eternity with Jesus enjoying every single day. Every day will not be just another day, but a wonderful one. The curses of this world, such as illnesses, death, aging, hatred, envy, jealousy, violence, low self-esteem, racial prejudice, sadness, frustrations, worries calamities, destruction, wars, hunger and everything else that is negative will no longer exist. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (12/28/17)

CALL IT WHAT IT IS In order to make sin palatable and acceptable society has come up with fancy names. The new names make the sin exciting, intriguing and inviting. After the sin becomes a common practice it becomes the social norm. For example; a drunk is no longer a drunk. He has become a social drinker, and as such he has become part of the in-crowd and an integral part of society. A woman who aborts a fetus is actually taking a human life because a fetus would become a baby and later on an adult. However now days she is not committing a sin, but rather practicing woman’s choice. Society may look at it that way, but God definitely has a different view on the matter. A man may have sex with a man and a woman may have sex with another woman and they call it an alternate lifestyle. Society has approved those so-called marriages 100%, but God has disapproved them 100%. Let’s see what God has to say. Romans 1:26-28 – “ For this reason (exchanging God’s truths for a lie) God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” Leviticus 18:22 – “ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” Instead of calling it racial prejudice the public calls it racial profiling when a patrolman stops an Afro-American person or a Hispanic simply for not being white. Regardless of what they may call it, it is still racial prejudice. William Shakespeare would probably say: “Racial prejudice by any other name is still racial prejudice.” Many couples instead of calling it sin when they have sex out of marriage, they call theirs an open marriage. Both man and wife have sex with other people and are happy with that lifestyle. What does God say about it? Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.” Leviticus 18:20 – “Moreover you shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife, to defile yourself with her.” Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” A man who goes on a rampage and kills many people is probably just plain mean or crazy, but the psychiatrists will say that he has a mental disorder, instead of saying that he is just a plain murderer. According to them he is not competent enough to be tried by a jury, so he is not given capital punishment. He is incarcerated for years and it may cost the tax payers anywhere from 25 thousand to thirty thousand dollars per year. He was competent enough to devise a plan, carry it out, and kill many people, but he is not competent enough to be tried by a jury. A marriage where the man is too lazy to work and does not wear the pants in the family has become known as a female-led marriage. Supposedly he displays a submissive behavior. That’s because he chooses for his wife to be the bread winner and allows her to make all the difficult decisions. He is not a submissive husband, but rather a spineless one. If you are one of them and if I stepped on your toes, I am not sorry. The truth is the truth! Some people tell a lie to cover up something, to protect someone or to keep secret something wrong they have done and they call it a white lie. A lie is a lie and it has no color. If it is not the truth, it is a lie no matter how you wrap it, decorate it or for what reason you tell it. The point I made on this article is to call things what they are. Face the music and don’t disguise what you are doing. If you do, you are only fooling yourself. Remember this truth…If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (12/14/2017)

WE DEFINITELY NEED EACH OTHER There are people in this world who think they do not need anybody else, but the truth of the matter is…we need each other, whether we want to admit it or not. No person can be an island. Even if we isolate ourselves as much as possible, we still need others. There are people we need, regardless of who we are. Some of those people are parents, doctors, nurses, teachers, paramedics, police, first responders, coroners and so on. We associate with different people because we have specific needs and because at any given time we have certain circumstances which require the presence of certain people. The first people we encounter at birth are the doctors, our mothers and the rest of our family members. The relationships we establish with our family members are blood-related connections. In most cases those connection happen naturally. As we start to grow we become friends with other people. Those relationships normally develop due to close contact with others and because we enjoy being with them and they enjoy being with us. Those friends could be neighbors, classmates, co-workers, teammates and so on. Normally we move in the same circles and enjoy doing the same things. Most of the time we have a mutual admiration society with those friends. Sometimes we associate with people because we have the same interests. That could be enjoying the same sport, liking the same kind of music, being of the same religion, being of the same culture, having the same kind of pets, or because we enjoy participating in the same activities. There’s a saying that says: “Birds of a feather flock together.” Another reason for associating with people is because we need their service or they need ours. A patient needs a doctor to be healed and the doctor needs patients to earn a living. We need policemen to keep us safe and policemen need society to have a job. We need mechanics to fix our automobiles and mechanics need cars that are not running correctly in order to fix them and get paid. I think these examples suffice. As we grow into adolescence and adulthood we began to establish amorous relationships. That is quite simply because male needs female and female needs male. There is no getting around that. I know that the homosexuals and the lesbians claim otherwise, but God and science do not necessarily agree with them. God created us and gave us the mandate to multiply and fill the earth with people (Genesis 1:28, 9:1 and 9:7). In order to multiply the human race as God commanded us, men need to have sex with women and women need to have sex with men hopefully in marriage. Having sex out of marriage is a sinful act against God. Men having sex with men and women having sex with women is also a sinful act against God the Creator of all existing life. We know that both men and women can justify having sex out of marriage to society and it is readily accepted and maybe even lauded, but they cannot justify it to God. One of the most import reasons we need each other, if not the most important one, is because we need to love and to be loved. The person who says he or she does not need to be loved is either lying or is a person to be pitied more than anyone else we may possibly know. In 1 John 4:8, the Bible tells us: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Four questions arise: Do you love? Do you need to be loved? Do you know God? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Not only do we need each other and to love each other, but we also need God and to love Him. You may verify this by reading Matthew 22:37-40 in the Bible. Many atheists, agnostics, self-sufficient, and supposedly intelligent people believe in evolution. Evolutions has so many flaws in it that it would take much more faith to believe in it than to believe in God. The principle that nothing comes from nothing will never ever change. So, how did evolution began? It had to have a creator. That Creator is God. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (12/7/2017)

DO NOT BE PART OF THE PROBLEM The world has become an extremely dangerous place and it is becoming more dangerous by the day. The person who does not have a gun, has a rifle and the one who does not have a rifle has an assault weapon. People are being killed by firearms around the world on a daily basis. It has become a common thing. In my humble opinion, we should have strict guidelines and regulations as to who could own a gun. To own one should not be a right but a privilege. I know that the NRA (National Rifle Association) and many people who either own several guns or would like to have some, are going to completely disagree with me. I also know that the terrorists, the arms manufacturers and the owners of the stores selling arms will not be in agreement with me. I am also aware that if someone were to show this article to the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, it would be ridiculous in his opinion. Do not be part of the problem, but be part of the solution. Do not own an arsenal of guns. Do not even have one. One thing is sure…if we diminish the number of guns on the street we will diminish the number of deaths caused by them. Urge your congressman to come up with legislation for gun control. If you don’t, the carnage will continue. The next victim could be you or somebody you love. That’s because no one is exempt from gun violence. The abortions are running ramped in our country. If you are an abortion advocate, think what would have happened if your parents had been abortion advocates. You would not be here. Every single abortion advocate has parents who did not and probably do not believe in aborting a child. If you are thinking of aborting a child, give him or her up for adoption. There are many couples who cannot have children and would love to have them. A fetus is a human being ready to be born. When a woman aborts she is really taking a life. Maybe not our court system, but God considers it murder. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. You will be glad you did! If you are drinking, smoking or using drugs because you want to be accepted by your peers, stop doing that. You are harming yourself, your family and society. The people who do not accept you for who you are, are not worth having as friends anyway. You cannot please everyone, but you should please yourself and please God. After all, you should be the most important person to yourself and you should please God because He can send you eternally to heaven or to the lake of fire. Don’t be part of your own problem, rather be part of your own solution. When you leave this world you will be glad you were! Don’t follow the herd. Be your own person. Think for yourself and act accordingly. You don’t have to have a tattoo or ring on your nose just because you see somebody with one. Be strong enough to make your own decisions and then abide by them. Don’t be a copy cat or a monkey see, monkey do. Any weak and not too intelligent person can follow the crowd. It takes an intelligent and strong person to forge his or her own path. Don’t follow the herd, lead it. Many people are attacking President Donald Trump. It does not take any courage or intelligence to get on the bandwagon with them and to do the same. It takes a lot more courage and intestinal fortitude to defend him and defend what he is trying to do for our country. You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. It is entirely up to you. Choose the correct one. Some people supposedly are coming out of the closet. Stop and think for a moment. If your father had been a homosexual and if your mother had been a lesbian, would you be here? If Adam and Eve had been able to choose what sex they wanted to be, and even if just one of them had chosen incorrectly, would there be a human race? Have you seen a homosexual horse or a lesbian mare? Read chapter 1 of the Book of Romans in the Bible and see what God has to say on the matter. Because God gave us free will, you can choose between right and wrong. That, however, does not mean you will not have to pay for the consequences if you choose wrongly. I could give you many more examples, but by now you probably understand that our society is in complete disarray and moral decay. However it does not have to affect you in a negative way and you can avoid being contaminated by the world’s sin. You have the right and the privilege to choose in just about every single situation. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (11-30-2017)

A HOUSE DIVIDED CANNOT STAND Any business, family, government or group that is divided will be short lived. It will not be able to stand. In Mark 3:24-25, Jesus told the scribes: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Getting the idea from Jesus, Abraham Lincoln said in a speech during the time when part of our country wanted to maintain slavery and the other part did not: “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free.” His actions and history proved him right. Unfortunately our country is divided more than ever. It is divided in many areas, but I will just mention the four that are foremost in our minds. The one we see more in the news now days is the one in politics. The Democrats try to undermine everything the President does, and the Republicans try to undermine everything the Democrats do. Consequently nothing of real value gets done and the losers are the working people. We are tossed around as pawns by both the Republicans and the Democrats. It would be beneficial to everyone concerned if the Democrats and Republicans would act as educated human beings who really cared about the people. They seem to care more about their ego and themselves than anybody or anything else. Each party is trying to find dirt on the members of the other party, so it can gain political advantage. The country is sinking, but the politicians don’t see it because they are too busy fighting among themselves. There a saying that says: “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.” Another area o division is the racial one. One would think that would have been over centuries ago, but unfortunately it is very much alive. It’s difficult to understand why a person of a certain color would think that he or she is better than somebody with a different skin color. Now in our country when most people think of racial prejudice they think of whites disliking the Afro-American people. However in my experiences I have found that some Afro-American, Japanese, French and German people are also prejudice. I am quite sure that there are other races as well. I just have not had the pleasure or displeasure of meeting them. It seems that lately somebody has opened Pandora’s box to sexual harassment. Prominent men are being accused of sexual harassment by several women. Some of those accusations supposedly took place thirty or forty years ago. I am quite sure that probably most of them are valid accusations. The question does arise…why did those women wait those thirty or forty years to speak out? What motivated them now and why didn’t it motivate them a long time ago? There could be valid reasons, of course, but it might just be possible that a few of those stories could be fabricated if somebody paid them a good amount of money. There is no faster way to ruin somebody’s life or career than to accuse him or her of racial prejudice or sexual harassment. When those allegations come forth against somebody his or her career is automatically over. When somebody is accused of something like that, the news media automatically condemns him or her. No trial is needed. In the public eye that person is already guilty. Although there are more divisions in our country, I am just going to mention one more, and that is the division in our churches. First of all, there are the people who believe in Jesus Christ and the ones who believe in something or someone else. I am not even going to mention the Muslim religion for fear of being accused of something. Some of them are extremists, but I’ll let the government worry about that. After all, it the job of our government to protect us. I am going to concentrate on the born-again Christian religion. Some pastors and evangelists preach directly from the whole Bible and withhold their private opinions. Thank God for that! Unfortunately those churches are becoming fewer and fewer. Other pastors or evangelists take a scripture or a principle out of context and become wealthy preaching only that, selling books, CD’s and DVD’s on that topic. They preach what people want to hear and because the people like it, the churches grow and more money comes in. Many of the modern churches do not have a cross inside anymore and the pastors don’t mention sin. They preach the message of prosperity and the gospel of grace. In other words, God is going to prosper you financially, and you can sin because grace (unmerited favor) covers your sins. Needless to say people like to hear that and because they do, they flock to those churches and give more money. Those churches are called seeker friendly churches. In conclusion I would like to say that our country is on a path to destruction and unless we decide to work together putting our differences aside, there is very little hope for us. Instead of trying to defeat the other person, we should try to uplift him. When one member of a group loses, everybody loses, but when one person wins, everybody wins. http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (11/23/2017)

EXISTENCE AND INTERACTION The very act of existence compels us to interact with each other, with animals, with the planet and with God. Without cooperation it would be almost impossible for us to coexist in this planet. Each component is an integral part of the system. What one does affects the others. We are all dependent on each other. The most common interaction. of course, is between people. Most people think of that one and don’t even think that there are other interactions. One of the main reasons for that is that we have learned to communicate verbally and on top of that we do many activities together. Society would not exist or be what it is without us communicating and interacting with each other continually. Another interaction and communication is with the animals. Many people have pets and in some cases they communicate and interact more with them than with people. Dogs, cats and horses come to mind, but people have other pets, such as snakes, rabbits, chicks, ducks, iguanas, hamsters and whatever else they choose to have as a pet. One man had a crocodile for over twenty years. Apparently they communicated and interacted somehow. Unfortunately most of the human race interacts with nature in a negative way. We pollute the rivers, the oceans, the air we breathe, the ground and just about everything else. We have not learned to be one with nature. We abuse it and abuse it. There may come a time when it no longer can sustain life as we know it. In Romans 8:22, the apostle Paul says: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” The most important interaction and communication we can have is with God. He is the Creator of everything that exists. In John 1:3-4, the Bible says: “All things were made through Him (Jesus Christ), and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Then in Genesis 1:1, the word of God says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Since God is our Creator, we should communicate and interact with Him on a regular basis. We can communicate with Him in different ways. The primary way is just plain talking to Him to thank Him for Who He is, for what He has done for us, and for what He is currently doing for us. Another way is to worship him by singing praises to Him. Probably the most common way is when people communicate with Him through prayer. Unfortunately many people only pray to God when they are in trouble, when they need something, or when they want something. You can improve your life, the lives of others, the lives of animals, and the well-being of the planet by doing the will of God. Be friendlier to people. Truly listen to them and try to understand them. Help them when they need help and get involved in their lives as well as in your community. Do not be a one-person island and do not be the lone wolf. Some people need you and you need them. Be kind to pet animals. They don’t necessarily have to be yours. Do whatever you can to save endangered species. It could be voting on a measure, signing a petition, donating money or getting physically involved. The animals may not be able to thank you themselves, but some people will and God will be happy you did your part. After all, He created those animals. There are many ways in which we, the human beings, are damaging the planet. Do your best not to litter, not to pollute, and not to destroy what God has created. Automobiles, airplanes, factories and homes are some of the biggest contributors to air pollution. Some of the other things that are harmful to the earth are: chemicals, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, nuclear waste, radiation, toxic fumes, gasoline, diesel and many other things. Try to recycle as much as you can. That helps our planet. http://thelivinglights.com [email protected] [email protected] (11/16/17) WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? An important question that you have to ask yourself is: “Why do I do what I do?” Do you work to live or do you live to work? Most of us work to live because unfortunately we need money to pay for our daily living. If you live to work, you are killing yourself, maybe neglecting your family and not giving enough time to God. Work to live, but do not live to work. Do you help people because it comes from your heart, or do you help them so people will think you are a good person or because you are expecting something in return? If you do it because it comes from your heart, may God bless you! If you are doing it for any other reason, you are a superficial person. Do you do excellent work at all times, or do you do it only when the boss is watching? If you do it all the time, more power to you! If you only do it when the boss is watching, you are only fooling yourself. Sooner or later, the boss will find out and will probably let you go, but even if he never finds out, God is watching. He sees everything. God cannot be fooled or mocked (Galatians 6:7). Do you act piously at church on Sundays, but the rest of the week you are hell on wheels? You may be fooling the general public and even your Christian friends, but you are not fooling God. Even the pastor may know you are fake. Be the real deal. Live by Christian principles and love, not because you have to, but because you sincerely want to. Do you follow the traffic laws and other laws because you may wind up in jail, or do you follow them because you know it is the right thing to do? If you follow them for fear of being apprehended, you are doing it for the wrong reason. You should follow them because you want to be a law-abiding citizen. Nobody should have to force you to do it. Are you not participating in an adulteress situation because you love your spouse, or because you are afraid he or she could find out? If you are doing it out of love and respect for him/her, great for you! If you are not cheating on your spouse for fear of being found out, losing your reputation, losing your family or your home, shame on you! Those reasons have not been, are not, and will never be valid. Do you do certain things to please others? I am talking about smoking, drinking, using drugs, putting on tattoos, using a certain language, dressing a certain way, or doing anything else, so people can think you are cool and allow you to be part of the in-crowd? if you are doing any of those things to fit in, you are not being true to yourself. You are just a puppet who goes where the sun shines the brightest. Be yourself! Do you have principles and values you live by, or do you make decisions according to popular opinion? If you have unchanging values and principles you live by, stick to them! If you keep on changing like a chameleon, you don’t even know who you really are. Let’s hope that is not your case, because if it is, you are pathetic. This article is intended to make you think, meditate, reflect and react not to criticize you, downgrade you, or to put you down in any way, shape or form. If I gave you that impression, I sincerely apologize to you. 03-project-lamborghini-terzo-millenio

http://theliivinglights.com rlsalvation@sbcglobalnet [email protected] (11/9/17) WHO OR WHAT DO YOU IDOLIZE? If you idolize something or someone that is your master. Yes, willingly you make yourself a slave to that person or that thing, whoever or whatever it may be. Be that as it may, you are still a slave. You will never be free, unless you release the hold that thing or person has on you. For some people that is easy to do and for others it is almost impossible. It depends on how much you are attached to that person or that thing. Let us discuss some of the things or people that can enslave you. For many of us it can be our body or our looks. People spend millions or billions of dollars on cosmetic plastic surgery, anti-aging creams, exercise machines/programs, the latest fashions in clothing, expensive jewelry, on self-improvement programs and on other things. Many people are slaves to their work. They work and work to the point that many times they neglect their families. Many times divorce is a result of people devoting too much time to their work and not enough to their spouse or children. It is very important to be a good employee or business owner, but at some point we have to draw the line. Our families have to have priority over our jobs or businesses. Some people make possessions a priority. In other words they work themselves to death or do whatever is necessary to have a boat, an expensive car, a motor home, a big house or whatever else fills that void in their lives. If you are an empty shell, have psychological problems, have low self-esteem or are greedy, the more possessions you have, the more you want. What you have will never be enough and you will never be truly happy. Some people are in a pursuit of power. If you don’t believe that look at the politicians, or at your spouse if he or she is a domineering person. Hopefully that is not your case, but if it is pray for God to change that person. What we cannot do, God can. When a person is in pursuit of power the people under them suffer. Consider how the people suffered under Stalin, Hitler, Fidel Castro, or Franco in Spain during his reign. Now days look at Venezuela with Nicolás Maduro, Cuba with Raúl Castro and North Korea with Kim Yong-Un. For better or for worse, our country idolizes sports. If you find that hard to believe look at the salaries some of those athletes receive. When a person gets paid 23 million dollars for playing six months out of the year and a person with a BA from the university may only earn forty-five thousand for working the whole year you know our society has idols. When an athlete refuses to salute our flag because he thinks he is bigger than that or when he refuses to believe in God because he thinks he is too important to believe in such nonsense, according to him, you know you have a so-called idol. Some of them are a legend in their own mind. Movie stars and singers are others who earn millions of dollars for doing whatever it is they do. The public idolizes them. Keep in mind that without people buying their records, going to their concerts or seeing their movies, they would not earn any money. It is the public who lifts them up. They are people just like us. Some of them are bigger sinners than most of us. So, why do we make idols out of them? It is totally ridiculous! When they face God on judgment day, there will not be a red carpet. Their money, fame, possessions and their many followers will not be with them, but even if they were, they would not mean a thing to God. By the way, there is an absolute truth; all of us will die some day. Yes, that includes you. It will not matter who or what you idolize or who idolizes you. What will matter is if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In other words, have you received Him as your Lord and Savior? If you have and have tried to live a decent life, you will go to heaven, but if you have not, for whatever the reason, you will go to hell and later on will be transferred to the lake of fire to suffer in the fire eternally. The choice is yours! If you must idolize something or someone, let it be Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life and He gave up His life to pay for your sins, so that you could spend eternity with Him. In that eternity there will be no death, no illnesses, no greed, no envy, no sadness, no suffering, no hatred, no racial prejudice, and nothing negative that we know in this life. If you are already a born-again Christian – congratulations!! If you are not and you want to spend eternity with God let your real idol be Jesus Christ. Receive Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior. If you do not know how to do it, read the following prayer and when you truly understand it and believe it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity. He will hear you and will receive you as His child. “”Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please have mercy on me and forgive me. I believe and declare that Jesus Christ suffered, died on the cross and resurrected on the third day to pay for my sins. I receive Him in my life as my Lord and Savior and I ask Him and the Holy Spirit to live in me and for them to help me do Your will. Amen.” http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] WHAT IS SUCCESS? What is success? The Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus defines it as: “1. The accomplishment of an aim; a favorable outcome 2. The attainment of wealth, fame, or position. 3 A thing or person that turns out well.” Those three definitions have merit to them. However I am going to discard number two for now and focus mostly on one and a little on three. The most logical and important definition to me is the accomplishment of an aim. You see, it does not matter what the aim is, but what does matter is that it gets accomplished, that it is fulfilled, that it comes to fruition and that the outcome brings forth the expected results. What the aim is, is irrelevant – what really matters is that the desired results are produced. Let me give you some examples to clarify what I am saying. Supposing a child is two years old and for whatever the reason has never taken one step and then he or she takes one step or two. The parents would consider that a success. Maybe a team had never won a game all season and then it won one by one point. That would be a success to that team for that specific day. Success can be different in different situations and to different people. What one person considers success some other might consider a failure and what some may consider a failure others may consider it a success. That’s because success is an individual thing. Each one of us is different from the rest in many respects. We have different abilities, different backgrounds, different opportunities and different ways of looking at things. What is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. On the outside many people look extremely successful and that is all we can see. On the inside, however, they may be extremely sad, lost, depressed and hurting. I would not consider them successful. A case in point would be the movie stars. They seem to have everything because they have good looks, fame, money and powerful acquaintances, but some of them have been married many times, are into drugs and are living an immoral lifestyle. Are they successful? I don’t think so! Success is knowing who you are, feeling good about yourself and about your loved ones, being happy with your lot in life, loving people and being loved, giving back to society, having a job you enjoy doing, having the necessities of life – not necessarily your wants, and having a personal relationship with God. If you have a personal relationship with God you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that when this life is over you will be spending eternity with Him. Yes, my friend, the ultimate success is spending eternity with God where there will be no more pain, sadness, troubles, illnesses, hatred, racial tensions, envy, depression, jealousy, death, gossiping, double crossing, violence, hunger, lack of your necessities, or anything they may be negative in any way, shape or form. Yes, it will be a utopia, a Shangri-la and a paradise. You can be there, but only if you are a born-again Christian. You may have the question: “How do I become a born-again Christian?” It is easier than you may think. Go to my article called: “No One Is Sinless.” Read all of it and then pray aloud the prayer that is almost at the end of it. If you do, you will go from death to life, from an unbeliever to a believer, from an enemy of God to His child, and from an unsuccessful person to a successful one. http://thelivinglights.com/ (1026/2017 R O O T S Trees, shrubs and the vascular plants have roots and without them they cannot exist. The reason for the roots is that the plants, the trees and the shrubs get their nutrients through them. The nutrients, of course, are the soil and the water needed to keep the plants alive. If the roots die, for whatever the reason, the tree, the plant or the shrub die. In a human being the roots are his or her ancestors. Those roots, which are his or her ancestors, in many cases have a big effect on the life of the person. The culture through which a person is reared has a tremendous influence on his or her life. An American infant who is raised in China by a Chinese family when he or she grows up is more Chinese than American. The environment a person lives under tremendously affects the life and the behavior of that person. The culture, as we mentioned, has a tremendous impact on a person’s life, but so does the DNA that comes through the bloodline. Almost everything related to the physical body comes through the DNA. That, of course, includes certain illnesses, intelligence (mental capacity), weaknesses, strengths and physical characteristics. One cannot really understand a person without knowing his or her total background and upbringing. That includes genealogy, culture, environment, past experiences and even then, since every person is unique we cannot really know him or her. The only one who truly knows a person is God because He knows everything; He is omniscient (1 John 3:20). In Psalm 44:21, the psalmist tells us: “Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.” Then in Psalm 139:1-3, the psalmist tells us: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.” In other words, God knows us better than we know ourselves. Just as we have roots as individuals, our country – the United States of America – has roots as well, just as every other country does too. To know our roots we have to know who our founding fathers were, why they came to an unsettled land, what their intentions were and what legacy they wanted to leave for us. We can find out all that information by perusing through history books. There are plenty of sources of information, since it was common knowledge why this country was founded. The founding fathers were religious people from England who were dissatisfied with being forced to belong to the Church of England. This group of people who later became known as the Pilgrims, in search of religious freedom, left England and went to Holland to establish themselves there. Because of the language, culture and conditions there, they were not able to truly establish their community the way they had planned. Because of religious persecution in Europe the Pilgrims decided to try their fortune in the New World, which, of course, was America. They went to London, chartered a boat called the Mayflower and set sail for America. In 1620, they landed on what is now the state of Massachusetts. They went on to establish the 13 original colonies, which were under British rule until July 4, 1776 when the colonists declared independence from England. Both our Constitution, which was actually signed in 1787, and our Declaration of Independence have many ideas from the Bible. Contrary to what people want to believe now days, our country was founded by Christian people with Christian values. God was the focal point of their lives. The founding fathers were not atheists, agnostics, pot smokers, homosexuals, lesbians, abortionists or politically correct. They were just normal people who loved God, loved our country, loved their families and loved their fellow citizens. Up to a few years ago our citizens were proud to see the ten commandments on public buildings. They would freely say the name of God and even pray to Him in our schools. They were proud to say we had Christmas vacation or Easter vacation. They would not call them winter vacation or spring break. They would proudly serve in the military and salute our flag at any given occasion. If some of our founding fathers could see how American is today, they would not recognize it. It is not at all what they had in mind. Right now, it should not even be called The United States of America, but rather The Divided States of America. We can give thanks for that to the news media , Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, the Democrats, the movie stars and to the football players. It is time for every American to remember our roots. We need to go back to godly values. The Bible would call it going back to our first love (Revelation 2:4-5). That first love for America was God. We started as a godly nation, and although we have drifted away so far we know God can forgive us if we truly repent and come back to Him asking Him to forgive us. If we have crossed the line of no return and we refuse to repent, one thing is for sure; destruction awaits us, just as it happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7-8). Only time will tell. http://thelivinglights.com/ (10/19/17) A GROUP WITHOUT RULES OR GUIDELINES IS DOOMED TO FAILURE Any group, whether it be a family, a team, a business, a community, a state or a nation, that has no rules, guidelines, discipline, goals or a good responsible leader is doomed for failure. In the absence of rules. guidelines, goals or a good leader chaos ensues. That would be almost as if the blind were leading the blind. Many American families are suffering for the lack of a father image. Those are the families where divorces have occurred, children were born out of wedlock, the father has abdicated his responsibilities, the parents are on drugs, the father is in prison or the children don’t even know who their father is. Those types of homes do not have a stable leadership and the children get confused and grow up as such. The strength of any total comes from the sum of its parts. Therefore the nucleus of the strength of any country comes from the unity and dedication of its citizens and especially its families. Because our families are broken, our government is also broken. In order to fix our country we have to fix our families and that may never happen because the problem seems to be going from bad to worse with every generation. What is the reason that our families are broken? The real problem is that we live in an individualistic society. In other words, everyone wants to live life in his own way without adhering to rules, regulations, any type of authority or taking into consideration the needs, the wants, the feelings and the lives of other people. It’s all about me and not about anybody else at all. Our country, the United States of America, seems to be sinking deeper and deeper into a chaotic pit of sinking sand. We will keep sinking deeper and deeper unless we change our way of thinking and that, of course, is the key. Nothing will change until we change our way of thinking. Changing our way of thinking will change our way of acting and doing things. When we do that, we will change the results. Our country is in chaos because: Congress does not listen to the President, the President does not listen to Congress, the athletes do not salute our flag, the news media does not give the news; it gives its opinion, Hollywood wants to run our country, the American people has lost confidence in the politicians, the American people has moved God aside, moral laws have been discarded, and everyone wants to do whatever he or she pleases. Anarchy can destroy any nation, and it may destroy ours if we do not take the appropriate action. If we do not change, we are doomed for failure and maybe even destruction. The government will not be able to change the people, but the people can change the government. Change does not come from the top on down, but rather from the bottom up. Yes, it has to be a grass roots effort. That effort has to have a leader and that leader cannot be the news media, Hollywood, the athletes, the politicians nor the sold-out evangelists or pastors, who just want to become wealthier and wealthier. The leader of that movement has to be the Holy Spirit working through honest, sincere pastors, evangelists and people who are trying to advance the kingdom of God and not their own. Thank God, there are still honest people who hear from God and want to do His will by taking His word to a dying world. They do not want to get rich or famous, they just want to see people receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, so they can receive salvation and have life in abundance, according to John 10:10. If you are a parent, accept your responsibility wholeheartedly. Teach your children by example and by other means, so they will follow rules, be disciplined, follow guidelines and set realistic attainable goals. Teach them to love God, to love others, to love themselves and to follow God’s principles in the Bible. If you do that, not only will you be helping your children, but you will be helping the community and, of course, our country. It’s a win-win situation. (10/12/17) http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS Many people do not learn to recognize the signs and because they don’t, they pay the consequences, which sometimes can be a matter of life and death. It is vital for us to learn to recognize the signs in many areas of our lives. Once we recognize them, we should take action because if we don’t, what follows may even shake our lives. We have to recognize the signs of illnesses in ourselves, in our children and in other loved ones. If we fail to recognize them, when we finally go to the doctor it could be too late. The main culprit here is cancer. When many people discover that they have it they only have a few months to live. There is nothing medicine or the doctors can do at that point. Sometimes a marriage is going downhill fast, but by the time one of the spouses becomes aware of what is actually going on, it is too darn late. Many families are torn apart and children suffer because one or both adults have not paid close attention to their marriage. They think that it is an automatic thing. They put it on automatic pilot as they start moving farther and farther apart. For a marriage to succeed both the man and the wife have to do their part. It is not something that will take care of itself. Both husband and wife in a marriage or partners in a man and woman relationship have to pay close attention to the signs of their relationship. Normally there are telltale signs when a relationship is going sour. They may be different for a male than for a female, but nevertheless both of them have to recognize those signs. A business needs a lot of attention of its owner. Some businesses require a lot more work than others. Big businesses can have absentee owners as long as they have a good CEO and a board to run them, but small businesses, in most cases, require the presence of its owners. One cannot rely on the workers to take care of the business as if it were their own. The owner has to make sure that the business is running smoothly. The owners have to keep checking constantly to see if they are gaining or losing clients and if their profits are increasing or decreasing. They have to keep an eye on the market because it may change. What was selling like pancakes yesterday may not sell at all today. The world keeps changing and the smart business owner changes with it. If you are, or a loved one is, smoking, drinking or using drugs, you should keep an eye on it, so you can close the lid on it. If you don’t recognize the signs that there is trouble, the roof is going to cave in. A so-called social drinker may actually be a drunk with a very serious problem. A so-called “recreational user of marijuana” may really be a pothead. It is vital that you know the difference. The boss may be getting ready to fire you through no fault of your own. Since you may have a family to support, it would behoove you to know those signs. Don’t let it come upon you as a complete surprise. Be looking for employment in advance, so that if they fire you, you already have a better job lined up. Many people have done exactly that. Unfortunately this country is moving away from God, and because it is, God is moving away from us. How do I know? Look at the violence, the hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and other calamities that are happening in our country – the United States – and around the world. It is not a coincidence. Jesus warns the people about not knowing how to discern the times. Luke 1254-55 – “Then He (Jesus) also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?” What Jesus meant was that people knew what the weather would be like, but it did not know the signs of the times. One of the signs was that He (Jesus) was God incarnate – God in the flesh. Some of us do not understand the signs of the times. They are violence, earthquakes in diverse places, fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis and so on. What do those signs mean? They mean that Jesus Christ is coming back to take the Christians to heaven in what is known as “the rapture.” That means we will live forever with Him. The ones who stay behind will be the ones who have never and will never accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I sincerely hope you are not one of them because those people will spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire. You can escape going to hell and spending eternity in the lake of fire by repenting, asking God to forgive you, receiving Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior and by changing your sinful ways. You may think it’s fun and funny to sin as much as possible, but when you are cast in the lake of fire you will think differently. If you do not want to wind up in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons, reach out to God and He will reach out to you. (10/5/17) http://thelivinglights.com FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL For one reason or another, many of us do not really fulfill our potential. Yes, we have a lot more potential than what we are currently doing. If you are one of those people, you probably already know it and I don’t really have to remind you of it. Actually it might even make you feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless my job is to tell you the truth because it will set you free. In John 8:36, the Bible says: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” In this case, it will set you free from mediocrity. In order to fulfill your potential you must have a vision. If you don’t have a vision, you are probably floundering at the whim of the world, circumstances, people and maybe even the devil. Yes, he does exist and he does not want you to succeed. If he can make you believe that he does not even exist, he has you whipped already. Visions do not come to you out of the clear blue sky. You must do some serious thinking and then do some research. After you acquire knowledge as to what is needed, what is available and what is possible, then you may develop a vision of how to undertake the process of coming up with an invention, developing a business or a solution to some needed change. After you have the vision clear in your mind, you need to take inventory as to what you already have to make your dream come true. After doing that, you will know as to what you will still need to complete the mission. Of course, you will have to count the costs. Because it will be then, and only then, that you will know if it’s worth taking the risk or not and if you can actually accomplish it. Assuming that you have decided to go forth with your vision, then you must lock into it with faith and determination. The chances are there will be several roadblocks, but you cannot let them deter you from accomplishing your goal and you cannot allow them to sidetrack you from your course. You must stay focused on your goal if you are to succeed. There will be some naysayers – freely they will always give you their negative opinion. They will give you many reasons why you should not go forward with your dream. That’s because they only see the obstacles and not your potential. Do not listen to them. As long as you have done your homework, know yourself and have a dream go forward and do not allow negative people to derail you. The sky is the limit if you have a dream with a vision according to your potential and if you stay focused with your eyes fixed on the goal. Fulfilling your potential will not come easily to you. You will have to work hard, persevere and not allow circumstances or other people to dissuade you. There is a saying that says: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s exactly what you will have to do. You must do the very best you can do in the present time, but you must also keep your eyes on the future and on the project and see it as if it were already finished. Last but not least, you must have faith in yourself and faith in God. In Hebrews 13:5, the Bible says: “ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He (God) Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”If you are a Christian, God will always be with you. In John 10:10, Jesus says: “The thief (the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus Christ) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” God wants you to have life in abundance and He will help you do exactly that if you put your faith in Him. If you are not fulfilling your potential, for whatever the reason, I sincerely hope this article has helped you and that it drives you into taking action, so you can get the most out of life. Not only will you benefit if you do, but all the people around you who are affected by your decisions will also benefit and be glad that you decided to fulfill your potential. Good luck! (9/28/17) http://thelivinglights.com/ THE GOD OF THIS WORLD HAS BLINDED SOME OF US Most people do not know that the Lord of this world is the devil. 2 Corinthians 4:3-5 states it this way: “ But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age (the devil) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” Some people will never believe in God, because they just don’t want to believe. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, the Bible tells us: “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” That means he can appear as a virgin, a saint or an angel and deceive people into believing they are getting the word of God, but instead they are worshiping the devil. Do you know of a religion that may be doing exactly that? The devil is the master of deception. He has been practicing that successfully for thousands of years. In Genesis 3:4-6, the Bible tells us: “ Then the serpent (the devil) said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Eve was the first person to be deceived by the devil and that’s when sin entered this world. Previous to that the devil had deceived one-third of the angels in heaven. In John 8:44, the Bible tells us: “ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” Jesus was telling that to some people who believed in Abraham, but not in Him (Jesus). The devil is a liar and the father of lies. The devil is the one who insinuates to us that we are worthless, that nobody likes us, that we will never amount to anything, that life has no meaning, that he and God do not exist, that once we die there is nothing else and so on. If he can get us to believe all his lies, we are defeated. That’s when we have low self-esteem, feel frustrated, disgusted, unwanted, worthless and believe that heaven, hell , God or the devil do not exist. In Ephesians 6:11, the Bible tells us: “ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The apostle Paul tells us that we have an adversary, which is the devil, and for us to be prepared for war. We do that by reading the Bible, praying, going to church, having faith and rebuking the devil. We have power over the devil and his demons if we know and apply the word in the Bible. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible tells us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The apostle Peter tells us to be on the lookout because the devil is trying to devour us. We have to be aware that the devil exists and that he comes at us from different angles, in different ways and at different times to attack us in the unprotected areas of our lives. In Revelation 12:9, the apostle John tells us: “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” He was the most beautiful angel God had created, but because he rebelled against God, God cast him out of heaven with one-third of the angels, who are now demons. However the devil did not lose his intelligence or what he knew and that’s why he knows exactly how to tempt human beings. In Matthew 24:24, the Bible tells us through the apostle Matthew: “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Since the devil does not have any real power, his weapons are lies, false truths, cunning, deceit and trickery. He has used them very effectively throughout the centuries. When something dreadful happens, people who do not even read the Bible or go to church ask: “If God is so good, why did He let this happen?” God did not cause it. It was caused because of sin and the devil is behind all sin. Sin first came into the world through Adam and Eve when they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disobeyed God. He had instructed them not to eat the fruit of that tree, but they listened to the devil instead. Don’t let the god of this world blind you. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are a son of God and are very important to Him. Do not have low self-esteem, do not feel alone, forgotten, depressed, deprived, anguished, unwanted, unimportant or anything of the sort. You have value and your value comes from God. If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for whatever the reason, you may do it now. If you do all your sins will be forgiven immediately and you will become a son/daughter of God. If you have no idea how to do that, read the following prayer. When you understand it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity. He will hear you, forgive all your sins, and will make you His son/daughter. “Father God, I know I have sinned and I repent. Please, forgive me. I believe and I confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died to pay for my sins, that He resurrected on the third day and that He is at Your right hand interceding for me. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can help me live a Christian life. Thank You, Father! Amen.” Don’t be a lone wolf. Find a good born-again Christian church where they preach directly from the Bible. Make friends there and start learning the wonderful word of God. It will transform your life. Keep coming back to my page – http://thelivinglights.com/ Good luck!! (9/21/17) GIVE IT AWAY If you take inventory of what you have, you will find out that you have a lot more than you think. For one reason or another, you haven’t really thought about it. Actually you have taken for granted most of what you already have. I am going to remind you of some of the things you have, so you can be more grateful than you have been. I am not going to elaborate on what you have in order not to insult your intelligence. I will just make a compilation of what you have, and you will assess how many of those things you already possess and to what extent. You may be aware of some of them or you may never have realized or acknowledged that you had them. We don’t know how much you have developed them, but one thing for sure is that you have intelligence, wisdom, physical abilities, skills, talents, special gifts, feelings, likes and dislikes. Some of them are unique to you. You may be the best or one of the best in a certain field. The reason is because it gives you satisfaction and you have worked hard at it. Then again, you may be one of those individuals to whom talents come naturally. Whatever gifts, talents and abilities you may have, they are meant to be shared. Don’t hoard them. You can bless many people with them. Not only will it make other people happy, but it will give you a sense of satisfaction. That’s because it gives us more pleasure to give than to receive. Jesus Himself said that it was more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Share your time, gifts, talents, abilities, money, wisdom, intelligence, advice, knowledge of the word of God and whatever else God may have blessed you with. Imagine how the world would be without a Beethoven, a Picasso, an Abraham Lincoln, an Albert Einstein, an Albert Schweitzer, a Ronald Reagan, a mother Teresa, the Wright Brothers, a Nelson Mandela, a Christopher Columbus and many others. They affected millions of people. The world would not have been the same without them. They made a difference and you can make a difference too, maybe not to the scale they did, but a difference nevertheless. If the scientists and the inventors were not to share what they know, we would still be in “The Dark Ages.” In the area of communications we have made tremendous progress – thanks to the people who have burned the midnight oil to come with new inventions. Compare your cell phone to a phone from the fifties or sixties. Those phones would not even be a dinosaur compared to what we have today. The best example of sharing was given to us by Jesus Christ Himself. What did He give or shared? He gave His time, knowledge, talents, abilities, wisdom, love and ultimately His life. John 3:16 says: “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Don’t let His death be in vain. Receive Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior and you will spend eternity with Him. We learn by living and doing. There is no better school than experience. In any given field there is always someone who knows a lot less than you do or has a lot less than you have. Instead of looking down on them, being jealous of envious of them, help them get ahead. Whether they appreciate it or not, is up to them. You, on the other hand, will feel good about yourself, regardless of the outcome. Whatever it is you have, share it with the world. Don’t keep it to yourself. If you do, you will enjoy life, but if you don’t, you will die sad, lonely and unsatisfied. That’s right! Just give it away! Look for ways to bless others with your talents, knowledge and abilities. If you bless others, God will bless you. (9/14/17) http://thelivinglights.com/ WE ARE AMERICAN We should not be a country of black, white, brown or red people. We are a country of people who have chosen to live here and make this country their home. We are American. We are not a country of Irish-American, Hispanic-American, Afro-American, Italian-American, Asian-American or anything else American. We are just American. We should not be a country of wealthy people, middle-class people and poor people. We are just American people. It’s not about being famous, popular or living incognito. It should be just about being American. That was good enough for our founding fathers, good enough for our ancestors and it should be good enough for us. It should not matter to us if we have ten thousand degrees, work in an office or work on construction. What matters is that we are American. We should love our country, love our differences because, after all, we are American. Nobody can take that away from us, but us ourselves. Our country should not be about believers in Jesus Christ and unbelievers, not about religious people or atheists and not about church goers or people who do not go to church. All of us are American and because we are, we should conduct ourselves as such. A country divided cannot stand. Jesus said in Matthew 12:25 that a kingdom, a city or a house divided against itself could not stand. We should be about believing in the American way of life. Our country is one of different cultures, different languages, different foods, different religions, different philosophies, different ideologies and many other differences, but what should bring all of us together is our love for God, love for our country, respect for our flag, love for ourselves and love for each other. Instead of focusing on our differences, of which there are many, we should be focusing on our similarities and on being American. We should be proud to be American, to salute our flag and to serve our country in whatever way we can. Not everyone has to be a soldier, but everyone can contribute something to make this a better country. Our differences should not separate us, but should bring us closer together and make us stronger. We have heard the saying, “Two heads are better than one.” That is absolutely true. The many cultures we have represented, the many languages, the many foods and the many ways of thinking are much better than one. Our strength should be in our differences. What one group is lacking, another one can supply it. If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem and that is exactly what the people who are bringing division in our country are. I don’t believe in “black lives matter” because I don’t believe that “white lives matter.” I believe that “all lives matter.” That includes a fetus, a one-day-old baby, a ninety-nine-year-old uneducated woman and any other person on this earth. Let’s remember that we are American and that every single one of us matters. Whether you believe in God or not is irrelevant – each and every human being matters to Him. Jesus actually appeared to me in a vision in 1978 and I know that I matter to Him. How do I know that? He wouldn’t have come seeking me if I did not matter to Him. You matter to Him too! You matter so much to Him that He gave up His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to pay for your sins (John 3:15-17). I, for one, am proud to be an American, and even prouder to be a son of God. Yes, I am a Christ follower and wouldn’t have it any other way. Where are you? If you do not love this country, nobody is forcing you to stay here. Go to another country where you agree with their way of governing, way of thinking and way of life. Good luck! (9/7/17) thelivinglights.com WE LEARN BECAUSE OF NECESSITY Basically we learn because of necessity. The first two people to learn were Adam and Eve. Since they were created as adults, they did not have the luxury of learning one thing at a time as most of us do. Everything was completely new to them. Simultaneously they learn to walk, talk, hear, eat, think, feel their emotions, take care of their basic needs and many, many more things that we take for granted. It was probably exceedingly exciting and scary to them at the same time. We really have no idea how God equipped them to deal with everything that was coming at them so fast. One thing we know is that for God everything is possible (Mark 10:27). We may never know how God prepared them or how He works miracles, but all we have to know is that He is able because He is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. If by His word He spoke the world (Genesis 1:1-25), the universe and the galaxies into existence, surely by His word He equipped Adam and Eve. Let’s leave Adam and Eve at peace wherever they may be and concentrate on the human race and modern times. From the very first breath we take when we are born, we start learning. In most cases the first thing we learn is to breath and the second one is to cry. We learn that by crying we get attention, so we do it. Another thing a baby learns almost immediately is to drink milk from the mother’s breast or from a bottle. That seems to be something innate that God gives all his mammals. If you are an evolutionist, how do you explain that? When a child is born and up to the age of five years old, 90% of his brain development occurs at a tremendous rate. Parents and teachers should be very much aware of that in order to take advantage of those years teaching the children good sound principles, as well as other things they need to know. In most cases, what a child learns then will stay with him or her for life. Those are the building blocks that will shape his or her future. There is a saying that says: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It is a very true statement. Nobody invents something that is not needed. If he does, there will be no market for it and it will go into oblivion rather fast. Some inventions have a time duration of existence. That is because they become obsolete. The buggies for horses became obsolete when the automobile was invented. Rubber from the rubber trees in Brazil became obsolete when synthetic rubber was invented. That is what progress is all about; one invention replacing another. An inventor sees a need and then he invents something to take care of that need whatever it may be. It could be a machine or just an object. We needed a paper to write on and somebody invented it. There was a need for an ice-cream cone and guess what? Somebody in Europe invented it. Oil lamps were not very efficient, so Thomas Edison tried and tried until he came up with the light bulb. Learning is a life-long process. We should never quit learning, if nothing else because of necessity. Since new inventions are constantly being invented and implemented, we have to keep on learning or we will not know how to use the new machines and the new technology. In some cases it could very well be a matter of life and death. So far we have mentioned machines and technology, but we cannot stay in a stagnant way of thinking. We have to learn to adjust to new situations, new ways of thinking, new ways of doing things and new ways of processing information. The world keeps on changing, and we should be changing with it. I am not talking about being politically-correct, but rather about recognizing what we are doing wrong and addressing the issue. If we do that, we will be able to change where we need changing and not change where we do not need changing. That, of course, will make us a better person. In essence, keep on learning remembering what was good yesterday may not be good today. Since information is coming at us from different angles, learn to process it properly. Look at it from different perspectives, decipher it, analyze it and then act on it accordingly. (8/31/17) thelivinglights.com YOUR REFLECTION When you look in the mirror you see your reflection. That reflection looks exactly like you. If you want to change that reflection, you change the way you look. You can shave off your moustache, cut off your beard, dye your hair, comb your hair differently and even put on makeup if you are a lady. By changing clothes you change your reflection on the mirror. There are literally thousands of things you can do to change your image on the mirror. Just as the reflection in the mirror is a picture of what you look like, the things you do, how you treat people, with whom you spend most of your time, and how you spend your time and money, are a reflection of who you really are. Your family, your friends and people who are acquainted with you have a reflection in their minds of who and what you are. There are people you cannot fool or deceive because they know you too well. President Lincoln would probably say: “You can fool most of the people some of the time, you can fool some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” That is a very true statement. If you have any type of an addiction, instead of hiding it from people and trying to give a false image, it is much better to deal with the real issue and quit participating in that activity, whatever it may be. If you need professional help, receive it. If you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, shopping or anything else, start doing something about it. In most cases friends and family are willing to help if you ask them. If you can afford it or if there is free professional help, run to it. Some people try changing their physical looks and that in itself might be a good thing for them. Although changing for the sake of change is nothing, changing for the better is always good. Unfortunately many people make changes to be accepted by a peer group. Some examples would be putting on tattoos all over your body, dying your hair blue, green, pink or any other weird color and wearing skimpy clothes to draw attention to yourself. Some of those fads are expected of adolescents, but when people in their fifties, sixties or seventies do it, it simply looks ridiculous. A person who has to draw attention to himself or herself normally has low self-esteem. If you feel good about yourself you don’t need to prove anything to anybody. You simply enjoy being you, because after all, the best you is you. Nobody can be you better than you. You do not have to imitate anybody because you value who you are. You may be giving a wonderful reflection of your life, but, in essence, your are deceiving people, but more importantly you are deceiving yourself. You cannot deceive God because He is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. The Bible tells us that He cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7). Eventually after this life is over, all of us will be judged by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:10). You may say, “I don’t believe in God, so I won’t be judged.” My response to that would be, “You may not believe in death, but some day you will die,” or “You may not believe that fire burns, but if you put your hand on top of a flame, it will burn you.” What reflection of your life is God seeing? Let’s hope it’s one of sincerity, humility, righteousness, kindness, goodness, loving, and honesty. The legacy you will leave is the one you are establishing now. Don’t wait until your funeral so people can say, “He was a good man or she was a good woman,” live in such a way that people will say it now while you are alive. Let your life reflect godly values. IF, for whatever reason, you have not been giving a good reflection of yourself, it is time to change. You will not be able to change, unless you change your way of thinking (Romans 12:2). That is why the Bible says: “As a man thinks, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7. Yes, it is possible to change, but you may have to get rid of some preconceived ideas. Some of them may have been with you since childhood. Start looking at life with a different perspective – a positive one. One more thing; remember that reflections are not long lasting. If you gave negative reflections in the past, they are gone. Let the new ones be positive. (8/24/17) thelivinglights.com LEARN TO BE HAPPY If you think you cannot be happy unless you have certain things such as a new car, a new house, an important job, a perfect family, lots of sex, illegal drugs or are participating in fun activities, then you will never be truly happy. Most of those things should have some degree of value and importance to you, but they are temporal and will not give you real joy or fulfillment. You cannot depend on people, situations or circumstances to bring you happiness. Real happiness has to come from within you. If you sincerely want to experience true happiness, you must learn to be happy under any and most circumstances. If you are not a happy person, in order to change that you will have to discard some of your bad negative habits and develop some new positive ones. In the Bible in Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul gives us some advice. It goes something like this: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” What that means is that you have to change your way of thinking. Instead of looking at the world with negative eyes, you have to start looking at it with positive eyes. Instead of seeing the glass as half-empty, you have to start seeing it as half-full. If you start doing that, it will make all the difference in the world to you. Do not dwell on what you don’t have or what you don’t know how to do. You have to learn to appreciate what you have. Concentrate on everything that is positive in your life and try to improve it. If your feet are ugly, don’t complain and feel bad about it. Think of the people who don’t have legs or feet, and they wish they had them. If you have an older vehicle and are griping about it, think of a person in a third world country who does not even have a horse or a bicycle. Maybe you were unable to attend the university or you did, but had to quit for financial reasons and have low self-esteem because of that. Let’s assume you are about forty years old, in perfect health and belong to the middle class in the USA. I would be willing to bet that Stephen Hawking, who is a paraplegic English physicist, cosmologist and author would trade places with you on any given day. Mr. Hawking is one of the most intelligent human beings in the world, but he is missing the two most important things in life; his health and not believing in God. He is an atheist. Not only is he suffering in this world, but when he passes to the next one, hell – eternal suffering - will be waiting for him. Enjoy everything you do! That includes your job and any chore that may come up. Instead of saying, “I have to do that,” say “I get to do that.” Instead of dreading it and procrastinating, look forward to doing it. That includes starting new projects, doing different activities, going to different places and meeting new people. It’s your attitude that will make the difference. Not only will you be happier, but you will bring happiness to other people too. You see, a positive and joyful attitude is contagious. Being happy or sad is a choice we make on a daily basis. When you go to bed at night, go to sleep happy. If somebody wronged you, forgive him or her. The Bible tells us that if we don’t forgive people, God won’t forgive us ((Matthew 6:14). Besides if you go to sleep mad, you will wake up in a bad mood the next morning and that will ruin your day. When you wake up in the morning, decide what kind of day you will have. Decide to be happy and to stay on top of the situation, regardless of what the world may throw at you. In many cases you cannot control what will happen, but you can control how you will react to it by controlling you thoughts, feelings and emotions. . You do not have to let other people or the circumstances dictate how you will feel. Do not let them have dominion over you. You do not have to feel depressed, frustrated, disillusioned, sad, lonely or unimportant any longer. The apostle Paul tells us to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). What does that mean? It means that as soon as you get one of those thoughts you should rebuke it. In other words, do not accept it and change it for something positive. In conclusion I would like to tell you that you have the weapons within you to defeat unhappiness, sadness, low self-esteem, frustrations, depression, disillusionment, negative thoughts and everything else that may come up against you. God bless you! (8/17/17) thelivinglights.com WHO IS RAISING YOUR CHILDREN? Who is raising your children? For the sake of the children that question needs to be asked and to be answered. The reason is simply that our children are not necessarily being raised by who they should be or how they should be raised. For various reasons, there are too many factors involved. One of the main reasons that our children are not being raised the way they should be is that most marriages are not “till death do them part.” Now days they are “till divorce do them part.” Unfortunately the divorce rate is at an all-time high and, instead of getting better it is getting worse. Marriage has quit being a commitment and now it is a convenience. Because of the high divorce rate, many children are being raised by stepparents or by their grandparents. In some cases it does work out rather well, but in many of them it does not. Some stepparents treat the children as it they were their own, but in too many cases they are mean to them. Not only are there many cases of abuse and child neglect by stepparents, but the latter have even killed children. In some cases the actual parent in order to please the new spouse has collaborated in mistreating or even killing a child. Because of the economy many times both parents have to work fulltime. That leaves the children with a babysitter who may mistreat them. Even if that does not happen, the babysitter is not interested in teaching the children real values. That job, of course, belongs to the parents, but if they are not there, they cannot do it. The children may be surviving quite well physically, but mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually they are being deprived of a normal childhood. The teen-age babysitter tries to do as little as possible and that is really not her fault since she is not prepared professionally and her pay may even be below the minimum wage. To her it’s just a way to earn a few extra dollars. There are some adult female babysitters who do it for a living, but some of them never finished high school and even if they did, they didn’t get any specific training to take care of children. Of course, the ones who really pay the price are the children. They are being shortchanged. Since the babysitter is way underpaid and unprepared she turns on the television for the children. The television becomes their teacher. Since most of the TV programs show nothing but violence, hatred, sex, corruption, witchcraft, conniving, and everything that goes against godly values, that’ s what the children learn. Because they see so many dysfunctional families on television, they come to the conclusion that it is normal. The babysitter may even, with the parents’ consent, allow them to use the computer, I-pod, cell phone or any other electrical gadget to keep them occupied. Yes, it keeps them busy, but who knows what they may find there? It could be pornography, violence, bad words, etcetera. That electrical gadget, whatever it may be, becomes their source of information and instruction. They might even learn how to make a bomb there, how to kill people and so on. Even in the public schools, the children may be told that there is no god, that there are many ways to get to heaven, that they can choose their own gender, that marriage is obsolete, or that we evolved from animals. The question is…who’s teaching your children? Whether you believe it or not, your children are at risk. There are many dangers facing them and it is your job as a parent to protect them. When everything is said and done, God is going to hold you accountable for how you raised your children (1 Timothy 3:4, Ephesians 6:4, Proverb 22:6). It’s nobody’s responsibility to teach them but yours. If you don’t do it, somebody or something else will, but the results could be catastrophic. Do not let your children suffer because of your immorality, busyness, immaturity, irresponsibility or disobedience! (8/10/17) thelivinglights ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE Happiness is not an automatic state of being. We have to learn to be happy by accepting the things we cannot change and by getting the most out of life. We cannot allow negative circumstances to get the best of us, instead we have to use them as learning experiences and to come out wiser and stronger on the other side. Unless we learn to do that, we will not be happy and we will not feel successful. We should always have realistic goals and objectives. People who do not have them will never accomplish much. How can you get somewhere if you don’t know where you are going? You must have a destination. Some goals and objectives should be rigid while others should be flexible. You should set your goals and objectives according to the circumstances. Since circumstances change, your goals and objectives should too. If you set unrealistic goals and objectives, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you weigh 130 pounds and you want to be a tackle on the NFL, you would be wise to change your expectations. If you are 5’5” and you want to play for the NBA, you would be wise to reconsider your way of thinking. I could give you many more examples, but I think by now you are beginning to understand the main point of this paragraph. I am not trying to talk you out of your success. There are many people who will do exactly that. If you want something bad enough and you will stop at nothing to get there, the chances are you will succeed. Do not let anyone talk you out of your dream. Most of the successful people had a dream, they went for it, and they accomplished it. You can join that group if you are willing to work hard, not give up, not listen to the naysayers, be willing to accept criticism, receive advice when appropriate and persevere till the end. The first thing you should do is to accept who you are, what you are and where you are in life. Do not worry about the things you cannot change. Concentrate on your strong points and get even better at them. Remember that…practice makes perfect. Nobody is born knowing everything. As a matter of fact, we are born knowing almost nothing. We spend the first few years of our lives learning the simple every day things we need to know just to survive. Some of us keep on learning until we take our last breath. Unfortunately others quit learning at an early age. Those are failures. Many people think that success means accumulating large amounts of wealth, being famous, being popular, having several degrees or traveling a lot. While those things are nice to have, they do not necessarily bring happiness. Happiness and success come from within. If you are happy with yourself, God, spouse, children, job, friends, where you live and your surroundings, you are successful. You can be happy and successful in a cave because both of them are a state of being. You do not need external factors to bring you success or happiness. If you think you are successful and happy, you are. On the other hand, if you think you are unsuccessful and unhappy you are. Whatever you think you are, that is exactly what you are. The Bible tells us: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” – Proverb 23:7. In essence, I want to tell you to accept the things you cannot change, to change the things you can for the better, and to be happy as much as you can. You gain nothing by being frustrated, disillusioned, disappointed, disgusted, sad or unhappy. 8/3/17 WATERED-DOWN CHRISTIANITY God does not change, but if He were to change then He would not be God. If that were to happen, He would be like a regular human being. His statutes, principles, commandments and will stand forever, which is something that the current pastors and evangelists brush aside because that does not bring in new members. They are more interested in drawing more people in who will give them money on a regular basis. The love of money motivates them more than the love of God. Several of the pastors and evangelists have properties worth millions and millions of dollars. One of them has over 250 million dollars with his own private jets and airport. They teach the prosperity message. Yes, they are living an extremely prosperous life, while some of the people who give them money are living paycheck to paycheck or on social security. They do not teach about sin or anything that would make the people feel uncomfortable and that is why the people like it. They are basically told that they are not accountable for their sinful actions. Anything goes because they are living supposedly under grace. Grace means undeserved merit or favor with God. What it really means is that we do not deserve salvation, but because God loves us unconditionally He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross and pay for our sins (John 3:15-17). What grace does not mean is that we can sin purposely as much as we want and that God will forgive us. If we die in our sins without repenting, we will wind up in hell and later on in the lake of fire. In John 8:21, this is what Jesus told the religious leaders of his time: “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” Jesus went back to heaven and if we die in our sin or sins without repenting, we cannot go to heaven, regardless of what the popular pastors and evangelists may be teaching. In Hebrews 13:8, God says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” You read this correctly…God does not change. He was, He is, and He will be the same forever and ever. He has no reason to change. God has not changed nor His message, but men have changed the message to please more followers. They are getting richer and richer giving people a false gospel of prosperity and licentiousness – a license to sin willfully. In 2 Timothy 4:34, the apostle Paul tells Timothy, his disciple and fellow worker: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Guess what? That time is now. People want to hear watered down Christianity and that is exactly what most of the pastors and evangelists are giving them. Unfortunately right now, people can only say what is socially and politically correct. It does not matter if it is morally and ethically incorrect. We know abortion is morally wrong, but society embraces it. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Let us see what God has to say through the apostle Paul. Romans 1:24-29 – “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers.” The words above are from the Bible and are not mine, because they are Paul’s the apostle of God. Preachers are not preaching it because it is not popular. If they were to preach the truth as the Bible states it, many people would leave their congregation. Not only would their ministries suffer a financial setback, but personally they would struggle to make ends meet and that is why they compromise. The Bible clearly tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). If you are attending a church where they give you a watered-down version of the word of God, move away from there as fast as you can. Find a church where they give the complete word of God, where they teach about God’s blessings, but also about God’s judgment on those who sin purposely. That church, the same as God, should love the sinner, but hate the sin and it should tell people to sin no more (John 8:11). July 27, 2017 THE DEATH OF THE TRUTH If the truth were to really be known, the truth has been dying for quite a few years in the United States. Just like a slow torturing cancer, it had been experiencing a slow painful death up to recently, but now we can compare it to stage 4 cancer delivering a fast agonizing death. The truth is dying because it has no value anymore. Most people lie as if it were the natural thing to do. Politicians make many lying promises to get into office. Once they are in office they forget all about the promises that got them elected. The movies lie, supposedly to make them more interesting to the public. The spectators go to see actors and actresses do feats in the movies that are humanly impossible. They call those characters super heroes. Not only do people admire the characters in the movies, but they also admire the actors who portray them. The teachers and the professors lie to the students because it is politically correct to do so. Many of them cannot tell the truth, because if they do, they may even lose their jobs. They may be compelled to teach evolution even though personally they may believe in God and creation. Other may teach that marrying people of the same sex is perfectly okay, although it goes totally against God’s principles and even against common sense. Still others may teach that “Black lives matter,” instead of teaching that “all lives matter.” The death of the absolute truth seems to be imminent. Short of a miracle nothing can save it. The lies are rampant in the movies, the radio, the internet and in most of the news channels on television. They do not give the news, instead they give their version of them. The so-called experts give their opinion on every issue. It does not matter what the event, the issues or the catastrophe may be, every person on the panel of the so-called experts gives his/her opinion. They seem to establish what is right and what is wrong. The public just hears their point of view and consequently it accepts it as if it were the gospel truth. Unfortunately the people in the news media have the ability to destroy a person’s credibility and even his life if they so choose. To many times they choose to do exactly that. On the other hand, they seem to overlook a person’s weaknesses, failures and even wrongdoings if they want to lift him/her up for whatever the reason. However, regardless of what may happen in the world, there is a truth that will never change and that, of course, is God’s truth. In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Although men may try to ignore it, circumvent it or discard it completely, God’s truth was, it is, and it will be what it is – the absolute, unchangeable, undenying truth. In John 8:31-32, Jesus said: “ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Although the truth is dying, as we know it, if you read the Bible – the word of God – you will be set free. Free from what? Free from ignorance, sin, despair, loneliness, frustration, hopelessness, worries, anxiety, fear, drugs, drinking and anything else that may have you under bondage. Do not believe or accept the world’s lies. Live your life with gospel truths and values, not bending, but doing what you know to be right in every situation. Good luck! 7/20/17 D I S C O V E R According to the dictionary one of the definitions for discover is to be the first to find something, to be the first person to find out something or to be the first one to become aware of it. That means that the first humans who discovered this world were Adam and Eve. The first ones who discovered America were the people who first got here and made it their home. Nobody knows for sure who they were. The scientists are continually finding or discovering something that they did not know before. It may be a discovery to them, but not to God, or maybe even to people who knew about it centuries ago. The scientists are always finding new planets, stars or other heavenly bodies. They probably have always existed, but the scientists were not aware of them. Necessity is the mother of inventions and for that reason Inventors are always inventing something. The potential is always there, but if there is no need for that invention or nobody has thought of the possibility there is no invention. For example; the sun has always been there, but nobody had thought about harnessing that energy and putting it to work as solar energy until somebody thought of the possibility and did it. Some inventions and vocations become obsolete with time. Times are constantly changing and today there is no more need for what we needed yesterday. We no longer need the wheels nor people to repair them for the buggies that were drawn by horses. Now we need mechanics who can fix automobiles and even those are constantly changing. One of the best discoveries is when people discover their potential in any given area. Many people don’t know what they can really do, until the need arises. When they start doing what they thought they could not do or what they had not even thought of doing, they may even find out that they really enjoy it. Doing what one enjoys and doing it well can really bring satisfaction and happiness to a person. If you are working in an area that displeases you, change job, vocation or profession and do what really gives you pleasure. No matter how much you are getting paid it is not worth it if you are miserable doing it. Some people are looking for something, but they don’t know what it is. Somehow they can’t put their finger on it. They jump from one place to another, from one situation to another and even from one relationship to another, but happiness is like an elusive butterfly to them. They can never seem to find it, let alone catch it. If you are one of those people, I have some good news for you. You can find true happiness, but it’s only in one place. It’s actually not a place, but a person and that person is Jesus Christ. He is God, but at the same time He is a person. Being God He lived on this earth as a person to experience what we humans go through. He lived, suffered, shed His blood, died and resurrected from the grave, so that if we believe in Him we would have eternal life. That void or emptiness that you may feel can only be filled by Jesus Christ. Once you discover Him and allow Him to come into your heart, you won’t need drugs, alcoholic beverages, possessions, fame nor thousands of friends to make you happy. Many people have become aware of the love He has for them and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. Not only have they found joy and happiness, but they will spend eternity with Him. If you want to discover God’s love for you and find true happiness, receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you don’t know how to do it, read and pray the following prayer to Him and He will receive you as His child. Your life will change for the better. Don’t spend another day lost in the wilderness, in the darkness, in doubt, in anguish nor in despair. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me as I believe and confess that Your Son Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross, died and resurrected to pay for my sins. I ask Him now to be my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank You, Father God. Amen.” IF you prayed that prayer and meant it, God has forgiven all your sins. You are as clean as can possibly be. Find a good born-again Christian church where they teach directly from the Bible. Read my whole page on a weekly basis and tell your friends about it. If you are sincere, I will see you on the other side of this life. Blessings! WE SHOULDN’T LIVE IN A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE In the sixties Peter and Gordon used to sing a beautiful song called “A World Without Love.” The lyrics said: “I don’t care what they say, I won’t stay in a world without love.” Their singing was good, the music was good and the message was excellent. If you haven’t heard it, you can hear it on the internet. In the sixties Jackie DeShannon also had a hit song talking about love. The song was – “Put A Little Love In Your Heart.” The first stanza went something like this: “Think of your fellow men, lend him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart. See how it’s getting late, so please don’t hesitate, put a little love in your heart…” All of us need to put more love in our hearts. Most of the problems of this world would disappear if we were to do that. The sixties, of course, was the flower generation in San Francisco. Scott McKenzie used to sing the song “San Francisco.” The beginning lyrics were: “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. If you’re going to San Francisco, you’re gonna meet some gentle people there.” Because of the Vietnam war, young people were putting an emphasis on love and not on hate. Today we should be doing the same thing. If we watch the news, the only conclusion we can come to is that “we live in a world without love.” One of the reasons is that the news media only reports the bad news. They overlook the good things that are happening around us. It is sad, but unfortunately very true. Many people’s perspective would change if the news media were to place a lot more emphasis on positive events and acts of kindness that people do on a daily basis. The politicians in our country – the USA – are the worst offenders. The Democrats blame the Republicans and the Republicans blame the Democrats. Consequently very little actually gets done in Washington D.C. and instead of demonstrating love and cooperation, they are demonstrating hatred and division. The political parties spend most of their time fighting each other. They are setting a very poor example for the young people. We don’t need to wear some flowers in our hair, put them on somebody else’s hair, or go to San Francisco, but we do need to be kinder to one another. If the adults were to do that, what a lesson that would be for the younger generation and for the little children. They in turn would do the same when they became adults. Children are like a sponge – they absorb everything they hear and see. We need to be and set good examples for them. Many children and even adults admire and emulate famous people, such as movie stars, singers, athletes and politicians. Unfortunately many of those famous people don’t have any morals or scruples whatsoever. They live as they please, without regards as to who they may be hurting along the way. The ones they hurt include their spouses, children, relatives, friends and the public in general. Let us take the lyrics of the songs that Peter and Gordon, Jackie DeShannon and Scott McKenzie sang and take them to heart by living by love, in love and for love’s sake, which is what God is (1 John 4:8). Yes, God is love and that’s how He wants us to live. If we do not live in love and by love, we will have a miserable life and we will wind up in the lake of fire burning and suffering forever. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) and most of our faults. Do not let your world be one without love. Be transparent by Loving God, loving yourself and loving others. Yes, sometimes you will get hurt, but that’s part of life. overall you will be much happier. Good luck and may you find true happiness! ACCEPT REALITY The first step in solving any problem is to realize and recognize that you have a problem. Once you do that you can come up with several solutions. After that you choose the most practical one. The next step, of course, is to come up with a plan and set it in motion. Regardless of what the problem is you have to accept reality. The reality can be harsh, but if you do not accept it, the problem will never be solved and the consequences could be extremely severe. A real problem will not be less real and it will not go away simply because you do not accept it. Actually if you do nothing and just ignore it, it will more likely than not become much more serious. Accepting reality comes with maturity, but since some people never mature they do not accept reality. Regardless of their physical age, they act like children and because they do, either they suffer the consequences or the people close to them do. If they do not accept the responsibility, it falls on their spouse, parents, children or somebody else. Reality is reality and there are some absolutes that will never ever change. If a person mistreats his body, sooner or later, it’s time to pay the piper. If a person does not plan financially for the future, it will get here and he will be up the creek without a paddle. If a person drops out of high school, the chances are he will never have a job that pays him well enough to support his family the way he should. I will just give you a few examples, as a few of them will suffice for the wise. If you are diagnosed with cancer you have a few options; 1. You can accept it and start looking at your options. 2. You can have a positive attitude and do all you can to help yourself. 3. You can do nothing and hope it will work itself out. 4. You can give up all hope and get ready to die. 5. You can feel sorry for yourself and blame others, even God. 6. You can and should get a second or third opinion. 6. You can work up your faith and ask God to heal you. Let’s say your spouse is definitely leaving you and there’s nothing to be done. 1. You can accept reality. 2. You can beg him/her to reconcile. 3. You can try to put that experience behind you and move on with your life. 4. You can feel sorry for yourself and be a basket case. 5. You can learn from that experience. 6. You can use that situation to get closer to God. 7. You can help others who are going through similar situations. You have been working for fifteen years for a company and have been an excellent employee, but the owner’s grandson graduates from college, takes over your job and you are dismissed. 1. You can be mad at the world. 2. You can hate that company. 3. You can lash out at the person who took over your job. 4. You could feel sorry for yourself. 5. You could accept reality, put yourself in God’s hands and move on with a positive attitude. 6. Leaving that job could possibly take you to a better position – either one that would pay more or one that you would truly enjoy. In case you have not seen it by now, the main point of this article is for you to accept reality no matter what it may be. All of us go through a crises, sooner or later, but the important thing is that we should come out stronger. We accept it for what it is, keep a positive attitude, analyze it, come up with a plan and put it into action. When the going gets tough, the weak break, but the tough get going. 6/29/17 WE HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO WE ARE It is extremely sad when a person, a family or a group of people forgets who he, it or they are. It is even worse if they never knew who they really were in the first place. As bad as that may seem, it is much worse when a country forgets who it really is. Unfortunately, that is the case in the United States of America. We have forgotten how we started, who we were, what we stood for and what we should stand for now in the 21st century. The absolutes have been thrown out the window, which means that godly values, morals and righteousness no longer play a part in our decision-making process. Everyone forms his own values as he sees fit because there are no parameters and he can even change those values to accommodate his current situation according to his whims and according to an ever-changing society. One of the main reasons why our country has turned away from God is because by doing so we can do whatever pleases us and we do not have to justify it to anyone. By not accepting any spiritual responsibility we can disobey any of God’s commandments and principles without suffering any earthly punishment or repercussions. While that may be true here on earth, it is definitely not true in eternity. People who disobey God willingly will be judged at the white throne judgment, be found guilty and will be thrown into the lake of fire to suffer eternally. I have a feeling those people will not have the last laugh. Our forefathers came from Holland by way of England because they were Englishmen. They were seeking religious freedom – not freedom from not believing in God – but freedom to attend the church of their choice. Prior to that they were being forced to attend The Church of England. As a result of that, they wanted to have separation between church and state. That was their intent, but it was not written into the Constitution as some people may think. Thomas Jefferson, our third President (1801-1809) was a strong supporter of people choosing their own religion as well as what church they would attend. To make his feelings clear in 1802 he wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in which he carefully explained that believing in God was a personal and sacred thing and that the government had no business telling us how we should believe or not believe. In essence, he was saying that there should be separation between church and state. Although he was one of the framers of our Constitution that phrase does not appear in it. Separation between church and state was never intended to mean that we could not believe in God or that we could not mention His name in public places, which of course, is today’s interpretation, which is totally wrong. It only meant that the government could not force us to attend a certain church or to attend church at all. Believing or not believing in God is an individual choice. We should not disrespect the believers or the unbelievers. Currently our government is respecting the wishes of the unbelievers, but not the ones of the believers. Consequently believers cannot mentions the word G O D in public places, but unbelievers can say whatever they want to. According to the Bible, our first love should be God (Revelation 2:4-7). Our country became a republic loving God, but we have moved away from our first love and consequently we are spiraling down at a tremendous speed. Former and not-now President Obama went as far as saying that we were no longer a Christian nation. More likely than not, he belongs to the religion whose members have caused most of the terrorist attacks. They keep saying it’s a religion of love, but their acts speak louder than words. Our country has moved so far away from God that no sin is out of the realm of possibility. Some examples are: 1. Marrying people of the same sex as if it were normal and natural. It’s an abomination to God. 2. Abortions and selling fetus’ parts. 3. Legalizing marihuana. 4. Giving millions of dollars to terrorist nations. 5. Depriving Christian children in public schools of their God-given rights. 6. Legalized gambling and prostitution in some states. 7. Corruption in our government. 8. Scams on the internet and by telephone. 9. Racial hatred. 10 Idolatry. Our country has become an idolatrous nation. We idolize anything and everything. Yet God tells us not to have any other gods before Him (Exodus 20:2). Anything we idolize becomes our God. It could be a person, an automobile, a motorcycle, a sport, possessions, our job, movies, video games or anything else that takes first place in our lives. God hates idolatry and our people have become infatuated with idols. We know that Catholics adore so-called saints and virgins. Yet God tells us not to make or worship any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; that we shall not bow down to them nor serve them…(Exodus 20:4). Other religions worship Buddha, Krishna, Allah, the Great Spirit in the sky, Mohammed and who knows what else. Before it is too late, it is time for us as a nation to remember who we are. We were born as a Christian republic and as such God blessed us. Because we have abandoned God, we find ourselves floundering and meandering without knowing where we are going. It is time to come back to Him and get on the right track again. thelivinglights.com 6/22/17 UNLEARN YOUR NEGATIVE HABITS Due to your environment, background, acquaintances, educational level, low self-esteem, thought process or past experiences you may have developed bad habits. Because of these bad habits you may speak negatively most of the time. The way you think of yourself and speak influence your life. The Bible tells us that the way a person thinks that’s what he is (Proverbs 23:7). How do you see yourself? If you think negatively you have to unlearn that way of thinking and learn how to think in a positive manner. When you change your way of thinking, you will change your way of talking and when you change your way of talking you will change your life. In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul tells us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Learn to use positive terminology. You should never say, “I can’t do that,” because if you do you are already confessing that it is beyond your capabilities. That means you will not even try to do it, but even if you do you will do it half-heartedly, and, of course, you will fail. One thing is for sure; you are capable of more than you think you can do. In Mark 9:23, the Bible tells us: “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Then in Mark 10:27, the Bible tells us: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Instead of saying, “I can’t do it,” say, “With God’s help I can do anything.” Don’t even say, “I am going to try.” If you say that what you are really saying is, “I am going to give it a try, but if it seems difficult, I’ll quit.” What you should say is, “I am going to do it!” It does not matter how long it takes you or how many times you try, if you have that attitude you will succeed. Thomas Edison tried two thousand times to invent the light bulb. He did not give up. Basically he said: “I just found two thousand ways how not to do it.” But you know what? – the next time he succeeded. Don’t look at a setback in a negative way. Look at it as a learning experience. By the same token, don’t look at an obstacle as a defeat; look at it as a challenge to overcome. Think of the many possibilities to solve it, choose the best option, and then put a plan into action. The words, “give up,” should not be in your vocabulary. If you are a born-again Christian, ask God to help you. He will hear you and before you know it you will have the problem solved. Don’t be afraid of change. It is through it that you will grow. The more changes you see, the faster you grow. The people who see very little change, crack the first time they see a major change in their lives. The people who embrace change are more successful than the ones who do not. Be a person of true grit, resolve, moral ethics, perseverance and of great character. Don’t run away from problems or obstacles. Don’t meet them necessarily head-on, but tackle them with intelligence. When you overcome obstacles, trials and problems, you are building your character, which makes you a better and stronger person. The only thing that has been stopping you is your way of thinking. From now on, speak positively of yourself. Remember; if you believe and confess you can’t, you can’t, but if you believe and confess you can, you can. (thelivinglights.com) 6/15/17 IT’S GOOD TO BE AWARE A person cannot grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually or even financially unless he comes face to face with reality. In other words, he has to see where he needs improvement. If he does not see it or does not admit it to himself, he will stay in the same situation because he is set on his ways and is unwilling to change. Stubborn people who don’t see themselves as they really are will be a stumbling block to others and to themselves. They will always blame other people for their troubles. Some of them will even blame God. They think they are right and that everyone else is wrong. They criticize everything and everyone. It’s always good to be aware of our surroundings, weaknesses, fears, shortcomings, faults, dangers and needs. If we do not recognize our fears, needs, shortcomings or weaknesses, there is no way we can overcome them. Once we know what they are we can take steps to remedy them. A person who recognizes his fears, weaknesses, shortcomings or faults is half-way to solving them. Then and only then is he able to reach out to others and others can reach out to him. If he recognizes that he needs help, then he can get professional help if necessary. Knowing that he knows the problem, his friends can give him some advice without fearing that he is going to get mad at them. The only way to solve any problem is to know what the real problem is, to come up with different solutions, to discard the ones that are not feasible – for whatever the reason – and to field test the most logical one first. If that one does not work, then it’s time to field test the second best solution and so on. Many people see the symptoms of a problem, but fail to see the real problem or what is causing it. It’s like being in the forest and not being aware that you are in a forest because you are just seeing the trees. Sometimes you just have to step back, detach yourself from the situation, so you can see objectively. The one who can help us the most, of course, is God, but He will not do it unless we call out to Him. Subsequently, if we do not recognize that we have a problem or if we don’t admit it, He won’t help us. On the other hand, if we humbly and sincerely confess to Father God that we need help, invoking the name of Jesus, He will be attentive to our prayers. In conclusion I would like to ask you to look at yourself objectively. Try to look at yourself and at your circumstances through somebody else’s eyes. You will have a truer and different perspective as to why you are where you are. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself or blaming others, you will take definite steps to be a better person. It will not only be a win-win situation for you, but also for the people in your sphere of influence. Good luck! (6/8/17) DECISIONS, DECISIONS, ALWAYS DECISIONS According to some recent research and studies the average person makes about 35,000 decisions every single day. Many of those decisions are trivial, insignificant, of minor concern and inconsequential. In most cases the brain takes care of each one of them automatically as it has done thousands or millions of times before. However there are decisions that are important, impactful and may have serious consequences. We cannot take them lightly. If we make the wrong decision we could wind up paying for it the rest of our lives. In some cases it could be a matter of life and death. Surely we would not want to be at the wrong end of that decision. Because of the possible consequences, whether positive or negative, we should give every decision the importance it requires. Even what may seem like an insignificant decision could turn out to be of major importance. As examples, we may decide not to answer a certain phone call, not to answer a certain email, not to talk to someone or not to meet a certain person, yet that person could make a tremendous difference in our lives. Many people have missed many opportunities by making the wrong decision. Some of the opportunities we may lose are not meeting our perfect spouse, not going into business with the right person, not buying property at the right time or place, not making a positive difference in somebody’s life, not taking advantage of bargains, not being at the right place at the right time, not believing who we should believe, believing who we should not believe and, of course, not ceasing the opportunity when it presents itself. Something that can get us in hot water fast is going into dangerous situations without really thinking of the consequences. That includes being a distracted driver, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, using drugs, selling drugs, abusing prescribed medication, being what they call “a daredevil,” and in essence putting ourselves in harm’s way. There are some decisions that will affect us throughout our lifetimes. If you do not believe that, you can talk to some of the inmates who will be imprisoned for life, some of the wives or husbands who are miserable being married to the wrong person, some of the people who are taking any job just to make a living because they did not prepare for a profession, career or job, some of the people who did not take care of their bodies and now are extremely ill, some of the people who never got married and are now old, alone and lonely and so on. Of all the decisions a person has to make, which will probably be billions in his lifetime, the most important one is choosing where he will spend eternity. Yes, a person gets to choose. It’s not a random decision by God or anyone else, but a choice every individual can make. You have that choice before you right now. There are two choices as to where a person will spend eternity; the lake of fire or with God. It is not a complicated issue. If you do not choose God, you automatically choose the lake of fire. It is entirely up to you. If you want to spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire, don’t do anything and you will get there. If, on the other hand, you want to spend eternity with God in heaven, then repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you, receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior by faith and try to live a decent life. If you have decided you want to spend eternity with God, then in faith, in sincerity, in humility and in a loud voice pray the following prayer to God: “Father God, I repent of all my sins. I ask You to forgive me. As I receive Your Son Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I believe and confess that He died for my sins on the cross, that He resurrected on the third day, and that He is at Your right hand in heaven interceding for me now. In the name of Jesus, I also ask the Holy Spirit to live in me so He can guide me and protect me. Thank Father God for accepting me as your child. Amen.” Find a good born-again Christian church where you can learn the word of God and where you can grow in faith, knowledge and in wisdom. Keep reading my entire page on a weekly basis. God bless you! IS YOUR LIFE A DASH? Is your life a dash? In other words, your life is a dash if you have not done anything to make the difference. Many people go through life just getting by, just doing enough to survive, and not letting anyone or anything affect them. They don’t get involved because if they do, it will cost them money, time or effort. Jesus was not a dash. He came, taught us His word, taught us how to live and gave up His life for us. Because of what He taught and how He lived He made such an impact that two thousand years later people are still following Him. I am one of His followers. If He had been a dash no one would follow Him. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus tells us: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Jesus makes it extremely clear that He does not want us to be a dash. If we truly love God and love people, we will make a difference by touching people’s lives. The person who does not touch people’s lives in a positive way is not making the difference. Abraham had been a dash at seventy-five years old, but then God called him into His service and he became the father of a great nation (Israel) and his name is revered by many people even of different religions. Genesis 12:1-2 – “Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” Abraham was anything but a dash. He is a patriarch and the father of the Christian faith. Moses just like Abraham had been a dash until God spoke to Him from the burning bush. His life completely turned around. He went from leading sheep to leading the Hebrew nation. Exodus 3:1-4 – “ Now Moses was tending the flock (sheep) of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:9-10 – “ Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me (God), and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come now, therefore, and I will send you (Moses) to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses quit being a dash and become a man of purpose with a definite mission. God wants you to become a man of purpose. It does not matter where you live, what your job is, how old you are, what your educational level is, what sex you are, what religion you are, nor your social status, you can make a difference. You can make a difference by touching lives. Sooner or later everyone needs a favor, a friend, a helping hand, some advice, some attention or financial help and you can be the one who meets their specific need whatever it may be. If you have been a dash, quit being one and find ways to give back to society, so people will be glad when they see you coming, instead of thanking God when you are leaving. Leave a legacy so people will remember you because your life made a difference. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY! Being happy is a state of mind. Enjoying certain activities depends totally on you. Getting the most out of every situation requires your effort. Seeing the glass half-full instead of halfempty should be your way of looking at things. You should have a positive attitude regardless of the circumstances. Since being a happy person is a state of mind, you should be happy regardless of the weather, your economic situation, your job status, your marital status, the weather conditions, your living arrangements, your friendships and any other circumstances that may be favorable or unfavorable to you. Happiness comes from within, not from outside sources. Do not expect other people or material things to make you happy. Enjoying certain activities depends totally on you. It does not really matter what the activity is. The more activities you learn to enjoy, the happier you will be. What would be a dreaded chore to somebody else could be pure enjoyment to you. Instead of hating doing it, you would learn to enjoy doing it. Remember…happiness is a state of mind. To get the most out of every situation requires you to have an open mind and to put forth some effort. You can think of different ways, meditate on your options, and then choose the best one that will give you the desired optimum results. There is a silver lining in almost every situation. All you have to do is find it. Once you find it, put it into action. Not only will you be satisfied with the results, but you will be happy with yourself. You should definitely learn to look at the glass half full and not half empty. It makes a world of difference. Look at the positive and not the negative. See the bright side and not the dark one. There are always two ways of looking at things. Something that may seem negative can become a positive learning experience. Learning from your experiences will help you tremendously in the future. You should always have a positive attitude regardless of the situation. The situation may not only seem bleak, but it may be just that, but if you approach it with a positive attitude, you may come out of it smelling like a rose. Attitude is 99% of the battle. Very few people – if any – have found success with a negative attitude. If you have negative friends, start distancing yourself from them. You will not bring them up, but they will drag you down. Some advice; don’t dwell on yesterday’s misfortunes, mistakes or failures. Leave the past in the past. If you dwell on them, you’ve got nothing to gain and everything to lose. Don’t worry about the future. What’s going to happen will happen in spite of your worrying. Worrying will just give you ulcers and other illnesses, which will take you to an early grave. Besides you don’t even know if you will make it to the future. You do not have a lease on life. Besides many times the things we worry about never happen and if they do they are not as bad as we thought they would be. Everything comes, but it passes. In conclusion I would like to tell you: “Enjoy the moment!” It does not matter where you are, who you are with, what you are doing, or what is happening. Learn to enjoy the now because that’s the only thing you have for sure. Everything else can leave you or be taken away from you at any moment, but the present will always be with you no matter where you are. (5/18/17) LET US NOT ABUSE OUR FREEDOM In the United States of America we have a democratic republic with a constitution that protects our God-given rights. That constitution and those rights have withstood the test of time until now. Those rights were written in the document so we could live in an orderly fashion helping each other and respecting each other’s rights. Lately, however, as some groups are demanding more rights than they should have, they are infringing on the rights of others. This, of course, is bringing violence and chaos to our society. If it is not kept in check it may bring anarchy to our country and if that were to happen it would bring negative consequences to all of us. Yes, there would be repercussions affecting all of us in one way or another. One of the factors that is always present in a defeat or destruction is division. An enemy can be defeated a lot easier if there is division within its ranks. As the saying goes, “Divide and you will conquer.” Even if you don’t conquer, you have a much better chance of causing substantial damage if you can bring division to the enemy. That is a strategy that has worked ever since the Devil tried it in heaven. He did not beat God, but he was able to bring one-third of the angels with him. Those are the ones that are called “the fallen angels.” In the garden of Eden the Devil did it again. There was perfect union between God, Adam and Eve, but the Devil was able to disrupt that harmony. We lost that relationship we had with God, and that’s why Jesus had to come down to earth to reconcile us back to the Father. The Devil divided and he caused a lot of harm to the human race. All the souls who are in hell and the ones who will be there soon are there because of that division. About the middle of the 19th century our country was divided on the issue of slavery. That led to the Civil War and thousands of people being killed. In the South the blacks were treated as possessions, which, of course, was cruel and inhumane. The blacks suffered a lot through no fault of their own. That is a chapter in our history that many people would like to forget or to sweep it under the carpet. Now days the pendulum has swung maybe too far the other way. If any person, other than a black one, says the word “black” he or she is called a racist and may lose his/her job. One cannot speak anymore for being afraid of not being politically correct. Political correctness has brought an end to free speech. People are afraid to speak for fear of losing their job, being incarcerated, harassed or ostracized. People are abusing our court system. Not only do they sue for political incorrectness, but for anything whatsoever just to get money. Because the courts award compensation for millions of dollars the insurance companies have increased their premiums tremendously. The pharmaceutical companies are charging an arm and a leg for any medicine that the doctors prescribe. As with everything else, the consumer is the one who winds up footing the bill. Of course it’s all done in the name of democracy, but supply and demand is the real factor. The news media has ceased being a medium of information. It has become “the source.” Whatever they give us, which is their opinion, not necessarily the news or the truth, is what we have to accept. It seems as if they have no watchdog to keep an eye on what they are feeding the public, which in most cases is strictly their agenda. No doubt in anybody’s mind, they are abusing the freedom of the press. One of the best examples of abusing our freedom is exemplified by the Republicans and Democrats. One party is as bad as the other. Instead of working for the benefit of our citizens, they work for their individual party. President Trump would get a lot more done and might even become a good President if the Democrats, instead of fighting him, would cooperate with him and help him protect our interests all around the world. In essence, I would conclude that if the Republicans and Democrats would work together, if the blacks and the whites would live in harmony, if the wealthy would help the poor, if the states and the federal government would agree and if the scientists believing in evolution would share their findings with the ones believing in creation our country and world would be much better off. I would like to close by asking you not to abuse your freedom and not to infringe on someone else’s rights. Yes, you have rights, but so do the others. When you start demanding, you are stepping on somebody else’s toes. Instead of demanding, be understanding. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution! thelivinglights.com 5/11/17 DO NOT FOLLOW THE CROWD The easiest thing in the world is to follow the crowd. Many wild animals run in herds and unfortunately many people do exactly the same thing. They cannot think for themselves and they are afraid to be different. We should enjoy our differences because that’s what makes us unique. If all of us were males or females the human race would become extinct in one generation. If all of us looked exactly alike, this world would be as boring as could be. Thank God for the differences! If all of us were followers nothing would get done because we need leaders, and if all of us were leaders there would be no one to do the real work that needed to be done. By now you are probably getting the picture. Dare to be different, but develop your strong gifts, so you can contribute to this society. Whatever it is you like or you are good at, get even better at it and help others do the same. If everybody were to do that, this world would be so much better. We need to work together and share our ideas, interests, passions, abilities and resources. By working with other people, we begin to understand them and, at the same time, we become more productive. As the saying goes: “Two heads are better than one.” It would be great if the Republicans and the Democrats would understand this principle, not to mention the different countries. Even though the countries have different ideologies, they could learn to share, inventions, ideas and even resources. It would be a win-win situation. No matter where you may find yourself in the future, dare to be unique and to contribute to society in whichever way you can. It could be with knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, skills, strength, advice, experience, lending an ear and even with money. Money is not, by far, everything, but it sure comes in handy many, many times. If all you do is follow the crowd, you will be mediocre all your life. Don’t settle for being a member of the herd, be a leader in your own right. All of us can be a leader in one field or another. That’s because all of us have skills, abilities, gifts and talents that others don’t have. If we don’t use our abilities, we are shortchanging ourselves and others as well. In one group we can be a leader and in another we can be a follower. By following the crowd, many people fall into using drugs, smoking, drinking, putting on tattoos, joining street gangs, dropping out of school and so on. Let’s hope you are not one of them, but if you are, start changing. You do that by renewing your mind – changing your way of thinking. That’s what this article is all about. If you are in a herd, you will always be there, unless you change your way of thinking. Look at your potential, not at your obstacles. Every athlete that has become rich and famous did it by overcoming many obstacles. Some of them were told: “You will never make it.” Guess what? They did not listen to the naysayers. You will always find people who will try to discourage you. They are part of the herd and will remain there. They always live insignificant lives, but you can make a difference. People who follow the herd will never leave a good legacy. Their lives can be represented by a dash. A life began ——it ended. There’s a dash in the middle because nothing of significance happened. You, on the other hand, can make a difference in somebody’s life or in society in general. You don’t have to be a famous singer, a well-known movie star, an inventor, a wealthy businessman or anything like that. Just be the best person you can be wherever you work, wherever you live, with whoever you are and at whatever you do. Be honest, sincere, polite, friendly, compassionate, merciful, caring, forgiving and loving. Nobody in the whole wide world can be better at being you than you yourself. Just be yourself at all times. Think for yourself and don’t let anybody else think for you. Good luck! (5/4/17) CHASING AFTER THE WIND Some people spend their lifetimes chasing the wind. They think when they catch it, everything will fall into place, but that premise is faulty on two counts; first, they will never catch the wind, and second even if they did, they would still not be completely satisfied. True happiness and the wind are extremely elusive. Are you a wind-chaser person? It’s okay to chase realistic dreams, but not unrealistic or elusive ones. The wind, of course, represents elusive or unrealistic dreams. Most children have those dreams, but when they grow up, they realize they are foolish or unattainable. However there are many adults who, for one reason or another, never grow up mentally and keep on chasing the wind. A person who keeps on chasing the wind will wind up perplexed, disillusioned, disappointed, disgusted and even frustrated. Some of those people wind up being a total failure or, at best, mediocre. Unfortunately some of them become disgruntled and commit heinous crimes against innocent people. They blame everybody else, except themselves, for their troubles. Are you one of those people? What do I mean by chasing after the wind? I mean that some people are never happy. They are always looking for something else to make them happy. They do not understand that happiness has to come from within. It’s not external, but internal. If you are not happy with yourself, you will not be happy with anybody else or with anything more. Not only that, but you will never make anybody else happy, either. People become lovers of themselves. Almost everything they do is to please themselves. Very seldom do they think about making others happy. Their attitude is “if it feels good, do it.” They live for the moment. That is why they turn to drinking, smoking, using drugs, sex, and whatever else may bring them temporary happiness. Yes, they do achieve temporary happiness, but in the long run they are really sad people. Some people think that money and material possessions will make them happy. Sometimes the man becomes a workaholic, neglects his wife, children and other important aspects of his life. His wife divorces him and he does not understand why. He loses the most important people in his life and many times he also loses most of his treasured possessions. Other men think that being with as many women as possible makes them more “macho.” They wind up hurting many people along the way. Many of their children grow up without a father image. Children coming from dysfunctional families turn out to be dysfunctional themselves. They in turn hurt more people. The cycle does not seem to end. In order to have a successful life, we need to have a plan with goals and objectives. Within that plan we need to set well-thought and realistic priorities. Although we need to adhere to the priorities of the plan as much as possible, those priorities need to be flexible enough, so we can make changes to them when it becomes necessary. Inflexibility should never ever be part of our lives. The number one priority in our lives should be our relationship with God. Be careful here – I am not talking about religion. No religion will take us to heaven. On the contrary, many religions lead us into destruction. God is THE GREAT I AM (Exodus 3:14). He is telling us: I AM your Savior, Lord, healer, protector, provider, refuge, peace, hope, and anything else we may need. Quit chasing frivolous things and your life will change for the better. If you must chase something, let it be God. In Matthew 6:33, God tells us: “Seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added unto you.” You will never catch the wind, but you can find true happiness if you seek God. He will let you find Him. (4/27/17) thelivinglights.com THE KEY IS EDUCATION Learning encompasses everything we need to know to live a successful life. When most people think of learning they think of a formal education, which is, of course, attending school. A formal education is necessary because that’s not only where we learn to read, write, but also many other essential things we need in order to navigate successfully through the oceans of life. The key to being successful in life is to have an excellent formal education, because that is the key to learn other things we need to learn. If we don’t know how to read, write, express ourselves adequately or do simple math, life becomes extremely complicated. No, it’s not impossible to succeed without a formal education, but the odds would be completely against us. We would constantly be fighting an uphill battle. However other than a formal education there are many other ways of learning. The most important one is probably through experience. That’s how we learn to walk, talk, think, use the five senses and to recognize feelings and emotions. Everything we learn to do comes through experience. Not only do we learn from our experiences, but we learn from somebody else’s experiences. We learn what to do and what not to do through experiences. A good solid education comes from contact. The most important one here is contact with other people. Prejudice would be greatly reduced if there were more personal contact between people of different races, cultures, religions, ages, social groups and so on. Instead of dwelling on their differences they would enjoy their similarities. Contact between people and animals is also good. Many people enjoy being with their pets just as much as they enjoy being with people. Many people not only protect domesticated animals, but they even protect the wild ones. Some species of wild life would become extinct if it weren’t for people protecting them and that only comes through education and understanding, which leads to caring for them. Contact with modern technology gives us an invaluable education. Where would we be if we did not know how to drive, how to use modern appliances, smart phones or how to use computers? We would be in the stone age. Thank God for people who go beyond a formal education to come up with new inventions. Those new inventions challenge us to keep up with the latest technology. Traveling is a wonderful way of receiving an international education. Traveling allows us to have first-hand knowledge of where and how other people live. Once we do that, we can relate to them so much better and they can relate to us. People who don’t travel, for whatever the reason, are doing themselves a tremendous disfavor because they are not learning from other people. Every culture has something positive to offer. Communication is a wonderful tool to enhance our education. Through communication with other people and the news media we can receive good advice on just about any given subject. We have to be willing to listen, to think and to meditate on certain ideas, principles or philosophies. People with a closed mind are missing out by not living the best life they could possibly live by not maximizing their God-given potential. Reading was and is a good way to improve our education. Of course we have to be selective of what we read. We cannot believe everything we read just because it’s printed on a page. There tons of encyclopedias full of knowledge. There are also many books that teach us how to do just about everything under the sun. There is a perfect magazine just about for every single person on this planet. The internet is the current most popular source of information and education. Since much of what is found there is somebody’s biased or prejudiced opinion, we have to sift the information found there through the strainer of common sense and veracity. If it doesn’t pass the test, we should not receive it. However, if it does pass the test, it can be very helpful. The best educational tool without question is the Bible. There are several reasons for that and they are: 1. It is the word of God. 2. It does not change. It was the same yesterday, it is the same today and it will be the same throughout the many tomorrows. 3. It gives us solid and true principles to live by. 4. If we live according to it, we will receive blessings from God. 5. Through its teachings we can achieve eternal life. Regardless of your age, sex or where you live, if you are lacking education in some important area of your life, and it is within your reach, go and get it. You will be glad you did. God bless you! (4/20/17) THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO ROADS There are always two roads; the correct one and the wrong one. Which one you take is entirely up to you. You will come to that fork on the road several times every day and you will have to decide whether to go left or to go right. Most of the time the wrong one will be much easier, but in the end it will bring you negative results. It started even before you were born. Your mother had to decide whether to abort you or to let you be born. If you are reading this, she made the right decision. She could have taken the easy way out and aborted you. She would have saved a lot of money, a lot of hard work and a lot of worries. During all your childhood years you had to decide whether to obey or disobey your parents, your teachers and any authority figure. If you chose to obey, you are much better off than you would be if you had chosen to disobey. Of course, it would have been much easier for you to disobey because then you would have done exactly what you wanted to do. When you graduated from high school if you chose to attend college and received your degree in a specific field, you are much better off than the ones who decided not to go to college. While you were in class and later studying they were probably having fun doing what they wanted to do, but now you have the career that you enjoy and are earning much more than they are. Maybe you got married and decided to be faithful to your wife and to be a good father to your children. Another person could have decided to take the easy way out; he could have divorced his wife as soon as the going got rough or maybe he was chasing other women and then his wife left him. If he had children, they suffered because he took the wrong fork on the road. That happens frequently in our society. Maybe you came from a Christian home, but you thought your parents were too strict, too old-fashioned and out of touch with reality, so you decided to use drugs to spice your life a little. Then you became hooked on them, dropped out of school and now you are homeless or living in a rehab home. You took what seemed to you the most exciting fork on the road, but in the end it led to your destruction. It could be that you think that people who go to church are nerds, weak or not too intelligent, so you don’t want to spend your precious time and money getting involved. After all, you are smarter than that. Let’s say you die and you get to the pearly gates and God tells you: “I never knew you. You are going to hell.” You would have definitely taken the wrong fork on the road. You would regret it, but there would be nothing you could do. You are a fork on the road now. Let’s hope you choose the correct direction. If you have never received Jesus Christ before as your Lord and Savior, you have that opportunity now. You don’t need any special training or have been a model citizen, but you do need to repent and ask God to forgive you. If you do not want to spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire, in all honesty, sincerity and humility pray the following prayer to God. He will hear you, forgive you and give you eternal life with Him. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ suffered on the cross, died to pay for my sins, resurrected on the third day and is at your right hand praying for me now. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Spirit to live in me, so He can guide me and protect me. Thank You, Father. Amen.” April 13, 2017 BE UNPREJUDICED AND UNBIASED Before you give your opinion on any subject, topic, event, situation, government, religion or person do your homework. In other words, get all the facts, look at the pros and cons, understand the circumstances and investigate the reason or reasons behind it. Be aware that not everything is as clear as black and white. Many times we will encounter shades of gray. Do not prejudge a person or a situation. If you had done that, many of your friends would not be your friends and many of the endeavors you have undertaken with much success would have stayed undone. It’s much better to simply let life take its course, but do not misunderstand me you still have to be a responsible person by thinking, analyzing , meditating, asking for advice and praying to God before making any major decision. When you go into any situation go into it with an open mind. Be willing to change your perspective or way of thinking if the situation calls for it. Don’t go into any situation with a biased, prejudiced or predisposed mind. If you were to do that, you would only see, hear and understand what you wanted to see, hear or understand. Unfortunately many people are doing exactly that. Do not let past failures stagnate your future. In other words, just because you failed before does not mean you are going to fail again. Learn from your failures and don’t repeat the same mistakes over and over again because if you do, you will keep on failing. However if you do your homework and take a different approach the chances are you will succeed. Thomas Edison tried many times unsuccessfully to invent the electric light bulb, but he never gave up until he actually did it. Don’t be gullible and believe everything you hear, whether it be from a friend, a so-called expert or the news media. Unfortunately many of the members of the news media are prejudiced and biased. Instead of reporting the news, which is really their job, they give their personal opinions. It is very difficult to find a news media that reports the facts just as they happen without adding or subtracting from them. Every radio or TV stations seems to have its own agenda. Be extremely careful when receiving information. Make sure it’s not gossip, slander, defamation or propaganda to justify someone’s agenda. Anything can be justified, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. All the dictators justify their dictatorial rule, but the people are still suffering. A poor person can justify selling drugs to earn money, but it’s illegal, immoral and it hurts people. Although we talked about approaching everything with an open mind there are absolute truths that you have to adhere to. If you don’t you may have to pay dire consequences. For example; if you jump from a ten-story building, you will die. If you drive inebriated the chances are you will crash. I can give you thousands of examples, but I truly believe these two will suffice. Since absolute truths will always be absolute do not try to bend the rules or you will find yourself on the losing end. (March 5, 2017) YOU CAN BE SOMEBODY’S MIRACLE When you saw the title probably the first thing that popped into your mind was that you could not possibly be somebody’s miracle. Your immediate reasoning would probably be that you are not wealthy, that you are not especially gifted in any area, that you don’t practice the gift of healing, that you don’t have much faith, that God does not even hear your prayers and maybe that you don’t even feel comfortable talking to people. All those points could be valid, of course, under certain circumstances, but there are always exceptions to the rules. The answer is not always an iron clad “yes,” or “no” to any of our questions. In most cases there is always a way out no matter how bleak the situation may seem at the time. All we have to do is stop, think, pray to God and look at our options. The question is…How can you be somebody’s answer to prayer or somebody’s miracle? People have many needs and most of them are not financial or miracle healings. All a person may need at a certain time is a smile and you definitely can give him or her one. A simple smile could make somebody’s day. Clint Eastwood would probably agree with that. Some people could need a hug to be assured of their self-worth and you could give it to them. It wouldn’t cost you any money, but it would have a great impact on their lives. All of us need to feel needed, wanted and that somebody cares about us. We may have fame, fortune and thousands of acquaintances, but if we don’t feel loved, we are just as bad as an empty shell. An embrace or a word of encouragement could make the whole difference in the world to us. Your words can destroy or edify people. Use them to build up people. Many parents destroy the lives of their children by telling them things, such as: “You’ll never amount to anything,” “You will not be able to accomplish that,” or “You’re not smart enough to go into that.” Instead we should be telling our children, “The sky is the limit for you,” “You can achieve whatever you set your mind to,” or “I’m behind you 100%.” Let’s suppose the automobile of a young couple with a three-month-old baby and a two-year-old child breaks down on the freeway and the temperature is at 115 degrees. You happen to have jumper cables, tools and you know a little about cars. You stop and in about ten minutes you help them get on their way. You would have been their miracle. You may have even saved the baby’s life. Maybe you have first or second-hand knowledge of someone being scammed on one of those schemes being perpetrated through the internet, the mail or via the telephone and you hear of an elderly couple that is about to fall into that trap and you warn them. You may have saved them thousands of dollars. You would be their guardian angel. By now hopefully you have realized that you don’t have to be Superman, Batman, the Spiderman, Indiana Jones, a superstar or an angel to be somebody’s miracle. You already have all the tools you need, which are: a smile, a handshake, a pat on somebody’s back, a hug, your friendship and a willingness to help others in their time of need, whatever that need may be. I left this miracle to be the last one I would discuss because it is the most important one bar none and that, of course, is the miracle of salvation. Anybody who has not accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior is going to spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire. You can be somebody’s hero and miracle by bringing them into the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. No religion or quantity of good works can bring you to heaven. The saying goes: “The road to hell is paved with good works and good intentions.” In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” Regardless of your sex, age, culture, religion, social status or anything else, you can spend eternity with God if you repent, ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you don’t know how to proceed, read the prayer below and when you understand it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. He will hear you and you will become his son or daughter. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. I ask You to forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He suffered, died on the cross to pay for my sins and that he resurrected on the third day. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Spirit to be my companion, guide and counselor. Thank You, Father. Amen.” You will learn a lot if you keep coming back to my page. Find yourself a good Bible-teaching church, so you can get closer to God. He is still in the miracle-performing business. If you need a miracle ask God in faith and He may just surprise you. God bless you! thelivinglights.com March 30, 2017 THE NEWS MEDIA With the explosion of technology the news media can report information as it is happening in any part of the world. Of course, that is a tremendous asset to the reporters all over the globe. It is also a blessing to any person in the world because we are always aware of what is happening at any given moment. Consequently the resources that are needed to ameliorate the situation get there much faster than before. Because the reporting is done live sometimes the facts are not yet fully known. Therefore they give an incomplete report or even an erroneous one. For that reason many times the viewer does not receive accurate information. As a reviewer we should process it, taking various factors into consideration. Some of the factors we should take into consideration are: 1. Are the facts complete? 2. Is the person being interviewed biased or prejudiced? 3. Is the reporter asking the proper questions? 4. Is the reporter biased or prejudiced? 5. Is that channel reliable for giving the news correctly without altering them? 6. If it is a controversial subject, are they giving equal coverage to both sides? 7. Are the facts up to date? Unfortunately the owners of some of the TV channels or radio stations have their own agenda and consequently the reporting only covers one side of an issue. They only interview people who agree with their way of thinking. If they interview people who oppose their ideas, they give them less time or ask them pointed questions. As a viewer each one of us should know the integrity of the reporting of that particular station or reporter. One of the most popular ways of getting the news is through the internet. The only thing wrong with that is that it does not seem to have any controls on it. Just about anybody can write something there. Many times what is said on it has no veracity and cannot be substantiated by any facts whatsoever. Nevertheless because the people see it in writing they take as the gospel truth. Probably the worst thing about the internet is that there is much false information on it. We cannot and should not take it at face value because it could cause somebody harm. It could even harm ourselves. We have to sift its information through the strainers of practicality, truthfulness, intelligence and wisdom. On a positive side the internet is helping tremendously because it does provide a lot of information that we have available to us at our fingertips. We don’t need to go to the library, read volumes of encyclopedias, read books on the subject or seek an expert in the field. We can find the information needed right at home in our computer. We just have to learn how to use it intelligently. The essence of this article is for you to learn to use the news media properly. Use it intelligently with practical wisdom. Don’t just believe what they say for the sake of believing. Do not let it shape your opinion nor change your godly principles. Just use it to receive information – nothing more, nothing less. THE MAN WHO HAS NO WILL OF HIS OWN A pilot flying an airplane without any instruments will never get to his destination because he has nothing to direct him. He may fly in circles or he may land somewhere, but he has no idea where he is, much less have any control over the situation. We could say that he is at the mercy of chance. A rider riding a horse bareback without reins, a bridle or a rope will go wherever the horse will take him. He has no way of controlling the horse or of knowing where the horse will take him. He is at the mercy of the circumstances and the horse. Not a very good idea to do that. It’s much better to be in control of the horse at all times. A man who has no character gets pushed around by people and by the circumstances of life. He is forced to meander through life because he does not have the character or the guts to oppose whatever comes against him. About the only thing he knows how to do well is to bend. The only problem with that is that after he bends so many times comes the breaking. The only question is…How many times does he have to bend before he breaks? A man who does not plan his life has no idea how he will live, where he will live or with whom he will be living. He goes through life drifting from place to place many times being a burden to others. Since he has no skills, trade or profession he has to take any job where he is accepted. Does not sound like an exciting way to live. A man who has no will of his own will wind up doing somebody else’s will. Believe me there are plenty of people out there who want to impose their will on you. If you don’t have a will of your own yet, develop one because if you don’t, you will be a sitting target. All it takes is for you to change your way of thinking. Think of yourself as someone who has great value in the eyes of God and even to other people. Nobody is more important than you, regardless of their position or social status. God wants you to have a will that coincides with His. If your will does not coincide with God’s will then it coincides with the devil’s. That, my dear friend, is the worst thing you can do. If you do the devil’s will, you will wind up in the lake of fire suffering and burning forever and ever. That is not a very pleasant thought. Don’t enticed by the carnal things nor be swayed easily by persuasive rhetoric, but rather remember who you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve learned and where you are going. If you do that you will get there sooner or later. You may deviate a little or it may take you a little longer than expected, but if you persevere you will get there. (March 15, 2017) WHY DID DONALD TRUMP BECOME PRESIDENT? (March 9, 2017) Why did God allow Donald Trump to become President of the United States? That is the question that many people, and especially unbelievers and Democrats, are asking. Yes, it is a logical and valid question, but one that is not that difficult to answer if one knows the Bible and American history. We need to go back to our roots. If you read the Bible you will find out that every single time that Israel had a king that did wrong in the eyes of the Lord, God would punish Israel, and, by the same token, every time that Israel had a king that did what was correct in God’s eyes, Israel would be blessed. The Jews are God’s chosen people, whether we like it or not, and that is why God deals with them the way a father would deal with his children. I will give you just one of many examples in the Bible when a king did what was wrong in God’s eyes: 2 Kings 13:1-3 – “In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.” The anger of the Lord has been kindled against the United States because of abortion, gay marriages, legalizing marijuana, pornography, violence and nudity in movies, corruption in the government, lack of morals, idolatry (immigrants bringing foreign idols into our country), Obama disdaining Israel and much more. God has been removing His covering from us little by little. Hopefully now that Donald Trump is President God will protect us again. God brought Donald Trump into the Presidency because he wants to restore America to what it once was – a Christian nation. Obama said that we were no longer a Christian nation and did not allow Franklin Graham to pray for our nation on “The National Day of Prayer.” On the other hand, Donald Trump has had many Christian leaders pray for him and for our nation. Many of us are continuing to pray for him, our nation and for the world on a daily basis and that will make a huge difference. Way back in 1620 we started as a Christian group of people and God wants us to come back to our first love (Revelation 2:4). In the Old Testament Israel was “The Promised Land.” Too many immigrants the United States has become “The Promised Land.” We became that because God prospered us for being a Christian nation. People from other lands want to live in our country because of our freedom and prosperity. I don’t blame them one bit. However they should come in legally and not illegally. We were losing our prosperity, our freedom and the respect we had throughout the world because we were moving away from God. President Trump is bringing back our freedom, our prosperity and our respect by bringing us back to God. In the Old Testament every time the Jews had a godly king God would bless them. God will bless us once again because we are praying and because we elected a President who has Christian values. Mr. Donald Trump did not only become President because of his principles and values, but also because he is a very strong person. With all the attacks he is getting from the Democrats, the news media, the so-called famous people, world leaders and even some Republicans he remains strong and sticks to his convictions. Some other person would have thrown in the towel by now. Our country and the world need a strong leader and Donald Trump fits the bill. He can deal with Iran, North Korea, Russia and anything else that comes his way. There was such a man as him in the Bible. His name was king David – a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). It is quite possible that Donald Trump may be a man after God’s own heart. When the Jews were about to be exterminated in the Old Testament, Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, told her that she was raised…”for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14. I sincerely think that Donald Trump became President of the United States for such a time as this. The chances are that nobody else could handle the job. Do not misunderstand me, I am not saying that he is a saint or that he has salvation. He may or may not be a saint and he may or may not be saved, but I, for one, don’t know. Only God knows that for sure, but what I am clearly saying is that God chose him to be our President (Romans 13:1-2). If the Republicans and the Democrats work together with the President it will help all of us. The bickering and the backstabbing that is going on is hurting all of us. YOU HAVE TO RELEASE Many people, including some Christians, are not receiving God’s blessings because they haven’t learned to release. They expect blessings, but keep on making the same mistakes over and over. They find themselves in a vicious cycle that can never change, unless they change. God is love (1 John 4:8) and if you have hatred bottled up inside you, He cannot bless you. You may justify your anger to yourself and even to other people, but the bottom line is that it’s wrong and it will continue to eat you inside as long as you hang on to it. You have to release that anger by sending it to oblivion. Somebody may have done you wrong and you cannot seem to forgive them. Not necessarily for their sake, but for yours you have to forgive them. Release that feeling and replace it with forgiveness. It does not mean that person has to be your best friend, but it does mean you do not carry any animosity toward him or her. Supposing you have a deep-rooted fear or phobia because of what happened to you a long time ago, you have to get over it. If you don’t, it will possess you and will rob you of the happiness you could have. The fear may not even be real only exist in your mind. The Bible tells us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). If you have any phobias it is time for you to say good-bye to them. Release them into the wind. When enter any type of competition or contest you have to believe that you are going to win. If you believe that, you will give it your best effort and the outcome will be so much better than if you went in with the attitude that you were going to lose – that you didn’t have a chance of winning. Your attitude plays a major role in whether you will experience success or defeat in anything you do. If you pray, but don’t really believe God will answer your prayer, He won’t. If that is your case, don’t even pray because you will be wasting your time. When you pray you have to release your faith. God does answer prayers, but He does it through your faith. The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Many times when Jesus found somebody who needed a miracle, He would tell them something like this: “Let it be done according to your faith.” If you feel frustrated, guess what? You have to release your frustrations. If you don’t those frustrations will only bring more frustrations. Learn to put on a happy face. Everybody enjoys winning, but we have to learn how to lose gracefully. After all, life is not always a picnic. Just because we lose a battle does not mean we are going to lose the war. It takes courage to persevere, but that’s exactly what winners do. My advice to you is release your frustrations and keep on trucking. All of us have troubles of one kind or another. The chances are you have some too. Don’t let them bother you. Release them to God. He can handle, you can’t. God tells us to bring all our troubles to Him in prayer and supplication (Philippians 4:6). Have you ever heard of some problem being solved because somebody worried? Do the best you can to solve them, but don’t worry about them. In many cases what will happen will happen. So far we’ve been talking about negative things. Let’s change to the positive ones. If you are afraid of releasing your love because you have been hurt before, you have to release it again. If you don’t you will be miserable. Yes, some people will disappoint you, but God made you to love not to hate or to be indifferent. True happiness comes with loving people and being loved. If love is not present in your life, I sincerely feel sorry for you. Don’t squander your money or possessions, but learn to release them when necessary. Don’t be a hoarder. You heard the expression: “You can’t take it with you.” Have you ever seen a hearse being followed by two semi-trucks carrying the belongings of the deceased person? Use your money and possessions to help the less fortunate. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t try to imitate others. Be the best you, you can be because you don’t necessarily have to please everyone. No matter how hard you try, some people will not be satisfied. It’s their problem, not yours. Release your true personality without being rude, unkind or insulting people. After all, nobody can be you, but you. thelivinglights.com [email protected] 3/3/17 HOW TO LIVE A FULFILLED LIFE It is very unfortunate but most people do not live a fulfilled life for several reasons. They fall short in several areas as you are going to see as you read this article. We know almost for a fact that you fall short in some of the areas, but since it is never too late to make adjustments hopefully you will make the necessary ones. I like to call the different areas the Ls. The first “L” is learning. Regardless of your age you should never stop learning. When you stop learning you have no reason to look forward to tomorrow. Life becomes boring to you. Death comes quicker. The second “L” is living. You should live life to the fullest. It does not really matter what you do, but it does matter that you enjoy it. If you enjoy it, life will be much sweeter to you. You will look forward to the next activity no matter what it might be. The third “L” is loving. Love yourself, love people, love God and love doing things. Without love you are an empty shell. An empty shell is worthless. You have value, other people have value and God definitely has value. Love, love and love. Never quit loving. The fourth “L” is longing. Always be longing for something and looking forward to getting it. It could be a spouse, a new-born child, a new house, a new car, a new job, retirement, a vacation and so on. When you quit dreaming, you quit living. The fifth “L” is leaving the past in the past. Sure you probably have had some unpleasant experiences. Don’t dwell on them. They can only drag you down. Forget about them and look forward to a brighter future. The Bible says: “As a man thinks, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7. The sixth “L” is letting God into your life. You can do that by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you do not accept Him in your life you will spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire. If you have never done it, you should do that now. The seventh “L” is look at yourself the way God looks at you. Don’t look at yourself the way some people may look at you. Romans 8:37 – “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me.” God loves you and you are very important to Him. The eighth “L” is leaning on God. God says to bring all your problems to Him in prayer and supplication – Philippians 4:6. Guess what? He can handle them, and in many cases you cannot handle them because they are bigger than you are. The ninth “L” is let the Holy Spirit guide you in making decisions. He knows the past, the now and the future. He knows what’s best for you. Pray for Him to guide you in everything you do, and He will. The tenth “L” is learn not to worry. Have you ever seen a problem solved by worrying? I am sure you have not because it does not happen. Worrying is just a waste of time, energy and it makes you get older. Worrywarts die sooner than the people who refuse to worry. The eleventh “L” is look forward to spending eternity with God. In John 14:1-3, Jesus told His disciples the same thing He would tell us: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The twelfth “L” is look up because your redemption draws near – Luke 21:28. Yes, Jesus Christ is coming back for us in what is known as “the rapture.” thelivinglights.com [email protected] 2/23/17 S U P E R S T I T I O N According to the dictionary one of the definitions of superstition is: “A widely held but unjustified idea of the effects or nature of a thing.” Superstitious people do certain things or do not do others because they think certain consequences will follow. Although there may be no scientific proof at all they believe it with all their heart, soul and body. If you are a superstitious person, I hope this article will set you free. You need to be set free from unfounded ideas, old people’s tales, illogical superstitions and just plain nonsense. Jesus Christ Himself said in John 8:36 – “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” That freedom is free from guilt, shame, lies, fear, sin, superstitions, the second death and from everything else. Some people do not do business on Friday the 13th because they think it brings bad luck. Everything else being equal, the 13th is just like any other day. Do business on that day as in any other day, but examine the pros and cons before signing the contract or doing business. That, of course, also holds true for any business you may do on any given day. Some people never walk under a ladder. Unless there is something on top of it that could fall on your head, there is no problem whatsoever with walking under it. Of course if there is a gallon of paint on top of it, a hammer, a drill or something else, it would be a wise thing to walk around it. Some people hate to see a black cat cross their path. Black just happens to be his color. Let as many black cars as possibly cross in front of you and nothing will happen to you out of the ordinary. The same principle holds true for any black animal that may cross your path. Don’t fear them, unless they are wild and could cause you harm. People believe that if they have itchy palms they are going to receive money. Of course it is not necessarily true. In some cases it may happen, but it is just by coincidence. I hate to burst your bubble in case you have itchy palms. However if you do receive money, more power to you. If you break a mirror on purpose or by accident, don’t worry about it. No bad luck will come to you because of that. It could come for other reasons, but not because you broke a mirror. Things do have a tendency to go wrong sometimes. There are those who think crossing their fingers or knocking on wood will bring good luck to them. Those are just myths. But if it makes you feel good, by all means do it. Many times if we have a good attitude it does change things for the better. Positive thinking is a tool that all of us should learn to use. The Bible says: “As a man thinks, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7. Some people actually carry a rabbit’s foot for supposedly good luck. They would probably also carry a horseshoe if it weren’t so darn heavy. Neither one of those will help you, so if you have them, get rid of them. Be free! There is nothing better than feeling relaxed, comfortable and free. If you have seen Walt Disney movies you may be wishing upon a star or carrying a four-leaf clover. Sorry to disappoint you, but no star can grant your wish and no clover, regardless of how many leaves it may have, can bring you good luck. Instead of wishing upon a star, set goals, make plans and carry them out. You may think you have beginner’s luck in the casinos because they may let you win a few hundred dollars, but then they take you for thousands. Yes, they take you to the cleaners. Some people lose all their money and then they pawn their wedding rings or whatever else they may have of value. Don’t be one of them! Many people refuse to take the number 666 on anything. The reason being is that the Bible says that’s the number of the antichrist. According to the Bible the people who agree to take that number, either written on their hand or on their forehead, will lose their salvation and will wind up suffering eternally in the lake of fire. Therefore refusing to take the number 666 in any way, shape or form may be justified. To some people believing in God is a superstition, but to me it is not. The reason is very simple; Jesus appeared to me in a vision in 1978. He has also allowed me to hear His voice audibly. To me it is a fact that God exists and that He is who the Bible says He is. It is not a superstition; it is knowledge. Prayer can change things. That is not a superstition; it is a fact. Some people who were terminally ill have been prayed for and have been completely healed. People who have been declared clinically dead have been brought back to life when people prayed for them. If you don’t believe in God, pray this way: “God, if you are real, make Yourself known to me.” If you are sincere in asking, one way or another He will let you know He is real. I sincerely hope this article helps you get rid of some of your superstitions. They are not doing you any good, but they may be blocking you from living life to the fullest. [email protected] 2/16/17 WHO IS BRAVE? The world has an erroneous concept as to who is brave. Some of the reasons are what we see in the movies, who is good in sports, who looks forward to getting into fights, and who fights to the bitter end. Some of those involved in those activities may be brave, but not necessarily all of them. Some of the people who are involved in those activities do it for different reasons, which may have nothing to do with being brave. By human standards some of those people may appear to be brave, but not necessarily according to the way God sees them. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God Himself puts it this way: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” A person who we consider brave God may consider a coward and a person who we consider weak or a coward God may consider strong. That’s because God does not look at the results, but at the motive and at the heart of the person. Being brave is not necessarily never being afraid. A brave person is one who, in spite of being afraid, confronts danger and overcomes. If he is not afraid that is just being confident because he knows he has the upper hand for one reason or another. Unfortunately many people are bullies because they know the other person is physically, psychologically or emotionally weaker than they are. The brave persons are the ones who, in spite of danger to themselves, defend the victims from being bullied. A brave person is not one who has been divorced one, two, three or four times, but one who perseveres in the marriage come rain or come sunshine. Many children grow up without a father image or a mother because his or her parents called it quits. The parents took the easy way out. A mother who gives up her children for adoption or a father who leaves a wife with children are not heroes, but cowards. A lady with children who becomes a single mother because the husband abandons her or because she becomes a widow and raises the children by herself is a real heroine. The man who leaves her is a scoundrel. We have too many cases where that happens. The ones who really suffer the consequences are the children. An adolescent who does not finish high school because supposedly it’s boring or he is too lazy to study is not brave, but an irresponsible human being. Many of them wind up working at fast-food restaurants complaining because the minimum wage is too low. No, they are not brave. They take the path of least resistance and become a burden to society. A person who becomes what is known as “a daredevil” is not brave, but irresponsible. He or she is constantly defying the odds and sooner or later, the inevitable will happen. People like that do not really value human life. If they were to love their immediate family, they would not make it go through what the family goes through every time they put themselves in harm’s way. No, they are not brave; they are without feelings. What they do is not bravery, but plain stupidity. Being brave is being consistent, having perseverance, keeping one’s word, doing what is correct in any given situation, not evading obstacles, accepting responsibility, maintaining true and godly values and overcoming any challenges that may present themselves. Lack of character forbids many people to live by the already mentioned principles. There are different types of bravery and brave persons. A brave person could be one who finds himself or herself in a compromising situation and, in spite of the danger, fear or circumstances, acts quickly to solve the problem whatever it may be. As mentioned in the previous paragraph the majority of brave people are the ones who live life being consistent, doing what is right for them and others, and persevering regardless of what life may throw at them. Those are the real heroes. Are you one of them? [email protected] thelivinglights.com 2/9/17 THE FOOLISH THINGS TO PEOPLE As society keep changing some things become foolish in the eyes of men, but not in the eyes of God. The main reason being is that absolute values seem to be going into oblivion, not become they have become obsolete, but because society continues to become more and more permissive and tolerant as time goes on. Since God does have absolute values that never change, in many cases, people’s values are foolish to Him. In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He does not change. What was true six thousand years ago is true today and it will be true throughout eternity. It was in the Garden of Eden – Genesis 3:6-7 – where the human race through Adam and Eve first disobeyed God. It sounded foolish to them to obey God and not their own desires. It still sounds foolish to the majority of people to do God’s will and not their own. That is why sin abounds. Consequently because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience they became separated from God. Unfortunately it affected the whole human race, not just them. It sounds foolish to most people that we can come back to God and live with Him forever by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In John 14:6 Jesus tells us: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Those who think it’s foolishness to believe and call on Jesus Christ will spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire. Don’t be one of them! To God it’s not foolishness for us to believe in Him. That is exactly why He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ (John 3:15-17) not only to offer salvation to us, but to let us know what God the Father is like. In John 14:9, Jesus told Philip, one of His disciples, the following: “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” There is only one God, but He has three different manifestations. He is a triune God. The manifestations are: Father God, who is on His throne in heaven, Jesus Christ who is at the right hand of the Father, and the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer. Yes, He lives in us. That is the little voice that sometimes tells you not to do something or to help someone. However if you don’t pray, don’t read the Bible and have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is completely dormant in you. People who do not believe in God think this life is all there is. That’s why they live it according to what pleases them at the time. They participate in living together, prostitution, adultery, pornography, fornication and same sex marriage – an abomination to God (Romans, chapter 1). It may be extremely popular and legal, but they are going to wind up suffering eternally in the lake of fire. Right now it’s foolish for them not to participate in those activities, but the real foolishness is suffering eternally for the sake of having immoral sex. It’s foolish to people not to lie, not to steal and not to connive because by doing those things they may get ahead in this wicked world. However participating in them is foolishness to God because they go totally against His principles and His commands. Even in this world, by doing those things many times you win the battle, but you lose the war. A few examples will suffice: You cheat on your wife and she divorces you. You cheat at work and you get laid off. You cheat on your income tax and you wind up in prison. Need I say more? It may sound foolish to you to go to church on Sunday. After all, you can watch football games, go to the park, jog and exercise, spend time with your friends, go watch a movie or do ten thousand other things. Not only that but at church you may be asked to donate some money and you may think I can use that money for something else. All those things have temporary value, but the word of God is eternal. It will assure that you and your family have eternal life in heaven with God. That’s right! You can spend eternity with them. So what is more foolish – to go to church or to do something else? It may sound foolish for you to believe in God, but you believe in evolution. Even if there was a big bang – guess what? Someone had to cause it, and that one would be God. Nothing can come from nothing. Nothing gives life to itself. The universe is well planned and so is this world. It really is foolish to believe it happened by itself or by chance. If it’s foolish for you to believe in God now, I guarantee that you will feel more foolish when you meet Him face to face and He tells you, “I never knew you. Your destination is hell.” Then if it’s foolishness for you to believe that the devil exists when you meet him face to face it will be a lot more than foolish. I hope this article helps you not just to live for today, or enjoy the sinful pleasures of this world, but to plan for eternity. thelivinglights.com [email protected] 2/2/17 CEASE THE MOMENT Every single one of us has twenty four hours in a day, seven days in a week, an average of thirty days in a month and a lifespan of maybe seventy years or more. What we do with that time is entirely up to us. We can use it wisely or we can waste it completely. If we use it unwisely there will be consequences to pay and when they appear we have nobody to blame, but ourselves. Not necessarily all the time, but some of the time an opportunity presents itself only once. If we are wise we take advantage of it at the proper time. If we let it go, it may never come back again. Many people have found this out the hard way. Some even spend their whole lifetime regretting the missed opportunity or opportunities. Don’t be one of them! There are many good examples of squandered opportunities, but one of the most important ones is failing to get an education. With a good education the sky is the limit, while without it many doors are completely closed. Yet many students say: “School is boring.” They don’t pay attention in class, don’t do their homework and don’t study or if they do they don’t give it enough time. Another good example would be growing with the job. In other words, working for a company and working your way up the corporate ladder, as the saying goes. It could be any type of business where you start at the bottom and work your way up to being the boss or even the owner of the business. All you have to do is give your best, learn as much as you can about that specific business and be constant. People who persevere will always succeed because the word quit is not in their repertoire. Another important area is that of choosing your spouse. Many people let the opportunity go by for several reasons. It could be because you are immature, don’t appreciate the qualities the other person has, or you want to play the field. Later on you realize you should have married that person, but you let the opportunity go by. I have known several cases where after one or two divorces a person marries the one he should have married in the first place. So far I have talked about missed opportunities and I could give you many more examples. The chances are you have squandered some of them, but now I am going to tell you how to cease the moment. The past is in the past and you cannot change it, but you can avoid making the same mistakes in the future and that’s what it’s all about. If you are unhappy with your job or you are not earning enough to support yourself or your family, start looking for a better one. If you need some preparation start doing it because nobody else is going to do it for you. One way of ceasing the moment is to be ready when it appears. It does not do you any good if an opportunity presents itself and you are not qualified or ready. If that happens somebody else will grab it. If you are single, regardless of your age, and you would love to have a spouse keep your eyes peeled and when the right one comes along, don’t hesitate. If you do somebody else might beat you to the punch. If you are a Christian pray to God to bring the right one into your life. Guess what? He will. A word of caution: Don’t be too hasty either. Now let’s talk about being a good consumer. It does not matter what you are going to buy, there are four factors to keep in mind – Do you really need it? Is the price right? Is the quality good? Can you afford it? If the answer is “yes” to those four questions, buy it. When a good opportunity arises, in season or out of season, jump on it. Don’t regret it the rest of your life. Speaking of opportunities…if you have never received Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior, do it now. You don’t know when you are going to die and if you die without receiving Him, hell is waiting for you. However, if you truly receive Him, you will be heaven bound. If you don’t know how to do it, read the following prayer and when you understand it, pray it to God aloud in all sincerity and humility. No matter what you may have done, God will forgive you and receive you as his son or daughter. “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is your son, that He died on the cross to pay for my sins, and that He resurrected from the dead on the third day. I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior and for the Holy Spirit to live in me. I ask all this in the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.” I hope you did not miss the opportunity, but if you did, you can only blame yourself as you suffer eternally in the lake of fire. On the other hand, if you took advantage of it you will be with God rejoicing throughout eternity. thelivinglights.com [email protected] 1/26/17 A HOUSE DIVIDED CANNOT STAND Apparently the members of the Democratic Party have not read the Bible or if they have they have not understood it. In Mark 3:24-26, Jesus said: “ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end.” In other words, in order for any family, business, country or kingdom to succeed it has to be united, not divided. On June 16, 1858 as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln delivered the speech in which he said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe the government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided.” Of course he borrowed that principle from the Bible – from Jesus Himself. Just as our country could not stand being divided in the 1860s, it cannot stand being divided now. If the Democrats really love our country, they would accept Donald Trump as our and their President. After all, we live in a democracy and because of that when a new President is elected some people are very pleased and some are not too happy about it, but even those accept the fact and our government keeps on functioning. That has happened from generation to generation and we have never had any trouble because of it. For selfish reasons King Barack thought that he or his political party would reign indefinitely. Maybe they could do that in Africa, Cuba, China, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea or some other country, but in the United States we have a democracy. It is not a perfect system, but we have learned to follow the rules. Chaos only comes when people refuse to follow the established rules. Apparently that’s what the Democratic Party, the Hollywood stars, and the other followers want. There’s a Spanish saying that says: “Divide and you will rule.” Obama was not the ideal candidate, but when he was elected President the Republicans and some of us independent thinkers did not demonstrate, did not badmouthed the President, nor did we make him out to be demonic. Even some of the whites from the Southern states, who might be racially prejudiced, did not try to attack him in any way, shape or form. Even though most of his policies actually hurt the country we did not set out to make him a villain in the eyes of the world. If we do not come together under President Trump as a nation, we are going to spiral downward at supersonic speed. When we look in the mirror we will see the enemy and that enemy is going to be us. We won’t have to worry about Russia, China, Iran or North Korea. They won’t have to fire one missile. We will destroy ourselves. Let’s hope we come to our senses before it’s too late. The Republicans and Democrats should learn to work together for the benefit of our country. It’s not Obama, Hillary, Trump or the party they should be loyal to, but to God and to our country. Hopefully they’ll get their priorities straight because if they don’t, all of us are going to suffer. Don’t get mad at me for writing this article. If you have any doubts read our Constitution. The Bible will also help you in understanding what’s wrong and what’s right. Romans, Chapter 1, will help you understand how God feels about gay marriages. Hopefully you will understand it because Hillary, Obama, many Democrats and some Republicans do not. If you believe in God, in His power and in His sovereignty, pray for Him to bring peace and love to this country. We owe it to ourselves, to our children and to our grandchildren. God bless you! thelivinglights.com [email protected] ALWAYS ACT WISELY When talking to other people, it is always better to think before we talk, to analyze the topic before we give our opinion, to be sensitive to the other person’s feelings and point of view, and to foresee the possible consequences of our words before we act. We should approach any discussion with an open mind, unprejudiced, unbiased and ready to actually listen to the other person. We should try to understand where the other person is coming from. The more we know of his background, the more understanding we will be. That does not mean we have to agree with him or tolerate something that goes totally against our moral fiber. We should try to avoid at all costs discussions that are unproductive. If we know the other person quite well, we know in which subjects we should not participate. If we allow them to engage us in arguing a specific point in which they have very strong feelings, it will wind up being a lose-lose situation. We would have nothing to gain and everything to lose. The fact that we should be understanding does not mean that we should be tolerant of something that goes totally against God’s will and godly values. Tolerant people are the ones who are politically-correct, but godly-incorrect. They are not part of the solution, but rather part of the problem, and we cannot turn a blind eye to that. It’s quite okay to be permissive to a certain point, but there has to be a limit. Most parents know that we have to keep our children on a short rope. If we fail to discipline them when they step out of bounds, the problem will go from bad to worse rather fast. They need guidelines and the parents (not the schools, the police, the courts, the Welfare Department, the TV shows nor the Internet) are the ones who should set them. If we see something wrong and we do nothing, we are enablers. If your son is on drugs and you give him a hefty allowance every week, you are enabling his habit. You are part of the problem, and not part of the solution. You should not be that permissive and should not condone that type of behavior in your home. Some things are popular because most people always take the path of least resistance. They follow the herd or the flock as the case may be, and because of the influence of those herds, tolerance, political-correctness and social-correctness are thriving. Our society is moving away at record speeds from our established moral and social values. As a matter of fact, they are almost non-existent. If you have been brought up with good moral values, be sensitive and understanding to people, but don’t be tolerant of what should not be tolerated, do not be too permissive when you should not be, and do not condone what should not be condoned. thelivinglights.com [email protected] 1/12/17 SIEMPRE ACTÚA SABIAMENTE Cuando uno habla con otra persona, siempre es mejor pensar antes de hablar, analizar el tema antes de opinar, ser sensible a los sentimientos de la otra persona y a su punto de vista, y anticipar las consecuencias de lo que se dirá antes de actuar. Se debe entrar a cada discusión con la mente abierta, sin prejuicio previo, con imparcialidad, y dispuesto a escuchar atentamente a la otra persona. Se debe tratar de entender el punto de vista de la otra persona. Entre más se sepa de la otra persona, se le puede entender mejor. Eso no significa que uno tiene que estar completamente de acuerdo ni tolerar algo que va totalmente contra la moralidad de uno. Se debe tratar a todo costo no entrar en discusiones que no sean productivas. Si conocemos a la otra persona bastante bien sabemos en cuales temas no debemos participar. Si uno permite ser entablado en una conversación en la cual la otra persona tiene sentimientos muy arraigados el resultado será negativo. Uno no tendría nada que ganar y todo que perder. Es mejor evadir o esquivar esa clase de conversación. El hecho que uno debe ser comprensivo no significa que debe tolerar lo que va contra la voluntad de Dios o contra los valores de uno. Las personas tolerantes son las que están social y políticamente correctas, pero divinamente incorrectas. No son parte de la solución, sino parte del problema, y eso no se puede ignorar. Es bueno ser permisivo hasta cierto punto, pero tiene que haber límites. La mayoría de los padres saben eso, y por eso les dan rienda corta a sus hijos. Si uno no disciplina a sus hijos las primeras veces que desobedecen después es mucho más difícil. Los hijos necesitan perímetros, y los padres (no las escuelas, el gobierno, la policía, los programa de televisión, ni el internet) son los que deben establecer esas reglas. Si uno ve que algo no marcha bien y no hace nada, uno es parte del problema. Si tu hijo anda en las drogas, y tú le proporcionas dinero semanalmente, tú eres el facilitador. Eso te convierte en parte del problema y no de la solución. No seas permisivo, tolerante ni condones esa clase de comportamiento en tu hogar. Muchas actividades son populares, porque la mayoría de la gente toma el sendero de menos resistencia. Sigue la manada, porque es lo más fácil y es muy aceptable. Por la influencia de esas manadas, las personas tolerantes están social y políticamente correctas, pero totalmente incorrectas según la voluntad de nuestro Dios. La sociedad va a velocidad rayo alejándose de Dios y de los valores morales y sociales del pasado. De hecho, esos valores ya casi no existen. Ya son dinosaurios para la juventud. Si tus padres te han enseñado buenos modales, buenos valores morales, y buenas costumbres, es bueno que seas sensible y comprensivo con la gente, pero no seas tolerante de lo que no debes ser tolerado, no seas permisivo de lo que no se debe permitir, y no condones lo que no debes condonar. thelivinglights.com [email protected] 12 Enero 2017 Read More

Scriptures 2 March 17th, 2016 Posted in Scriptures 2, Uncategorized

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DEUTERONOMY 11:26-28 (December 28, 2917) “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” Do you choose the blessing or do you choose the curse? You can choose the blessing by receiving Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. If you do not know how to go about it, look under the category “Messages” in my blog. DEUTERONOMIO 11:26-28 (11 de Diciembre 2017) “ He aquí yo pongo hoy delante de ustedes la bendición y la maldición: la bendición, si oyen los mandamientos de Jehová su Dios, que yo les prescribo hoy, y la maldición, si no oyen los mandamientos de Jehová su Dios, y se apartan del camino que yo les ordeno hoy, para ir en pos de dioses ajenos que no han conocido.” ¿Escoges la bendición o la maldición? Puedes escoger la bendición si recibes a Jesucristo en tu corazón como tu Señor y Salvador. Si no sabes cómo hacerlo, en toda humildad y sinceridad órale la siguiente oración a Dios: “Dios Padre, me arrepiento de todos mis pecados. Por favor, ¡perdóname! Creo y confieso que Jesucristo es tu hijo, que murió en la cruz y resucitó al tercer día para pagar por mis pecados. Lo acepto como mi Señor y Salvador y también le pido al Espíritu Santo que viva en mí. Gracias, Padre Dios. Amén.”

NUMBERS 30:1-2 (December 21, 2017) “Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Leviticus 19:12 – “And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.” Matthew 5:33-37 – “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’ – Leviticus 19:12, but I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Many people swear by God’s name, but He makes it extremely clear that we are not to do that. If you or anyone you know is doing that refrain from doing it. NÚMEROS 30:1-2 (21 de Diciembre 2017) “Habló Moisés a los príncipes de las tribus de los hijos de Israel, diciendo: Esto es lo que Jehová ha mandado. Cuando alguno hiciere voto a Jehová, o hiciere juramento ligando su alma con obligación, no quebrantará su palabra; hará conforme a todo lo que salió de su boca.” Levítico 19:12 – “ Y no jurarás falsamente por mi nombre, profanando así el nombre de tu Dios. Yo Jehová.” Mateo 5:33-37 – “Además has oído que fue dicho a los antiguos: No perjurarás, sino cumplirás al Señor tus juramentos, pero Yo te digo: No jures en ninguna manera; ni por el cielo, porque es el trono de Dios; ni por la tierra, porque es el estrado de sus pies; ni por Jerusalén, porque es la ciudad del gran Rey. Ni por tu cabeza jurarás, porque no puedes hacer blanco o negro un solo cabello. Pero sea tu hablar: Sí, sí; no, no; porque lo que es más de esto, de mal procede.” Mucha gente jura en el nombre de Dios, pero él lo hace extremadamente claro que no debemos hacer eso. Si tú o alguno de tus conocidos hacen eso, eviten de hacerlo.

ISAIAH 43:2 (December 14, 2017) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Basically what God is saying is that He will protect you, regardless of the dangers you may face. In order for that to happen, you have to put your trust in Him. If you put your trust on anything or anyone other than God, you are missing the boat. ISAÍAS 43:2 (14 de Diciembre 2017) “Cuando pases por las aguas, yo (tu Dios) estaré contigo; y si por los ríos, no te anegarán. Cuando pases por el fuego, no te quemarás, ni la llama arderá en ti.” Básicamente lo que te dice Dios es que él te protegerá en cualquier peligro que enfrentes. Pero para que eso suceda tienes que confiar en él. Si confías en cualquier otra cosa o persona, Dios no te ayudará.

JEREMIAH 29:11 (December 7, 2017) “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God definitely wants to bless you. There is one catch. Are you His child? Have you received Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior? Are you a born-again Christian? Are you a Christ follower? If you answered “YES” to those questions, you are in good company with the angels, the souls who are already in heaven and with the ones who will be there after they leave this life. If you answered “NO,” you will be hurtin’ for certain suffering in the lake of fire. JEREMÍAS 29:11 (7 de Diciembre 2017) “Porque yo sé los pensamientos que tengo acerca de ti, dice Jehová, pensamientos de paz, y no de mal, para darte el fin que esperas.” Dios desea bendecirte. Pero hay un pequeño detalle; ¿Eres su hijo? ¿Has recibido a Jesucristo en tu corazón como tu Señor y Salvador? ¿Has nacido de nuevo como dice la biblia? ¿Eres seguidor de Jesucristo? Si pudiste contestarles “SÍ” a esas preguntas, estás en buena compañía con los ángeles, las almas que ya están en el cielo, y con las almas que lleguen allí después que se les termine esta vida. Si contestaste “NO,” pasarás la eternidad sufriendo en el lago de fuego. ROMANS 12:9-19 (November 30, 2017) “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” These scriptures need no explanation. They speak for themselves. The apostle Paul explains it exceedingly well.

ROMANOS 12:9-19 (30 de Noviembre 2017) “El amor sea sin fingimiento. Aborreced lo malo, sigan lo bueno. Ámense los unos a los otros con amor fraternal; en cuanto a honra, prefiriéndose los unos a los otros. En lo que requiere diligencia, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor; gozosos en la esperanza; sufridos en la tribulación; constantes en la oración; compartiendo para las necesidades de los santos; practicando la hospitalidad. Bendigan a los que los persiguen; bendigan, y no maldigan. Gócense con los que se gozan; lloren con los que lloran. Estén de acuerdo entre ustedes; no altivos, sino asociándose con los humildes. No sean sabios en su propia opinión. No paguen a nadie mal por mal; procuren lo bueno delante de todos los hombres. Si es posible, en cuanto dependa de ustedes, estén en paz con todos los hombres. No se venguen ustedes mismos, amados míos, sino dejen lugar a la ira de Dios; porque escrito está: Mía es la venganza, yo pagaré, dice el Señor. “ Estas escrituras se explican por sí mismas. El apóstol Pablo las explica excelentemente. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-4 (November 23, 2017) “For I (The apostle Paul) delivered to you first of all that which I also received; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” This really needs no explanation. It is clear that Jesus suffered, died and resurrected for us, so that we might have salvation. All we have to do is repent, ask God to forgive us and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. 1 CORINTIOS 15:3-4 (23 de Noviembre 2017) “Porque primeramente (yo el apóstol Pablo) les he enseñado lo que asimismo recibí: Que Cristo murió por nuestros pecados, conforme a las Escrituras; y que fue sepultado, y que resucitó al tercer día, conforme a las Escrituras.” Esta escritura no necesita explicación. Está bien claro que Jesucristo sufrió, murió y resucitó por nosotros, para que pudiéramos ser salvos. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es arrepentirnos, pedirle perdón a Dios, y recibir a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. DEUTERONOMY 6:13 (November 16, 2017) “ You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name.” Then in Exodus 20:3, God tells us: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Proverb 9:10 tells us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” For you atheists: God does exist, regardless of your lack of understanding and denials. For you who believe there are many paths to heaven: Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Him (John 14:6). For those who do not believe in the Holy Trinity: God manifests Himself in three different forms – Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. For those who believe their good works will get them to heaven: Salvation is by God’s grace, not by works. Grace is unmerited favor. DEUTERONOMIO 6:13 (16 de Noviembre 2017) “ A Jehová tu Dios temerás, y a él solo servirás, y por su nombre jurarás.” Y en Éxodo 20:3 Dios nos dice: “No tendrás dioses ajenos delante de mí.” El proverbio 9:10 nos dice: “El temor de Jehová es el principio de la sabiduría, y el conocimiento del Santísimo es la inteligencia.” Para los ateos: Dios sí existe, a pesar de su ignorancia y negación. Para los que creen que hay muchas maneras de llegar al cielo: Jesucristo es el único camino, la verdad y la vida. Nadie llega al Padre, sino por él (Juan 14:6). Para los que no creen en la Divina Trinidad: Dios se manifiesta en tres diferentes formas – Dios Padre, Dios Hijo (Jesucristo), y Dios Espíritu Santo. Para los que creen que sus buenas obras los llevarán al cielo: La salvación es por la gracia (favor inmerecido) de Dios y no por obras. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 (November 9, 2017) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That makes the whole difference in the world. 1 CORINTIOS 10:31 (9 de Noviembre 2017) Esta escritura dice que lo que hagas, lo hagas para DIos. Eso hace la diferencia. ROMANS 3:23 AND 6:23 (November 2, 2017) “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” You know what? All have sinned means exactly that. That means you have sinned, and if you do not accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, hell first and then the lake of fire are waiting for you. Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The wages of your sin will send you to hell and the lake of fire, but if you repent, ask God to forgive you and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you will spend eternity with Him. The choice is yours…heaven or hell. Which one do you choose? ROMANOS 3:23 Y 6:23 (2 de Noviembre 2017) “Por cuanto todos pecaron, y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios.” ¿Sabes qué? Que todos pecaron significa exactamente eso. Eso te incluye a ti, y si no has aceptado a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador, te esperan el infierno y el lago de fuego. Romanos 6:23 – “Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mas la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.” La paga de tu pecado te llevará al infierno y al lago de fuego, pero si te arrepientes, le pides perdón a Dios y recibes a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador, pasarás la eternidad con Dios. La decisión es tuya…el infierno o el cielo. ¿Cuál escoges AMOS 3:7 (October 26, 2017) “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” If you read the Bible correctly before God did anything major He would let His prophets know. Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), He still notifies His people before He does anything major on this earth. He has been telling many people, including me, that Jesus is coming very soon to take His children – the Christians/the people who have placed their faith on Jesus Christ – to heaven. That event is known as the rapture. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. If you get left behind, you will suffer tremendously during the seven-year period known as the tribulation. Have you placed your faith on Jesus Christ? If you have placed your faith on a virgin, a so-called saint, or on anybody or anything other than Jesus Christ, you will spend eternity suffering in the lake of fire. AMÓS 3:7 (26 de Octubre 2017) “ Porque no hará nada Jehová el Señor, sin que revele su secreto a sus siervos los profetas.” Si lees la biblia correctamente descubrirás que Dios no hacía nada importante sin revelárselo a sus profetas. Siendo que Dios es igual ayer, hoy y por siempre (Hebreos 13:8), todavía le avisa a su gente antes de hacer algo que nos afectará. Dios le ha estado profetizando a mucha gente, y eso me incluye a mí, que Jesucristo vendrá muy pronto para llevarse a sus hijos – los cristianos/la gente que ha recibido a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador – al cielo. Ese evento es conocido como el rapto. Acércate a Dios y él se te acercará. Si te quedas atrás, sufrirás muchísimo durante esos siete anos conocidos como la tribulación. ¿Has puesto toda tu fe en Jesucristo? Si la has puesto en una virgen o en un llamado santo, o en cualquier otro llamado dios o cosa, sufrirás durante la tribulación y pasarás la eternidad sufriendo en el lago de fuego. MARK 7:17-23 (October 19, 2017) “When He (Jesus Christ) had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” In other words, all food that is not harmful to the body is good to eat. What is toxic is what a man thinks, says or does that is not according to God’s will. MARCOS 7:17-23 (19 de Octubre 2017) “Cuando se alejó de la multitud y entró en casa, le preguntaron sus discípulos sobre la parábola. El les dijo: ¿También ustedes están así sin entendimiento? ¿No entienden que todo lo de fuera que entra en el hombre, no le puede contaminar, porque no entra en su corazón, sino en el vientre, y sale a la letrina? Esto decía, haciendo limpios todos los alimentos. Pero decía, que lo que del hombre sale, eso contamina al hombre. Porque de dentro, del corazón de los hombres, salen los malos pensamientos, los adulterios, las fornicaciones, los homicidios, los hurtos, las avaricias, las maldades, el engaño, la lascivia, la envidia, la maledicencia, la soberbia, la insensatez. Todas estas maldades de dentro salen, y contaminan al hombre.” En otras palabras, toda comida que no sea dañina para el cuerpo humano es buena para comer. Lo que es toxico es lo que el hombre piensa, dice o hace que va contra la voluntad de Dios. MATTHEW 24:11-12 (October 12, 2017) “And many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness , the love of most will grow cold.. That is exactly the period of time that we are living. Instead of love, there is hatred. Many evangelists on television just about claim to have the exclusive rights to God. Many people are following them because they like “the feel-good message.” Those evangelists and pastors just talk about what people want to hear, not necessarily the truth from the Bible. Many of them are multimillionaires. What should one do? Believe God and the Bible, not necessarily men. MATEO 24:11-12 (12 de Octubre 2017) “Y muchos falsos profetas se levantarán, y engañarán a muchos; y por haberse multiplicado la maldad, el amor de muchos se enfriará. “ Esa descripción describe los tiempos en cuales estamos viviendo actualmente. En vez de amor hay odio. Muchos evangelistas y pastores declaran muchas falsedades por la televisión, pero muchos los siguen porque les dicen lo que quieren oír. Solamente hablan de las bendiciones que Dios tiene para nosotros, pero no mencionan las maldiciones que Dios les manda a los que pecan por pecar. Muchos de esos pastores y evangelistas son multimillonarios. ¿Qué debe hacer uno? Creerle a Dios y la biblia, no necesariamente al hombre. 1 JOHN 2:8 (October 5, 2017) “Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.” This is what the apostle John said to the Jewish people after Jesus had ascended to heaven. Guess what? This applies to the United States in reverse. The light that we once had when our country was founded and for many years after that is now giving way to darkness. More and more our country is moving away from God. We are already paying some of the consequences and unfortunately it is going to get worse. 1 JUAN 2:8 (5 de Octubre 2017) “Sin embargo, les escribo un mandamiento nuevo, que es verdadero en él y en ustedes, porque las tinieblas van pasando, y la luz verdadera ya alumbra.” Eso es lo que el apóstol Juan les dijo a los judíos después de que Jesucristo había ascendido al cielo. ¿Sabes qué? Esto se le puede aplicar a los Estados Unidos, sino que al revés. La luz que nuestro país tenía cuando fue fundado y por muchos años se ha convertido en tinieblas. Así cómo pasa el tiempo nuestro país se va alejando más y más de Dios. Ya estamos pagando las consecuencias, pero la situación va a empeorarse. HEBREWS 9:28 (September 28, 2017) “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Jesus, when He died on the cross, paid for all your sins. All you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. If you do that, you will spend eternity in a paradise environment with God. That means you will encounter nothing but joy, peace, tranquility and happiness. The other choice is not accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and then you will spend eternity burning and suffering in the lake of fire forever and ever. It’s your choice! If you do not know how to receive Jesus Christ in your heart, look under messages or articles in my blog. HEBREOS9:28 (28 de Septiembre 2017) “así también Cristo fue ofrecido una sola vez para llevar los pecados de muchos; y aparecerá por segunda vez, sin relación con el pecado, para salvar a los que le esperan.” Jesucristo, al morir en la cruz, pagó por todos tus pecados. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es arrepentirte, pedirle perdón a Dios, y recibir a Jesucristo en tu corazón como tu Señor y Salvador. Si haces eso, pasarás la eternidad en un ambiente como el paraíso con Dios. Eso significa que vivirás en paz, armonía, regocijo y felicidad eternamente. El otro lado de la moneda es que si no aceptas a Jesucristo, pasarás la eternidad quemándote y sufriendo en el lago de fuego. No suena muy apetecible! Es tu decisión. Si no sabes cómo recibir a Jesucristo, ve a la página donde diga “Messages o Articles.” 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (September 21, 2017) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” We are in the last days before Jesus Christ comes back for the Christians (the rapture) and before all hell breaks loose on earth during the tribulation (A seven-year period when the antichrist and the devil will be ruling the world). We know we are in the last days because all the signs that the Bible said would happen are happening now. 2 TIMOTEO 3:1-5 (21 de Septiembre 2017) “También debes saber esto: que en los postreros días vendrán tiempos peligrosos. Porque habrá hombres amadores de sí mismos, avaros, vanagloriosos, soberbios, blasfemos, desobedientes a los padres, ingratos, impíos, sin afecto natural, implacables, calumniadores, intemperantes, crueles, aborrecedores de lo bueno, traidores, impetuosos, infatuados, amadores de los deleites más que de Dios, que tendrán apariencia de piedad, pero negarán la eficacia de ella; a éstos evita.” Estamos viviendo en los días postreros y sabemos que Jesucristo está por venir para llevarse a sus seguidores, y al pasar eso, viene la tribulación (un periodo de siete años cuando el anticristo y el diablo gobernarán el mundo). Sabemos que estamos en los últimos días, porque todas las señales que dice la biblia que ocurrirían, están ocurriendo. PSALM 46:1-11 (September 14, 2017) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Although all these catastrophes are happening in our country – the USA – we should not be afraid if we are Christ followers. God has always protected His people and He will protect us just as He did before. What we have to do is get closer to Him, put our faith in Him, pray to Him and expect in faith His miracles and His blessings. SALMO 46:1-11 (14 de Septiembre 2017) “Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza, nuestro pronto auxilio en las tribulaciones. Por tanto, no temeremos, aunque la tierra sea removida, y se traspasen los montes al corazón del mar; Aunque bramen y se turben sus aguas, y tiemblen los montes a causa de su braveza. Del río sus corrientes alegran la ciudad de Dios, el santuario de las moradas del Altísimo. Dios está en medio de ella; no será conmovida. Dios la ayudará al clarear la mañana. Bramaron las naciones, titubearon los reinos; Dio él su voz, se derritió la tierra. Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros; Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob. Vengan, vean las obras de Jehová, que ha puesto asolamientos en la tierra, que hace cesar las guerras hasta los fines de la tierra. Que quiebra el arco, corta la lanza, y quema los carros en el fuego. Estén quietos, y sepan que yo soy Dios; Seré exaltado entre las naciones; enaltecido seré en la tierra. Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros; Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob.” Aunque están pasando catástrofes en el mundo, no debemos temer si somos seguidores de Jesucristo. Dios siempre ha protegido a sus hijos, y nos protegerá a nosotros también como lo ha hecho en el pasado. Lo que debemos hacer es acercarnos a él, poner nuestra fe en él, orarle al Padre en el nombre de Jesucristo, y esperar en fe sus milagros y bendiciones. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8 (September 7, 2017) “ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” Are you giving your 10% to a local born-again Christian church? If you are not, you are robbing God – read Malachi 3:8-10. If you are giving, are you doing it cheerfully? God loves a cheerful giver. If you give, don’t give grudgingly. Don’t believe the evangelists on television that say you will receive one-hundred fold or more if you give. In actuality, that may not happen. If you believe them in most cases, they will become richer and you will become poorer. 2 CORINTIOS 9:6-8 (7 de Septiembre 2017) “ Pero esto digo: El que siembra escasamente, también segará escasamente; y el que siembra generosamente, generosamente también segará. Cada uno dé como propuso en su corazón: no con tristeza, ni por necesidad, porque Dios ama al dador alegre. Y poderoso es Dios para hacer que abunde en vosotros toda gracia, a fin de que, teniendo siempre en todas las cosas todo lo suficiente, abundéis para toda buena obra.” ¿Le estás dando el 10% de tus ingresos a la iglesia cristiana local? Si no, le estás robando a Dios – lee Malaquías 3:8-10. Si estás dando, lo haces con alegría? Si das, no des forzosamente. No les creas a los evangelistas que dicen que si das, Dios te lo devolverá multiplicado 100% o aún más. En realidad, es muy probable que eso no suceda. Si les crees en la mayoría de los casos, ellos se enriquecerán y tú quedarás más pobre. EPHESIANS 4:26-27 (August 31, 2017) “Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” This scripture is self-explanatory. Do not go to bed mad. Forgive whoever you have to forgive and repent of whatever you have to repent. Wake up in the morning to a new day with a clean slate. EFESIOS 4:26-27 (31 de Agosto 2017) “Si se enojan, no pequen. No permitan que el enojo les dure hasta la puesta del sol, ni den cabida al diablo.” Esta escritura se explica por sí misma. No se acuesten enojados. Perdonen al que tienen que perdonar y arrepiéntanse de lo que tengan que arrepentirse. Despierten en la mañanita a un día nuevo con la conciencia limpia. ROMANS 2:1-6 (8/24/17) “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds.” Four main points: 1. We should not judge others. 2. We should not practice the things t for which we are judging others. 3. We should not despise that Jesus loves us and that He died on the cross for us. 4. We should not harden our hearts. ROMANOS 2:1-6 (24 de Agosto 2017) “Por lo cual eres inexcusable, oh hombre, quienquiera que seas tú que juzgas; pues en lo que juzgas a otro, te condenas a ti mismo; porque tú que juzgas haces lo mismo. Mas sabemos que el juicio de Dios contra los que practican tales cosas es según verdad. ¿Y piensas esto, oh hombre, tú que juzgas a los que tal hacen, y haces lo mismo, que tú escaparás del juicio de Dios? ¿O menosprecias las riquezas de su benignidad, paciencia y longanimidad, ignorando que su benignidad te guía al arrepentimiento? Pero por tu dureza y por tu corazón no arrepentido, atesoras para ti mismo ira para el día de la ira y de la revelación del justo juicio de Dios, el cual pagará a cada uno conforme a sus obras.” Cuatro puntos principales: 1. No debemos juzgar al prójimo. 2. No debemos participar en las actividades por las cuales juzgamos a los demás. 3. No debemos despreciar que Jesucristo murió en la cruz por nosotros y el amor que nos tiene. 4. No debemos endurecer nuestro corazón. GENESIS 1:26-27 (August 17, 2017) “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” A few points to consider: 1. God made the humans. We did not evolve. 2. Who was present? God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. That’s why the Father said: “Let Us make man…” 3. God looks like us. He made us in His image. 4. We should have dominion over the earth. 5. God made male and female, not transgender, lesbians nor homosexuals. GÉNESIS 1:26-27 (17 de Agosto 2017 “ Entonces dijo Dios: Hagamos al hombre a nuestra imagen, conforme a nuestra semejanza; y señoree en los peces del mar, en las aves de los cielos, en las bestias, en toda la tierra, y en todo animal que se arrastra sobre la tierra. Y creó Dios al hombre a su imagen, a imagen de Dios lo creó; varón y hembra los creó.” Algunos puntos para considerar: 1. Dios creó a los humanos. No hubo evolución. 2. ¿Quiénes estuvieron presentes? – Dios Padre, Jesucristo y el Espíritu Santo. Por eso Dios Padre dijo: “Hagamos al hombre a nuestra imagen, conforme a nuestra semejanza…” 3. La semejanza de Dios es como la nuestra. 4. Debemos tener dominio sobre la tierra. 5. Dios creó varón y hembra, no varón y lesbiana, homosexual o transgénero. MATTHEW 15:11 (August 10, 2017) “ Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Certain people belonging to a certain religion do not eat meat on Fridays. Apparently they do not understand this scripture. Eat all the meat you want, if you can afford it and if it’s not detrimental to your health, but watch what you say. Do not use bad words, do not have bad thoughts and, above all, do not cause any harm to yourself or to anybody. MATEO 15:11 (10 de Agosto 2017) “ No lo que entra en la boca contamina al hombre; mas lo que sale de la boca, esto contamina al hombre.” Ciertas personas quienes pertenecen a cierta religión no comen carne los viernes. Aparentemente no entienden esta escritura. Come toda la carne que quieras, si tienes los recursos financieros para comprarla y si no es mala para tu salud, pero cuidado con lo que hables. No digas malas palabras, no tengas malos pensamientos y, sobre todo, no te causes daño a ti mismo y no se lo causes a nadie más tampoco. LUKE 12:8-9 “Also I (Jesus) say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” The people who do not believe in Jesus as being God will wind up in the lake of fire suffering eternally. The people who confess Jesus as being their Lord and Savior will have eternal life with God. In which group will you be? LUCAS 12:8-9 (Yo Jesucristo) “les digo que todo aquel que me confiese delante de los hombres, también el Hijo del Hombre le confesará delante de los ángeles de Dios; mas el que me niegue delante de los hombres, será negado delante de los ángeles de Dios.” Los que no creen que Jesucristo es Dios terminarán en el lago de fuego sufriendo eternamente. Los que confiesen que Jesucristo es su Señor y Salvador tendrán vida eterna con Dios. ¿A cuál grupo perteneces? GALATIANS 5:24 – 25 (July 27, 2017) “ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” It means that we no longer take pleasure on being involved in sinful activities. we have become a new person, a new creation, with a new way of thinking. We have transformed and renewed our minds (Romans 12:2). If you claim to be a Christian, but are still living the way you did before becoming one, I have news for you…you are not a Christian. GÁLATAS 5:24-25 (27 de Julio 2017) “ Pero los que son de Cristo han crucificado la carne con sus pasiones y deseos. Si vivimos por el Espíritu, andemos también por el Espíritu.” Significa que ya no tomamos placer en involucrarnos y participar en los placeres pecaminosos del mundo. Ahora somos una nueva persona, una nueva creación, con una manera nueva de pensar. Hemos transformado y renovado nuestras mentes (Romanos 12:2). Si pretendes ser cristiano, pero continúas viviendo como vivías antes, tengo noticias para ti…no eres cristiano. REVELATION 21:8 (July 20, 2017) “ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” The word of God makes it very clears what awaits those kinds of people. Their lifestyle may be politically and socially correct, but it’s spiritually incorrect and they will pay the consequences. As Abraham Lincoln would probably say: “You can fool most of the people some of the time, and you can fool some of the people most of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Even if you were to fool all the people all the time, you could not fool God even once. APOCALIPSIS 21:8 (20 de Julio 2017) “ Pero los cobardes e incrédulos, los abominables y homicidas, los fornicarios y hechiceros, los idólatras y todos los mentirosos tendrán su parte en el lago que arde con fuego y azufre, que es la muerte segunda.” La palabra de Dios está bien clara de lo que les espera a esas clases de personas. Su estilo de vida puede ser política y socialmente correcto, pero es incorrecto espiritualmente y por lo consiguiente pagarán las consecuencias. Abraham Lincoln diría: “Se puede engañar a la mayoría de la gente algunas veces, a otros todas las veces, pero no podemos engañar a toda la gente todo el tiempo.” Y si pudieras engañar a toda la gente todo el tiempo, no podrías engañar a Dios ni siquiera una vez. JONAH 2:8 (July 13, 2017) “Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy.” Through God’s mercy we have salvation. In other words, people who are worshiping idols do not have salvation, which means they will wind up eternally in the lake of fire burning and suffering. An idol is anything or anyone you may be worshiping other than Jesus. Are you worshiping idols? JONÁS 2:8 (13 de Julio 2017) “Los que siguen ídolos vanos abandonan el amor de Dios.” Por el amor de Dios y su misericordia tenemos salvación. En otras palabras, los que siguen ídolos no tendrán salvación, y eso significa que pasarán la eternidad quemándose sufriendo en el lago de fuego. Un ídolo es cualquier persona a quien le estés orando o cualquier cosa que pongas delante de Dios. ¿Estás adorando ídolos? PSALM 19:7-9 (July 6, 2017) “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” I believe this is self-explanatory. There is really nothing I should add to it. SALMO 19:7-9 (6 de Julio 2017) “La ley de Jehová es perfecta, que convierte el alma; El testimonio de Jehová es fiel, que hace sabio al sencillo. Los mandamientos de Jehová son rectos, que alegran el corazón; El

precepto de Jehová es puro, que alumbra los ojos. El temor de Jehová es limpio, que permanece para siempre; Los juicios de Jehová son verdad, todos justos.” Esta escritura se explica por sí misma. No necesito agregarle nada. JOHN 14:12 (June 29, 2017) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me (Jesus Christ), the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” Jesus did every kind of miracle imaginable. He even resurrected the dead and yet He says we can do what He did and even greater works. So what do we need to be able to do those miracles? We need faith and lots of it. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Work up your faith in God and you too will be able to accomplish what seems to be impossible for others. JUAN 14:12 (29 de Junio 2017) “De cierto, de cierto les digo: El que en mí cree, las obras que yo hago, él las hará también; y aun mayores hará, porque yo voy al Padre.” Jesucristo hizo toda clase de milagro imaginable. Hasta resucitó muertos, y sin embargo dice que podemos hacer lo mismo que él hizo y aun que haremos mayores obras. ¿Qué necesitamos para poder hacer esos milagros? Necesitamos fe y fe en abundancia, porque sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios (Hebreos 11:6). Alimenta tu fe en Dios para que crezca y tú también podrás hacer lo que sea imposible para otros. ACTS 28:26-27 (June 22, 2017) God told the prophet Isaiah: “Go to this people (the Jewish nation) and say: Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” The people had moved so far away from God that He was completely disappointed with them. Unfortunately, the same thing has happened with the USA. We can only hope that God has mercy on us. We do not deserve it, but because of His grace let’s hope He has compassion on us. HECHOS 28:26-27 (22 de Junio 2017) Dios le dijo al profeta Isaías: “Ve a este pueblo, y diles: De oído oirán, y no entenderán; Y viendo verán, y no percibirán; Porque el corazón de este pueblo se ha engrosado, y con los oídos oyeron pesadamente, y sus ojos han cerrado, Para que no vean con los ojos, y oigan con los oídos, y entiendan de corazón, Y se conviertan, y yo los sane.” La gente se había alejado tanto de Dios que él estaba completamente desilusionado con ellos. Desafortunadamente, lo mismo ha ocurrido aquí en los Estados Unidos de América. Lo único que podemos esperar es que Dios por medio de su gracia tenga misericordia y compasión con nosotros. EZEKIEL 18:4 - “…The soul who sins shall die.” 18:20 – “The soul who sins shall die…” 18:26 – “When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies.” ROMANS 10:9-10 The apostle Paul told the Romans: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” The steps to salvation are: 1. Repent. 2. Ask God to forgive you. 3. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. 4. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead on the third day. 5. Try to live a righteous life. 6. Attend a good Bible-teaching, born-again Christian church. ROMANOS 10:9-10 El apóstol Pablo les dijo a los romanos: “Que si confiesas con la boca que Jesús es el Señor, y crees en el corazón que Dios lo levantó de los muertos, serás salvo. Porque con el corazón se cree para justicia, pero con la boca se confiesa para la salvación. “ Los pasos para tu salvación son: 1. Arrepentirte. 2. Pedirle perdón a Dios. 3. Confesar con la boca que Jesús es tu Salvador. 4. Creer en tu corazón que Dios lo levantó de entre los muertos al tercer día. 5. Tratar de vivir una vida sana y justa. 6. Asistir a una iglesia cristiana donde enseñen directamente de la biblia. MATTHEW 16:24-26 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” 1. To follow Jesus we have to leave the sinful acts behind. 2. We have to live by His principles. 3. We will lose our sinful lifestyle and gain a pious one. 4. Our god will not be money, possessions or fame. 5. There is nothing more important than salvation – spending eternity with God and not with the devil in the lake of fire. Do you know where you are going when you die? MATEO 16:24-26 “Entonces Jesús les dijo a sus discípulos: Si alguno quiere venir en pos de mí, niéguese a sí mismo, y tome su cruz, y sígame. Porque todo el que quiera salvar su vida, la perderá; y todo el que pierda su vida por causa de mí, la hallará. Porque ¿qué aprovechará al hombre, si ganare todo el mundo, y perdiere su alma? ¿O qué recompensa dará el hombre por su alma?” 1. Para seguir a Jesucristo tenemos que dejar de pecar. 2. Tenemos que vivir por sus principios. 3. Perdemos nuestro estilo de vida pecaminoso y adquirimos el divino de Dios. 4. Nuestro dios ya no son las posesiones, el dinero ni la fama. 5. Nada es más importante que la salvación – pasar la eternidad con Dios y no con el diablo en el lago de fuego. ¿Sabes adónde irás cuando mueras? JOHN14:6 (May 25, 2017) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except by Me.” Jesus explains it very well. The only way you can come into salvation – eternal life with God – is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Religion will not do it. Good works will not do it. Being a nice person will not do it. Apart from Jesus there is no way to get to heaven. If you think you will have eternal life with God for any other reason other than Jesus, you are dead wrong. If that is your case, you will wind up in the lake of fire. However if you want to go to heaven, ask Father God to forgive you, ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and ask the Holy Spirit to live in you. God bless you! JUAN 14:6 (25 de Mayo 2017) “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida. Nadie viene al Padre, sino por Mí.” Jesucristo lo explica perfectamente bien. La única manera de llegar a la salvación – tener vida eterna con Dios – es si recibes a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. No puedes llegar al cielo por tu religión, tus buenas obras, ni porque seas buena persona. Aparte de recibir a Jesucristo no hay otra manera. Si piensas que llegarás al cielo aparte de Jesucristo estás bien equivocado. Si ese es tu caso, terminarás en el lago de fuego sufriendo eternamente. Sin embargo, si quieres ir al cielo, pídele perdón a Dios Padre, pídele a Jesucristo que sea tu Señor y Salvador, y al Espíritu Santo que viva en ti. ¡Dios te bendiga! LUKE 17:6 (5/18/17) “ So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” This is what Jesus told His disciples, but He is telling us the same thing. If we have faith our prayers will be answered, but if we don’t have it, nothing will happen. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). If we don’t really have faith, it’s a waste of time for us to pray. LUCAS 17:6 (18 de Mayo 17) “ Entonces el Señor les dijo: Si tuvieran fe como un grano de mostaza, podrían decirle a este sicómoro: Desarráigate, y plántate en el mar; y los obedecería.” Esto es lo que Jesucristo les dijo a sus discípulos, pero nos dice lo mismo a nosotros. Si tenemos fe, nuestras oraciones reciben respuestas, pero si no la tenemos, nada pasa. Sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios (Hebreos 11:6). Si oramos sin fe estamos perdiendo nuestro tiempo y aburriendo a Dios. COLOSSIANS 1:15-18 (May 11, 2017) “ He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him (Jesus) and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Jesus is the image, the exact likeness, of the invisible God. 2. Everything was created by Him. 3. All things were created for Him. 4. Before anything existed, He existed. 5. Everything is held together by Him. 6. He is the head of the born-again Christian church. 7. He resurrected from the dead. COLOSENSES 1:15-18 (11 de Mayo 2017) “El (Jesucristo) es la imagen del Dios invisible, el primogénito de toda creación. Porque en él fueron creadas todas las cosas, las que hay en los cielos y las que hay en la tierra, visibles e invisibles; sean tronos, sean dominios, sean principados, sean potestades; todo fue creado por medio de él y para él. Y él es antes de todas las cosas, y todas las cosas en él subsisten; y él es la cabeza del cuerpo que es la iglesia, él que es el principio, el primogénito de entre los muertos, para que en todo tenga la preeminencia.” 1. Jesucristo es la imagen del Dios invisible. 2. Todo fue creado por él. 3. Todo fue creado para él. 4. Antes que algo existiera, él existía. 5. Todo subsiste en él y por él. 6. Él es la cabeza de la iglesia cristiana. 7. Él resucitó de entre los muertos. ROMANS 10:9-10 (May 4, 2017) Through the apostle Paul God tells you: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Now you know what you have to do in order to be saved – to spend eternity with God and not in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons. ROMANOS 10:9-10 (4 de Mayo 2017) Por medio del apóstol Pablo Dios te dice: “ Que si confiesas con tu boca que Jesús es el Señor, y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo levantó de los muertos, serás salvo. Porque con el corazón se cree para justicia, pero con la boca se confiesa para salvación.” Ahora ya sabes que debes hacer para tener salvación – ir al cielo, en vez de pasar la eternidad sufriendo con el diablo y sus demonios en el lago de fuego. 1 TIMOTHY 2:4 (April 27, 2017) “ (Jesus) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” You read this scripture correctly. Jesus wants you to spend eternity with Him. He does not want you to spend it suffering in the lake of fire with the devil and his demons. All you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. Will you do that? 1 TIMOTEO 2:4 (27 de Abril 2017) “(Jesucristo) el cual quiere que todos los hombres sean salvos y vengan al conocimiento de la verdad.” Leíste esta escritura correctamente. Jesucristo desea que pases la eternidad con él. No quiere que la pases con el diablo y sus demonios sufriendo en el lago de fuego. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es arrepentirte, pedirle perdón a Dios, y recibir a Jesucristo en tu corazón como tu Señor y Salvador. ¿Lo harás? ISAIAH 5:20-21 (April 20, 2017) “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” It sounds to me as if God were talking to the news media, politicians in general, movie stars, the pro-abortion people, the pro-gay people, the pro-drug people and quite a few others. Is He talking to you? ISAÍAS 5:20-21 (20 de Abril 2017) “ !!Ay de los que a lo malo dicen bueno, y a lo bueno malo; que hacen de la luz tinieblas, y de las tinieblas luz; que ponen lo amargo por dulce, y lo dulce por amargo! !!Ay de los sabios en sus propios ojos, y de los que son prudentes delante de sí mismos!!” Me parece que Dios les está hablando a los medios de comunicación, a los políticos en general, a los estrellas de cine, a los que apoyan al aborto, a los que apoyan a los homosexuales, a los que trafican en drogas y a muchos más. ¿Te está hablando a ti? PROVERB 16:25 (April 13, 2017) “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverb: 21:2 –“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” These two scriptures make it very clear that what is right in men’s way of thinking is not necessarily right with God. In men’s point of view it may be correct for men to marry men, for women to marry women, for ladies to have abortions, for the government to sell drugs with certain regulations, and for the bigger fish to swallow the smaller ones, but what does God think? PROVERBIO 16:25 (13 de Abril 2017) “Hay camino que parece derecho al hombre, pero su fin es camino de muerte.” Proverbio 21:2“Todo camino del hombre es recto en su propia opinión; pero Jehová pesa los corazones.” Estas dos escrituras esclarecen el punto de que lo que está bien en los ojos del hombre no es necesariamente correcto en los ojos de Dios. En el punto de vista del hombre puede ser correcto que hombres se casen con hombres, que mujeres se casen con mujeres, que las mujeres aborten niños, que el gobierno autorice la venta de drogas, y que el pez grande se coma al más pequeño, pero, ¿cómo lo ve Dios? PSALM 135:15-18 (April 6, 2017) “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.” Are you worshiping an idol that has hands, but cannot touch, feet, but cannot walk, a mouth, but cannot speak, ears, but cannot hear, a head that is made of plastic, plaster, wood or some kind of metal, but cannot think? If that describes you, you are missing the boat completely. Jesus Christ, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the Creator of everything that exists. You need to come to Him, repented and asking for forgiveness. Every other so-called god is a lie from the devil. If you are praying to anything else or anybody else other than Father God, in the name of Jesus, you will wind up suffering eternally in the lake of fire. If, for whatever reason, you don’t believe me, go to the Bible and you will find out for yourself. SALMO 135:15-18 (6 de Abril 2017) “Los ídolos de las naciones son plata y oro, obra de manos de hombres. Tienen boca, y no hablan; Tienen ojos, y no ven; Tienen orejas, y no oyen; Tampoco hay aliento en sus bocas. Semejantes a ellos son los que los hacen, y todos los que en ellos confían.” Estás adorando ídolos que tienen manos, pero no pueden tocar, que tienen pies, pero no pueden caminar, que tienen ojos, pero no pueden ver, que tienen oídos, pero no pueden oír, que tienen boca, pero no pueden hablar, y que tienen cabeza de plástico, madera, yeso o metal, pero no pueden pensar? Si eso te describe a ti, estás completamente fuera de la realidad. Jesucristo, el Dios de los judíos, es el Creador de los cielos, la tierra y todo lo que existe. Necesitas arrepentirte, llegar a él en humildad y pedirle perdón. Cualquier otro llamado dios, santo, virgen o entidad divina es mentira del diablo. Si le estás orando a cualquier otra cosa o entidad que no sea Dios Padre, Jesucristo o el Espíritu Santo te llevará al lago de fuego para que pases la eternidad sufriendo. Si, por la razón que sea, no me crees, ve directamente a la biblia y te desengañarás por ti mismo. HOSEA 9:15 (March 30, 2017) “All their wickedness is in Gilgal, for there I hated them. Because of the evil of their deeds. I will drive them from My house; I will love them no more. All their princes are rebellious.” Through the prophet Hosea, God was speaking to the Israelites, but in essence He could be speaking to the USA. Why? Abortion, gay people, drug usage, crookedness in our government, blasphemy against God, violence in our country, pornography, adultery, prostitution, idolatry, getting God out of all our public buildings, pastors/evangelists watering down the word of God to get more donations and so on. Do you suppose God is a little aggravated with us? In Isaiah 55:6, God tells us through the prophet Isaiah to look for Him while He can be found and to call upon Him while He is near. Maybe the time is coming soon when He no longer can be found by us and when He is not near anymore. It is time for us to repent as a nation before it is too late NUMBERS 24:9 (March 23, 2017) “He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? Blessed is he who blesses you, And cursed is he who curses you.” God is talking to Israel through a man. Those who bless Israel will be blessed by God, and those who curse Israel will be cursed by God. Let’s hope that unlike Obama who cursed Israel, Trump will bless Israel and God will bless our nation – the United States of America. Only time will tell. NÚMEROS 24:9 (23 de Marzo 2017) “Se encorvará para echarse como león, Y como leona; ¿quién lo despertará? Benditos los que te bendigan, Y malditos los que te maldigan.” Dios le está hablando a Israel por medio de un hombre. Los que bendigan a Israel serán bendecidos, y los que maldigan a Israel serán maldecidos. Obama fue maldición para Israel y nos fue mal. Si Trump es bendición para Israel nos irá bien. El tiempo nos dirá DEUTERONOMY 11:26-28 (March 16, 2017) “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” God makes it clear to our nation and to us individually to choose one or the other. If we don’t choose God, we are choosing His curse, and if we do that, then we should be ready to pay the consequences. Hopefully this scripture will speak to you and to our nation. DEUTERONOMIO 11:26-28 (16 de Marzo 2017) “He aquí yo (Dios) pongo hoy delante de ustedes la bendición y la maldición: la bendición, si obedecen los mandamientos de Jehová su Dios, que yo les prescribo hoy, y la maldición, si no obedecen los mandamientos de Jehová su Dios, y se apartan del camino que yo les ordeno hoy, para ir en pos de dioses ajenos que no han conocido.” Dios lo esclarece perfectamente para nuestro país y para nosotros que debemos escoger. Si no escogemos los principios de Dios, automáticamente estamos escogiendo sus maldiciones, y si eso es lo que hacemos debemos prepararnos para recibir las consecuencias. Espero que esta escritura les haya hablado. PROVERB 23:7 (March 9, 2017) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” If you are failing, having troubles, everything is going wrong for you, the world seems to be against you, you are frustrated or maybe depressed, change your way of thinking. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Renew your mind and change your way of thinking and things will get better for you. PROVERBIO 23:7 (9 de Marzo 2017) “Porque cual es su pensamiento en su corazón, tal es él…” Si estás fracasando, tienes problemas, todo te sale mal, parece que el mundo está contra ti, y si estás frustrado y deprimido cambia tu modo de pensar. La biblia nos dice en Romanos 12:2 que no nos conformemos a este mundo y que seamos transformados al renovar nuestras mentes. Renueva tu mente y cambia tu modo de pensar y todo te cambiará. GENESIS 1:26-27 (March 2, 2017) “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” There are five points here that you should think about: 1. God is triune – Father God, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 2. God is the Creator. 3. We are created in God’s image. 4. We should have dominion over this earth. 5. We are male and female; not transgender, not lesbians and not homosexuals. PROVERB 12:15 (February 23, 2017) “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Unfortunately there are many such fools. Proverb 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Complete foolishness is not believing in God and many people are complete fools. Don’t be one of them! Psalm 14:1 – “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” If you fit into that category of those who do not believe in God, you are a fool. The good thing is that as long as you are alive you have the option to believe. If you repent and believe in God, He will forgive you and give you eternal life with Him. PROVERB 16:3 (February 16, 2017) “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” We should commit everything we do to the Lord. If we do, He will bless it no matter how insignificant it may be. If God blesses it, no matter what it is it will be a success. PSALM 92:7 (February 9, 2017) “When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever.” Those people that are causing trouble in our nation (The United States of America) are not Christian and they will be destroyed by God. In other words they will wind up burning eternally in the lake of fire. SALMO 92:7 (9 de Febrero 2017) “Cuando brotan los impíos como la hierba, Y florecen todos los que hacen iniquidad, es para ser destruidos eternamente.” Se refiere a esa gente que está causando problemas en nuestro país (Los Estados Unidos de América). No son cristianos y van a ser destruidos por nuestro Dios. En otras palabras van a pasar la eternidad quemándose en el lago de fuego. LUKE 17:6 (February 2, 2017) Jesus said: “If you have faith as a mustard seed. you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” What this means is that a little faith goes a long way. If claim whatever we need in faith, God will do the rest, but He will not necessarily provide what we wish we had. I know many pastors and evangelists are preaching the prosperity message and some people love to hear it, but it’s not necessarily true. Some people who are not even Christians will prosper financially and some Christians who pray all the time will not. That’s life. LUCAS 17:6 (2 de Febrero 2017) Jesucristo nos dice a todos: “Si tuvieras fe como un grano de mostaza, podrías decirle a este sicómoro: Desarráigate, y plántate en el mar; y te obedecería.” Lo que significa es que poca fe nos lleva lejos. Si clamamos nuestras necesidades en fe, Dios hace lo demás, pero no necesariamente nos complace con nuestros deseos. Necesidades sí, deseos no necesariamente. Yo sé que es muy popular para los pastores y evangelistas predicar el evangelio de prosperidad, y a la gente le encanta escucharlo, pero no es necesariamente correcto. Algunas personas que ni siquiera son cristianas van a prosperar económicamente y algunas que son cristianas quienes oran bastante jamás van a ser ricas. Así es la vida. JOHN 1:9-12 (January 26, 2016) “That (Jesus) was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own (the Jewish people), and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God (anyone who repents and asks Jesus to be his Lord and Savior), to those who believe in His name.” If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will not make it to heaven, but you will make it to the lake of fire. However if you want to spend eternity with God, all you have to do is repent, ask God to forgive you, and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It doesn’t matter what you may have done. He doesn’t reject anybody. JUAN 1:9-12 (26 de Enero 2017) “Aquella luz verdadera (Jesucristo), que alumbra a todo hombre, venía a este mundo. En el mundo estaba, y el mundo por él fue hecho; pero el mundo no le conoció. A lo suyo vino, y los suyos (los judíos) no le recibieron. Mas a todos los que le recibieron, a los que creen en su nombre (a los que reciben a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador), les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios.” Si no has recibido a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador, no entrarás al cielo, pero sí pasarás la eternidad en el lago de fuego. Sin embargo, si quieres pasar la eternidad con Dios, todo lo que tienes que hacer es arrepentirte, pedirle perdón a Dios, y recibir a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. No importa lo que hayas hecho. Él no rechaza a nadie. ROMANS 3:23-24 (January 19, 2017) “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” If you think you are going to spend eternity with God because you are a nice person, you are totally mistaken. All of us have sinned and cannot enter the gates of heaven, unless we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You may be the nicest person in the entire world, you may have done ten thousand good works and you may be the most religious person that ever existed, but unless you receive Jesus Christ in your heart, you will spend eternity in the lake of fire. ROMANOS 3:23-24 (19 de Enero 2017) “Por cuanto todos pecaron, y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios, siendo justificados gratuitamente por su gracia, mediante la redención que es en Cristo Jesús.” Si piensas que pasarás la eternidad con Dios, porque eres buena persona, estás bien equivocado. Todos hemos pecado y no podremos entrar a los portales del cielo, a menos que hayamos recibido a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Puedes ser la persona más buena de todo el mundo, haber hecho miles de buenas obras, y puedes ser la persona más religiosa que haya existido, pero a menos que recibas a Jesucristo en tu corazón, pasarás la eternidad sufriendo en el lago de fuego. PSALM 27:1 (January 12, 2017) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid.” If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you should not even fear death because that only means you will spend eternity with God. If you are not a Christian, you may be fearing many things. SALMO 27:1 (12 de Enero 2017) “Jehová es mi luz y mi salvación; ¿de quién temeré? Jehová es la fortaleza de mi vida; ¿de quién he de atemorizarme?” Si has aceptado a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador, ni siquiera debes temerle a la muerte, porque al morir irás al cielo para pasar la eternidad con Dios. Si no eres cristiano, es posible que te atemoricen muchas cosas. JOSHUA 1:8 (January 5, 2017) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” That is what God told Joshua, but it also applies to us. We don’t just have “The Book of the Law,” but we have the entire Bible – The Old and The New Testament. If we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and follow the principles set by God in the Bible, we will receive God’s blessings. The opposite is also true, and that’s why the world finds itself in such a terrible state. How is your life? JOSUÉ 1:8 (5 de Enero 2017) “Nunca se apartará de tu boca este libro de la ley, sino que de día y de noche meditarás en él, para que guardes y hagas conforme a todo lo que en él está escrito; porque entonces harás prosperar tu camino, y todo te saldrá bien.” Eso es lo que Dios le dijo a Josué, pero también es para nosotros. No solamente tenemos “El Libro de la Ley,” sino que tenemos la biblia entera – El Viejo y El Nuevo Testamento. Si recibimos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador y vivimos por los principios bíblicos de Dios, recibiremos las bendiciones de Dios. Lo opuesto también se cumple, y por eso el mundo está en un estado terrible. ¿Cómo va tu vida? MATTHEW 16:24 (December 29, 2016) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up the cross, and follow Me.” These are the words of Jesus Himself. “Deny himself” means that when a person becomes a true Christian, he or she ought to give up certain things, such as; drinking, smoking, corruption, using drugs, adultery, pornography, prostitution, lying, stealing, giving false witness, judging others and anything else that goes against God’s will. A word to the wise: Are you a real Christian or do you think you are one, but are not living a Christian life? God cannot be mocked and He cannot be deceived. MATEO 16:24 (29 de Diciembre 2016) “Si alguno quiere venir en pos de mí, niéguese a sí mismo, y tome su cruz, y sígame.” Esto es lo que nos dice Jesucristo. “Niéguese a sí mismo” significa que cuando una persona se convierte al cristianismo debe dejar de tomar, fumar, usar drogas, mentir, dar falso testimonio, robar, defraudar, juzgar al prójimo, participar en la prostitución, el adulterio, la pornografía o cualquier otra cosa que vaya contra la voluntad de Dios. Una palabra de sabiduría: ¿Eres cristiano de verdad o simplemente piensas que eres uno, pero no vives una vida conforme la voluntad de Dios? 1 PETER 4:7-8 (December 22, 2016) “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers, and above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love covers a multitude of sins.’” Some points to ponder: 1. The world as we know it will change because Jesus is coming back for the Christians. The ones who have never received Him as their Lord and Savior will stay behind to suffer the consequences of the tribulation. 2. We should get right with God because Jesus could come back at any moment. 3. We should love one another. Instead of fighting and bickering we should try to help one another. 1 PEDRO 4:7-8 (22 de Diciembre 2016) “Mas el fin de todas las cosas se acerca; sean, pues, sobrios, y velen en oración. Y ante todo, tengan entre ustedes ferviente amor; porque el amor cubrirá multitud de pecados.” Algunos puntos en que pensar: 1. El mundo como lo conocemos va a cambiar, porque Jesucristo va a venir por sus seguidores. Los que nunca lo han recibido como su Señor y Salvador se quedarán para sufrir las consecuencias de la tribulación. 2. Debemos arreglar cuentas con Dios, porque Jesucristo puede volver a cualquier momento. 3. Debemos amarnos los unos a los otros. En vez de estar en desacuerdo, peleando y haciéndonos daño, debemos ayudarnos. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18 “ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Going to church, reading the Bible and praying to God, may sound like foolishness to you now, but when you die, God judges you and sends you to hell, then you will wish you had listened to the people who have invited you to church. If you are reading this, it is not too late for you. Find a good Christian friend and go with him or her to a good born-again Christian church. Let God and heaven be waiting for you, instead of the devil and hell. 1 CORINTIOS 1:18 “Porque la palabra de la cruz es locura a los que se pierden; pero a los que se salvan, esto es, a nosotros, es poder de Dios.” El asistir a la iglesia, leer la biblia y orarle a Dios, puede sonar como una locura o tontería para ti ahora, pero cuando te mueras, te juzgue Dios y te mande al infierno, entonces te arrepentirás de no haber escuchado a la gente que te invitó a la iglesia. Si estás leyendo esto, todavía hay tiempo para ti. Procura a un amigo cristiano y ve con él o con ella a una iglesia cristiana donde enseñen directamente de la biblia. Permite que Dios y el cielo te reciban y no el diablo y el infierno. PSALM 33:12 (December 8, 2016) “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” It seems that God has chosen two countries for His own. Those countries are Israel and the United States. For whatever the reason, both countries at one time or another have rejected God. As a result God removes His protection from them for a season. That season is over when the people return back to God. While Israel seems to be returning to God, the United States seems to be moving away. As a result God is removing His protection from us. Let’s hope with the new President – Donald Trump – that we will come back to God. SALMO 33:12 (8 de Diciembre 2016) “Bienaventurada la nación cuyo Dios es Jehová, el pueblo que él escogió como heredad para sí.” Parece que Dios ha escogido dos naciones para sí. Esas naciones son Israel y los Estados Unidos de América. Por la razón que sea ambos países se han alejado de Dios. Como resultado de eso, Dios les ha removido su protección por cierta temporada. Esa temporada llegará a su fin cuando la gente se acerque a Dios de nuevo. Parece que Israel está acercándose a Dios, pero la nación americana va alejándose. Esperamos que con el nuevo Presidente – Donald Trump – nuestra gente regrese DEUTERONOMY 12:28 (December 1, 2016) “Observe and obey all these words which I (God) command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 13:4 – “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” Which God should we follow? There is only one true God and that is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It will go well with us if we follow Him – that means keeping His commandments and obeying His principles. Unfortunately that is not the way the majority of the American people is living. DEUTERONOMIO 12:28 (Primero de Diciembre 2016) “Guarda y escucha todas estas palabras que yo (Dios) te mando, para que haciendo lo bueno y lo recto ante los ojos de Jehová tu Dios, te vaya bien a ti y a tus hijos después de ti para siempre.” Deuteronomio 13:4 – “En pos de Jehová tu Dios andarás; a él temerás, guardarás sus mandamientos y escucharás su voz, a él servirás, y a él seguirás.” ¿A cuál Dios debes seguir? Solamente hay un Dios verdadero, y él es el Dios de Abraham, Isaac e Israel. Te irá bien si lo sigues – cumpliendo con sus mandamientos, y siguiendo sus principios. Desafortunadamente eso no es como está viviendo la mayoría de los estadounidenses. PSALM 107:8-9 (November 24, 2016) “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Thanksgiving Day comes once a year ( the 4th Thursday in November) to us in the United States, but we should gives thanks to God every single day of our lives. SALMO 107:8-9 (24 de Noviembre 2016) “Alaben la misericordia de Jehová, y sus maravillas para con los hijos de los hombres. Porque sacia al alma menesterosa, y llena de bien al alma hambrienta.” EL Día de Acción de Gracias nos llega una vez al año (el cuarto jueves de Noviembre) en los Estados Unidos, pero debemos darle gracias a Dios cada día de nuestras vidas. NUMBERS 24:9 (November 17, 2016) “‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ “Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.” The scripture is talking about Israel. Barack Obama, even if he read this scripture, never understood it. During his eight years in office he never blessed Israel. Actually he was against Israel from day one. That may be one of the reasons why God has removed His blessings from us. Let us hope that Donald Trump blesses Israel. If he does, the blessings of God will come to us once again. NÚMEROS 24:9 (17 de Noviembre 2016) “Se encorvará para echarse como león, y como leona; ¿quién lo despertará? Benditos los que te bendijeren, y malditos los que te maldijeren.” Esta escritura se refiere a Israel. Barack Obama, aunque haya leído esta escritura, jamás la entendió. Durante sus ocho años en la Casa Blanca nunca bendijo a Israel. En realidad estuvo contra Israel desde el primer día. Esa puede ser una de las razones por qué Dios nos alejó sus bendiciones. Esperemos que Donald Trump sea una bendición para Israel. Si lo hace, nos llegarán de nuevo las bendiciones de Dios. MATTHEW 13:14 (November 10, 2016) “ And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive.’” Are you one of those persons? Have you heard about Jesus, but discarded it as not having any importance? Your soul hangs in the balance. You definitely have the right to believe or not to believe, and God definitely has the right to judge you on Judgment Day. Good luck! MATEO 13:14 (10 de Noviembre 2016) “De manera que se cumple en ellos la profecía de Isaías, que dijo: De oído oirás, y no entenderás; Y viendo verás, y no percibirás.” ¿Eres una de esas personas? ¿Has oído hablar de Jesucristo, pero lo has descartado como si no tuviera importancia? Tu alma está a la víspera de la eternidad. Tienes el derecho de creer o de no creer, y Dios tiene el derecho de juzgarte en el Día del Juicio. ¡Buena Suerte! 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 (November 3, 2016) “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”[ Since the lifespan is so short people have no idea of eternity. Nevertheless, all of us who are God’s children will live with Him eternally. We don’t really have the slightest idea as to what God has prepared for us. All we know is that it is going to be something wonderful, majestic, grand and truly out of this world. Knowing that we should do everything possible to gain salvation and to maintain it. Do you know where you will be going when you die? 1 CORINTIOS 2:9 (3 de Noviembre 2016) “Antes bien, como está escrito: Cosas que ojo no vio, ni oído oyó, ni han subido en corazón de hombre, son las que Dios ha preparado para los que le aman.” Siendo que la vida es tan corta la gente no tiene la menor idea de la eternidad. Sin embargo, todos los que somos hijos de Dios viviremos con él eternamente. Ni siquiera nos imaginamos lo que él ha preparado para nosotros. Todo lo que sabemos es que será maravilloso, majestuoso, magnífico y muy superior a lo de este mundo. Al saber eso deberíamos hacer todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para obtener y mantener nuestra salvación. ¿Sabes adónde irás cuando mueras? PSALM 147:11 (October 27, 2016) “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” Do you believe in God? Do you trust in Him? Do you hope in His mercy? Let’s hope you do, because it is only through His grace and mercy and your faith in Him that you may have salvation. There is no other way. SALMO 147:11 (27 de Octubre 2016) “Jehová se complace en los que le temen, y en los que esperan en su misericordia.” ¿Crees en Dios? ¿Confías en él? ¿Esperas su misericordia? Ojalá que sí, porque solamente por su gracia, su misericordia y tu fe en él puedes recibir la salvación EZEKIEL 18:26-28 (October 20, 2016) “When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” God makes it quite clear that unless we remain faithful until the end, we will not receive salvation. By the same token, if we repent just before we die and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then we will enter into heaven through the pearly gates. Being that we do not know when we are going to breathe for the last time, it is important for us to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior as soon as possible. Have you already done that? If you have not, it would be wise for you to start thinking about it. EZEQUIEL 18:26-28 (20 de Octubre 2016) “Cuando el justo se aparta de la justicia, cae en la maldad y muere, ¡pero muere por su maldad! Por otra parte, si el malvado se aleja de su maldad y practica el derecho y la justicia, salvará su vida. Si recapacita y se aparta de todas sus maldades, no morirá sino que vivirá.” Dios lo hace muy claro que a menos que permanezcamos fieles hasta el fin, no recibiremos la salvación. Igualmente, si nos arrepentimos y recibimos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador o Redentor poquito antes de morir, entonces entraremos al cielo por los portales de perla. Siendo que ninguno de nosotros sabe cuándo va a respirar por su ultima vez, es importantísimo que recibamos a Jesucristo en nuestro corazón como nuestro Señor y Salvador lo más pronto posible. ¿Ya lo has hecho? Si no lo has hecho, es muy conveniente que lo hagas sin pensarlo dos veces. JOSHUA 1:9 (October 13, 2016) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God told this to Joshua, but it applies to us if we are His children. To be His children we have to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and no one comes to the Father or to salvation in any other way, other than through Him. JOSUÉ 1:9 (13 de Octubre 2013) “Mira que te mando que te esfuerces y seas valiente; no temas ni desmayes, porque Jehová tu Dios estará contigo en dondequiera que vayas.” Dios le dijo eso a Josué, pero es válido para nosotros también si somos sus hijos. Para ser parte de su familia tenemos que recibir a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Él es el camino, la verdad, y la vida (Juan 14:6), y nadie viene al Padre o recibe salvación en ninguna otra manera, sino por él. EZEKIEL 33:20 (September 6, 2016) “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.” On Judgment Day God will judge every single sinner for his sinful ways. Catholics, guess what? There is no Purgatory, so you will go straight to hell if you haven’t received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That also goes for any person who has a religion, but does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Other than Jesus Christ nobody can save you. EZEQUIEL 33:20 (6 de Septiembre 2016) “Y dijeron: No es recto el camino del Señor. Yo los juzgaré, oh casa de Israel, a cada uno conforme a sus caminos.” En el Día del Juicio Dios juzgará a cada pecador por sus caminos pecaminosos. ¿Católicos, saben qué? No existe el Purgatorio. Así es que irán directamente al infierno a menos que hayan recibido a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. Eso también le aplica a todo religioso que no tenga una relación personal con Jesucristo. Aparte de Jesucristo nadie ni nada te puede dar salvación 1 PETER 2:15 (September 29, 2016) “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” Our duty as Christians is to do good wherever we may be. For us to do good is not contingent on what the others may be doing. We obey God, not society. 1PEDRO 2:15 (29 de Septiembre 2016) “Porque esta es la voluntad de Dios: que haciendo bien, hagan callar la ignorancia de los hombres vanos.” Nuestro deber como cristianos es de hacer el bien dondequiera que estemos. Que hagamos el bien no depende en lo que estén haciendo JEREMIAH 30:22 (September 22, 2016) “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.” This is what God was telling the Israelites, but in essence He is telling us the same thing. We can be His people by receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. There is no other way to get to heaven, but through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). JEREMÍAS 30:22 (22 de Septiembre 2016) “Me serán por pueblo, y yo seré su Dios.” Dios le estaba hablando al pueblo israelita, pero en esencia es para nosotros también. Podemos ser sus hijos si recibimos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. No existe otra manera de llegar al cielo (Juan 14:6). DON’T LOOK AT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES (September 22, 2016) Your circumstances may be bad or even horrible. Do not be frightened by them. As with everything else, they too will pass. Do not live in the past; instead make plans for a brighter future. Don’t dwell on what you’ve lost, but rather on what you are gaining. If you are down, don’t feel sorry for yourself – get up! Do not yearn for what you don’t have – enjoy what you do have! Don’t compare yourself to others, t Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Filadelfia: Esto dice el Santo, el Verdadero, el que tiene la llave de David, el que abre y ninguno cierra, y cierra y ninguno abre: o something and not even to yourself. You are unique and if you draw close to God, He in turn will draw close to you. NO MIRES TUS CIRCUNSTANCIAS (22 de Septiembre 2016) Tus circunstancias pueden ser malas o hasta horribles. No permitas que te asusten. Como con todo lo demás, éstas también pasarán. No vivas en el pasado; en vez de eso haz buenos planes para tu futuro. No pienses en lo que perdiste, sino en lo que estás ganando. Si estás caído, no te tengas lástima – ¡Levántate! No anheles lo que no tengas – ¡Disfruta lo que tienes! No te compares con otros, con otras cosas ni contigo mismo. Eres único, y si te acercas a Dios, él se acercará a ti. JEREMIAH 29:13-14 (September 8, 2016) “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.” God was talking to “His chosen people,” which of course are the Israelites – the Jews. However, since He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and since He does not discriminate or believes in favoritism (Romans 2:11), that applies to us. All we have to do search for Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 6:33). If you draw closer to God, He will draw closer to you. JEREMÍAS 29:13-14 (8 de Septiembre 2016) “y me buscarán y me hallarán, porque me buscarán de todo su corazón. Y seré hallado por ustedes, dice Jehová, y haré volver su cautividad, y los reuniré de todas las naciones y de todos

los lugares adonde los arrojé, dice Jehová; y los haré volver al lugar de donde los hice llevar.” Dios le hablaba a su pueblo escogido – los israelitas. Siendo que él es igual ayer, hoy y por siempre (Hebreos 13:8), y porque no discrimina ni enseña favoritismo (Romanos 2:11), eso nos aplica a nosotros también. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es buscarlo de todo corazón (Jeremías 29:13 y Mateo 6:33). Si te acercas a Dios, él se acercará a ti. MATTHEW 6:33 (September 1, 2016) “But seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe not to pastors, but to me it is the most important scripture in the Bible. If you do not seek first the kingdom of God, three things will happen, you do not have salvation, which means you will spend eternity in the lake of fire, God will not answer your prayers and you will not receive any of God’s blessings. MATEO 6:33 (Primero de Septiembre 2016) “ Mas busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas se les serán añadidas.” Estas palabras son de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Tal vez no sea para los pastores, pero para mí esta escritura es la más importante en toda la biblia. Si no buscas primeramente el reino de Dios, tres cosas te sucederán: No tendrás salvación lo que significa que pasarás la eternidad en el lago de fuego, Dios no oirá tus oraciones, y no recibirás las bendiciones de Dios. ISAIAH 41:10 (August 25, 2016) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” If you are going through difficult times, draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). He can definitely help you, but you must do the following: 1. Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 2. Believe with blind faith. 3. Pray to God in the name of Jesus. 4. Expect the miracle. 5. Thank God even before He answers your prayer. ISAÍAS 41:10 (25 de Agosto 2016) “No temas, que yo soy contigo; no desmayes, que yo soy tu Dios que te esfuerzo: siempre te ayudaré, siempre te sustentaré con la diestra de mi justicia.” Si estás atravesando por tiempos difíciles, acércate a Dios y él se acercará a ti (Santiago 4:8). Él puede ayudarte a solucionar tus problemas, pero tienes que hacer lo siguiente: 1. Recibir a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. 2. Creer con una fe ciega. 3. Orarle a Dios Padre en el nombre de Jesucristo. 4. Esperar el milagro. 5. Darle gracias a Dios antes que te responda tu petición. EZEKIEL 18:32 (August 18, 2016) “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord, “Therefore turn and live!” God is not talking about a physical death, but rather about a spiritual death. He is referring to people who have no salvation. That is anybody who has not received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. God’s will and His wish is for every unbeliever to repent, come to Him, and receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Redeemer, so he can be saved. Could that be you? EZEQUIEL 18:32 (18 de Agosto 2016) “Porque no me da placer en la muerte del que muere, dice Jehová el Señor; conviértase, pues, y vivirá.” Dios no habla de una muerte física, sino de la muerte espiritual. Se refiere a la gente que está alejada de Dios y no tiene salvación. Esa es cualquier persona que jamás haya recibido a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. La voluntad y el deseo de Dios es que todo incrédulo se arrepienta, venga a él, y que reciba a Jesucristo como su Señor y Redentor para que tenga salvación. ¿Esa persona, serás tú? LUKE 12:34 (August 11, 2016) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your treasure? Is it in possessions? Is it in money? Is it in playing or watching sports? Is it in partying? Is it in being popular? Is it in philosophy or religion? Is it in your family? On what do you spend your money and most of your time? Whatever that may be that’s where your heart is. If you have taken a detour, turn to Jesus. Make Him your treasure. If you do that, you will make treasures in heaven, and He will save your soul. Your soul is the real you, the eternal you, the one that will live forever. Will you spend eternity with God or with the devil in the lake of fire? You have the solution in your hands. LUCAS 12:34 (11 de Agosto 2016) “Porque donde está tu tesoro, allí también estará tu corazón.” ¿Dónde está tu tesoro? ¿Está en tu dinero? ¿Está en tus posesiones? ¿Está en los deportes? ¿Son las fiestas? ¿Es buscando la popularidad? ¿Está en tu filosofía o religión? ¿Está en tu familia? ¿En qué gastas tu dinero y la mayoría de tu tiempo? Sea en lo que sea, ese es tu Dios y allí está tu corazón y tu tesoro. Si te has desviado, dobla hacia Jesucristo. Que él sea tu tesoro. Si haces eso, harás tesoros en el cielo, y Dios salvará tu alma. Tu alma es el verdadero tú, el eterno tú, el que vivirá eternamente. ¿Pasarás la eternidad con Dios o con el diablo en el lago de fuego? La solución está en tus manos. MATTHEW 6:19-21 (August 4, 2016) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” People lose their health, their families, their friends and sometimes other things in order to earn more money. Yet, when everything is said and done, they can’t take anything with them. The only treasures that are lasting are the ones we lay up for ourselves in heaven. That is when we bring people to the Lord and when we do God’s will here on this earth. Are you making treasures in heaven? If you are not, you may not even get there. The only way to heaven is through Jesus (John 14:6). MATEO 6:19-21 (4 de Agosto 2016) “ No se hagan tesoros en la tierra, donde la polilla y el orín corrompen, y donde ladrones minan y hurtan; sino hagan tesoros en el cielo, donde ni la polilla ni el orín corrompen, y donde ladrones no minan ni hurtan. Porque donde esté su tesoro, allí estará también su corazón.” Mucha gente pierde su salud, su familia, sus amigos, y hasta otras cosas para ganar más dinero. Sin embargo, cuando todo se haya dicho y cuando todo se haya hecho, no se pueden llevar nada al otro mundo. Los únicos tesoros que permanecen son los que nos hacemos en el cielo. Eso es cuando traemos gente a la salvación o cuando hacemos la voluntad de Dios, no la nuestra. ¿Dónde estás haciendo tus tesoros? Si no los estás haciendo en el cielo, tal vez ni llegues ahí. La única manera de arribar al cielo es por medio de Jesucristo (Juan 14:6). COLOSSIANS 1:15-19 (July 28, 2016) “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” In case you have not read the Bible, have not been to a born-again Christian church, belong to a false religion, are an atheist or an agnostic this scripture makes it very clear to you that Jesus Christ is the Creator, the Living God and the only one who can give you salvation. COLOSENSES 1:15-19 (28 de Julio 2016) “ El (Jesucristo) es la imagen del Dios invisible, el primogénito de toda creación. Porque en él fueron creadas todas las cosas, las que hay en los cielos y las que hay en la tierra, visibles e invisibles; sean tronos, sean dominios, sean principados, sean potestades; todo fue creado por medio de él y para él. Y él es antes de todas las cosas, y todas las cosas en él subsisten; y él es la cabeza del cuerpo que es la iglesia, él que es el principio, el primogénito de entre los muertos, para que en todo tenga la preeminencia; por cuanto agradó al Padre que en él

habitase toda plenitud.” En caso que no hayas leído la biblia, no hayas asistido a una iglesia cristiana, que pertenezcas a una religión falsa, o que seas ateo esta escritura te lo hace bastante claro que Jesucristo es el Creador, Dios Viviente, y el único bajo quien puedas tener salvación. JAMES 1:19-21 (July 21, 2016) “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” We should definitely take this advice from James, the half-brother of Jesus. He was a son of the virgin Mary and Joseph. Basically, he tells us to listen carefully before speaking, to think before we speak, not to get mad without knowing all the facts, and to live by the word of God. Wouldn’t this world be so much better off if all of us were to do that? SANTIAGO 1:19-21 (21 de Julio 2016) “Por esto, mis amados hermanos, todo hombre sea pronto para oír, tardo para hablar, tardo para airarse; porque la ira del hombre no obra la justicia de Dios. Por lo cual, desechando toda inmundicia y abundancia de malicia, reciban con mansedumbre la palabra implantada, la cual puede salvar sus almas.” Debemos seguir el consejo de Santiago, el medio hermano de Jesucristo. Él era hijo de la virgen María y de San José. Básicamente, nos dice que escuchemos cuidadosamente antes de hablar, que pensemos antes de hablar, que no nos enojemos antes de saber todos los datos, y que vivamos conforme la palabra de Dios. ¿No piensas que este mundo estaría mucho mejor si todos hiciéramos eso? 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 (July 14, 2016) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” Unfortunately we are living in those days mentioned by the apostle Paul. He described the American society down to the last detail. Because we have forsaken God, we have suffered, we are suffering, and will continue to suffer the consequences from now on. Our only way of escape is to turn back to God, but I just don’t think that is going to happen. We have gone too far to turn back! 2 TIMOTEO 3:1-5 (14 de Julio 2016) “También debes saber esto: que en los postreros días vendrán tiempos peligrosos. Porque habrá hombres amadores de sí mismos, avaros, vanagloriosos, soberbios, blasfemos, desobedientes a los padres, ingratos, impíos, sin afecto natural, implacables, calumniadores, intemperantes, crueles, aborrecedores de lo bueno, traidores, impetuosos, infatuados, amadores de los deleites más que de Dios, que tendrán apariencia de piedad, pero negarán la eficacia de ella; a éstos evita.” Desafortunadamente estamos viviendo en esos tiempos que menciona el apóstol Pablo. Describió la sociedad estadounidense perfectamente hasta el último detalle. Porque nos hemos alejado de Dios, hemos sufrido, estamos sufriendo, y continuaremos sufriendo las malas consecuencias de esa decisión. Nuestro único escape es regresar a Dios, pero yo no pienso que eso sucederá. Vamos alejándonos de él más y más dando pasos gigantescos. LUKE 12:4-5 (July 7, 2016) “And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” These words would not really affect us if they were spoken in vain, or if they had been spoken by a regular human being. However they were spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. There is truth and power behind them. Fear God because He not only has the power to kill you physically, but also to condemn you to spend eternity in the lake of fire. LUCAS 12:4-5 (7 de Julio 2016) “ Mas les digo, amigos míos: No teman a los que matan el cuerpo, y después nada más pueden hacer. Pero les enseñaré a quién deben temer: Teman a aquel que después de haber quitado la vida, tiene poder de echar en el infierno; sí, les digo, a éste teman.” Estas palabras no nos afectarían si hubieran sido habladas en vano, o si las hubiera dicho un hombre cualquiera. Sin embargo el que las dijo fue nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Son respaldadas por verdad y poder. Teme a Dios, porque él tiene poder para quitarte la vida física, y para condenarte al infierno y al lago de fuego por siempre. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” In other words, bad people and the ones in sin will bring you down to their level. You should not even associate with them. There is a saying that says: “You are judged by the company you keep.” Be very careful as to who you bring into your inner circle of friends. 1 CORINTIOS 15:33 “ No se dejen engañar: Las malas compañías corrompen las buenas costumbres.” En otras palabras, la gente mala y los pecadores te bajan a su nivel. Ni siquiera debes asociarte con ellos. Hay un dicho que dice: “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.” Ten mucho cuidado con quien haces amistades. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:12-13 (June 23, 2016) “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God does not give us more than we can handle. People use their problems as an excuse to turn to violence, drinking, drugs or something else that may be illicit, immoral or illegal. No, the devil did not make them do it. They did it of their own free will. In the seventies there used to be a comedian – Flip Wilson – who used to say, “The devil made me do it.” It was funny, but it wasn’t true. 1 CORINTIOS 10:12-13 (23 de Junio 2016) “Así que, el que piensa estar firme, mire que no caiga. No le ha sobrevenido ninguna tentación que no sea humana; pero fiel es Dios, que no los dejará ser tentados más de lo que pueden resistir, sino que dará también juntamente con la tentación la salida, para que puedan soportar.” Dios no nos da más de lo que podemos soportar. La gente usa sus problemas de excusa para ser violenta, beber bebidas alcohólicas, consumir drogas, o participar en algo que sea ilícito, ilegal o inmoral. No, el diablo no los forzó que lo hicieran. Lo hicieron por su propia voluntad. En los setentas había un comediante – Flip Wilson – quien decía, “El diablo me forzó hacerlo.” Era chistoso, pero no era la verdad. ROMANS 2:5-6 (June 16, 2016) “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds” All of us sin and therefore every one of us deserves to be punished in the lake of fire eternally. Jesus with His suffering, blood and death paid for our sins making a way for us to escape that horrible fate. However that escape is not an automatic one. If we want to escape that punishment, we have to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Will you do that? ROMANOS 2:5-6 (16 de Junio 2016) “ Pero por tu dureza y por tu corazón no arrepentido, atesoras para ti mismo ira para el día de la ira y de la revelación del justo juicio de Dios, el cual pagará a cada uno conforme a sus obras.” Todos pecamos y por eso cada uno de nosotros merece ser castigado eternamente en el lago de fuego. Para que no tengamos que ser condenados eternamente, Jesucristo sufrió, vertió su sangre y dio su vida. Sin embargo, nuestro escape del lago de fuego no es automático. Sólo se cumple si recibimos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. ¿Lo harás? JEREMIAH 30:22 (June 9, 2016) “You shall be My people, And I will be your God.” Of course God was telling this to the Jewish people, but since He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and since He does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34), that applies to you as well. If you are not a Christian, your first step is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Once you do that, you will be His son or daughter. JEREMÍAS 30:22 (9 de Junio 2016) “Ustedes serán mi pueblo, y yo seré su Dios.” Claro que Dios les dijo eso a los judíos, pero como él es igual ayer, hoy, y por siempre (Hebreos 13:8) y siendo que no demuestra favoritismo (Romanos 2:11 y Hechos 10:34), eso también es para ti. Solamente puedes clamarlo si eres cristiano, pero si no lo eres, puedes hacerlo si recibes a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. Ya que hayas hecho eso, te conviertes en hijo o hija de Dios. AMOS 4:13 (June 2, 2016) “For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth—the Lord God of hosts is His name.” God informed His people through prophets in the Old Testament, and since He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), He still uses prophets and normal people to let them know what is coming. Since God sees and knows everything, knows the end from the beginning, and knows what will happen before it happens, it would be wise for you to consult Him through prayer before making any major decisions. AMÓS 4:13 (2 de Junio 2016) “Porque he aquí, el que forma los montes, y crea el viento, y denuncia al hombre su pensamiento; el que hace a las tinieblas mañana, y pasa sobre las alturas de la tierra; Jehová, Dios de los ejércitos, es su nombre.” En el Viejo Testamento, Dios informaba a la gente por medio de profetas, y siendo que él es igual ayer, hoy, y por siempre (Hebreos 13:8), todavía nos dice lo que está por venir por medio de profetas y de gente común y corriente. Siendo que Dios ve y sabe todo, sabe el final desde el comienzo, y sabe lo que sucederá antes de que ocurra, nos conviene que por medio de oración nos comuniquemos con él antes de tomar cualquier decisión de importancia. EZEKIEL 22:30 (May 26, 2016) “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” When sin becomes rampant, God judges a people or a land. Since He does not really want to destroy men or a land, He is looking for people to pray against His judgment, and He will relent. God wants you to pray for yourself, your family, friends, city, county, state, country, Israel and even the world. He is asking you to stand in the gap for them. Will you do it? EZEQUIEL 22:30 (26 de Mayo 2016) “Y (Yo Dios) busqué entre ellos hombre que hiciera un muro y que se pusiera en la brecha delante de mí, a favor de la tierra, para que yo no la destruyera; y no lo hallé.” Cuando el pecado llega a tal punto, Dios juzga a la gente y a su territorio. Siendo que él es amor, no desea destruir al hombre ni a su tierra, y por eso busca personas que oren para que no imponga su juicio. Dios quiere que tú ores por ti, tu familia, amigos, ciudad, condado, estado, país, Israel y hasta por el mundo. Desea que te pongas en la brecha para que le pidas que tenga misericordia con los pecadores. ¿Lo harás? EZEKIEL 18:4 and 18:20 respectively – May 19, 2016 “Behold, all souls are Mine (says God);The soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.” “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” The points are: 1. All souls belong to God. 2. Every person is judged separately. 3. The soul who sins shall die, unless he repents, asks God to forgive him and receives Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. When God says, “The soul who sins shall die,” He means that the person will spend eternity cut off from Him suffering in the lake of fire. EZEQUIEL 18:4 Y 18:20 respectivamente – 19 de Mayo 2016 “He aquí que todas las almas son mías (dice Dios); como el alma del padre, así el alma del hijo es mía; el alma que pecare, esa morirá.” “ El alma que pecare, esa morirá; el hijo no llevará el pecado del padre, ni el padre llevará el pecado del hijo; la justicia del justo será sobre él, y la impiedad del impío será sobre él.” Los puntos son: 1. Todas las almas le pertenecen a Dios. 2. Dios nos va a juzgar separadamente. 3. El alma que peque morirá, a menos que se arrepienta, le pida perdón a Dios, y reciba a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. Cuando Dios dice, “El alma que peque morirá,” significa que esa persona pasará la eternidad separada de Dios sufriendo en el lago de fuego. JEREMIAH 29:11 (May 12, 2016) “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

If you are going through tough times, know that the Lord Jesus is there with you and wants to help you. If you have not received Him as your Lord and Savior, do so. If you are a Christian, but have not prayed to Him, pray to Him and ask Him to help you. If you are a lukewarm Christian and don’t really believe that He can or that He will help you, change that mentality. JEREMíAS 29:11 (12 de Mayo 2016) “Porque yo sé los pensamientos que tengo acerca de ustedes, dice Jehová, pensamientos de paz, y no de mal, para darles el fin que esperan.” Si estás pasando por tiempos difíciles, debes saber que Jesucristo está contigo y que desea ayudarte. Si no lo has recibido como tu Señor y Salvador, hazlo lo más pronto posible. Si eres cristiano, pero no le haz orado a Dios, hazlo y pídele ayuda. Si eres cristiano, pero has estado tibio, cambia tu mentalidad. DEUTERONOMY 22:5 (May 5, 2016) “The woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” This scripture seems to be extremely clear; yet there are many people in our country – the United States of America – and in many others in the world who, for one reason or another, either do not comprehend it, or simply choose to ignore it. There will be no confusion when they pass from this world to the next one. God will hold them accountable not only for every word that they speak (Matthew 12:36), but also for everything they do. They may be politically and socially-correct here, but they will be divinely-incorrect with God. Something to think about: It is better to be divinely-correct and politically-incorrect on this life than to be politically-correct and divinely-incorrect because in hell and in the lake of fire there is no social or political-correctness. ROMANS 8:31 (April 28, 2016) “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” What it really means is that if God is on our side, no matter who or what comes against us, we will come up on top. However if you are not a born-again Christian – John 3:3 – God will not help you, because you are not His child. Solution: become His child by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. MALACHI 3:10 – April 21, 2016 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” God is telling us here that if we tithe – give 10% to the church – He will pour out His blessings on us. Many people are not blessed simply because they don’t read the Bible, don’t go to a born-again Christian church and do not tithe. Other blessings come to us when we pray for the peace, the safety and the wellbeing of Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish people – His chosen people. ISAIAH 60:12 (April 14, 2016) “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you (Israel) shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined.” This is God’s word to Israel, but it also affects every country in the world – including the United States of America. Many nations who have come against Israel have lost their prominence. Some of them are England, Spain, Rome, Germany and quite a few others. President Obama seems to be the first American President who does not like Israel. Consequently our country has gone through a series of misfortunes, which will continue and even get worse as we shun Israel. Whether the world likes it or not, the Jewish people have been chosen by God. God has a covenant with them, and they have a covenant with God. PROVERB 23:7 (April 8, 2016) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” This should be extremely meaningful to you. You are what you think you are; nothing more, nothing less. If you think you are a loser, guess what? You are one. If you think you can do something, no matter how difficult it may be, guess what? You will be able to do it. It’s all in your mind. What your mind can conceive you can do. Don’t sell yourself short. Make your dreams become a reality. In the Bible Jesus says that everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23). If you become the one who believes, you will succeed. Good luck! JEREMIAH 1:12 (March 31, 2016) In Jeremiah 1:12, God says: “Then the Lord said to me (the prophet Jeremiah), “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.” Then in Isaiah 55:11, God says: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” In John 14:13-14, Jesus said: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name (Jesus Christ), I will do it.” You can clearly see through these scriptures that God Himself makes sure that His word is fulfilled. What does this mean to us? That whatever we ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, if it is according to His will, He will do it for us. MATTHEW 21:22 (March 24, 2016) “ And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” There are a few factors that are not mentioned that I will mention, so that you will be clear as to how it really works. 1. You must be a Christian – have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 2. You must ask Father God in the name of Jesus. 3. Whatever it is you are asking God to do for you must be in His will. 4. You must have faith – you must truly believe that God is going to do it. 5. You should thank God for the miracle even before He does it. JEREMIAH 1:5 (March 17, 2016) “Before I (God) formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” This is what God said to the prophet Jeremiah, but since God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and since He does not play favorites (Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34), He is telling you the same thing. If you have not embraced Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, do it now. ISAIAH 59:2 (February 25, 2016) “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Things are going bad for our country – the United States of America – and now hopefully you know why. Things may be going bad for you, and, if you want to change them, the solution is – get close to God. Scriptures 2 Read More

DIVINE THOUGHTS 3 February 11th, 2016 Posted in DIVINE THOUGHTS 3

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WHAT CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT Christmas is not about Santa Claus. It’s about the Son of God. It’s not about simply giving gifts. It’s about receiving the gift of salvation. It’s not about drinking intoxicating beverages. It’s really about being inebriated with the Holy Spirit. It’s not about singing Christmas carols at church on Sunday. It’s about praising and worshiping God for all He has done for us. It’s not about being friendly and polite to relatives you do not like. It’s really about loving them, regardless of their faults and how you feel. It’s not simply about reminiscing of everything we did during the entire year. It’s about remembering what Jesus Christ did on the cross to pay for our sins. LO QUE NO ES LA NAVIDAD La Navidad no se trata de San Nicolás. Se trata del hijo de Dios. No se trata de dar regalos. Se trata de recibir la salvación. No se trata de beber, beber y beber. Se trata de llenarse del Espíritu Santo. No se trata de cantar villancicos navideños. Se trata de alabar y adorar a Dios diariamente. No se trata de tolerar a parientes que nunca ves. Se trata de disfrutarlos y de amarlos sinceramente. No se trata de recordar, revivir y añorar el pasado. Se trata de recordar que Jesús murió por nuestros pecados. THERE ARE MANY CHOICES There are many choices in life but only one is correct. There are many important people but none like Jesus Christ. There are very many so-called gods but the real one is Jehovah. There are many religions on this planet but the true one is born-again. You may have faith on a myriad of things but the one that counts is on Jesus. You may think there are many ways to heaven but the only real way is through Jesus. You can pray to as many saints or gods as you like but only one will answer you – Jesus Christ. You may believe that God and the devil do not exist but when you die you will be with one of them. HAY MUCHO DE QUE SELECCIONAR Hay mucho de lo que puedas seleccionar en la vida pero solo una selección es correcta. Hay muchas personas importantes en el mundo pero ninguna como nuestro Dios. Hay muchos llamados dioses en estos tiempos pero el verdadero Dios es Jehová. Hay muchísimas religiones en la actualidad pero no tienen relación con Cristo. Puedes tener fe en centenares de cosas pero el que cuenta en Jesucristo. Puedes pensar que hay muchos caminos al cielo pero el único es por Jesucristo. Puedes orarles a todos los santos y dioses que quieras pero el único que responde es Jesús. Puedes creer que Dios, el diablo, el cielo y l infierno no existen pero al morir estarás con uno de aquellos. THAT’S WHY I BELLIEVE I don’t believe in God because of what people say but rather because He appeared to me. I don’t love God just because He is the real true God but rather because He first loved me. I don’t admire God because of His awesome power but rather because of His meekness. I don’t praise God because of what He has done but rather for being who He really is. I don’t worship Jesus because He died on the cross but rather because He resurrected. I don’t actually trust God because of His sovereignty but I do because of His righteousness. I don’t fear my God because He can send me to hell but I do because I love and respect Him. POR ESO CREO No creo en Dios por lo que dice la gente sino porque se me apareció. No amo a Dios simplemente por ser Dios sino porque me amó primero. No admiro a Dios por su poder inmenso sino por ser humilde y manso. No alabo a dios por todo lo que ha hecho sino por ser “Yo soy quien soy.” No adoro a Jesús porque murió en la cruz sino por pagar por mis pecados. No solamente confío en él por su soberanía sino que lo hago por su justicia. No le temo a Dios por su poder de juzgar sino porque lo amo y lo respeto.

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU FREE WILL Our loving God from where all wisdom comes will permit you to live in your own ignorance of incredibility if that is what you really want to do. Being that our God does not want to impose Himself on you He has given you the right to decide for yourself what you want your final destiny to be. If because of your pride, ego or wanting to satisfy your desires you deny or refuse to believe in God’s existence you will have to pay the consequences. If you do not accept God’s only Son as your Lord and Redeemer our God who has given every one of us free will, will allow you to suffer forever in hell. But if you truly accept Jesus Christ as your God, Lord and Savior our Father will open the gates of heaven to you so you can spend eternity with Him. DIOS TE HA DADO LIBRE ALBEDRÍO Nuestro Dios de donde procede la sabiduría te permitirá vivir en tu preferida ignorancia de incredulidad si es lo que en realidad prefieres. Siendo que nuestro Dios no quiere imponerse en tu vida él te ha dado el poder de decidir por ti mismo para que decidas tu destino final. Si por tu orgullo, egoísmo o por complacer tus placeres niegas o rechazas creer en la existencia de Dios tendrás que pagar las consecuencias. Si tú no aceptas a su único Hijo como tu Señor y Salvador nuestro Dios quien nos ha dado libre albedrio te permitirá ir al lago de fuego. Pero si tú aceptas a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Redentor nuestro Padre te abrirá los portales del cielo para que pases la eternidad con él. THERE ARE TWO There are always two solutions; The correct one and the wrong one. By God’s direction I try to do the first one. There are two ways of doing things; One way seems right to man but is wrong. I follow God’s way which leads to life eternal. I can live by one of two principles; Godly ones or the ones set by society. Society’s are changing but God’s are eternal. There’s always a fork in the road; One side has light and the other one not. I follow the light which leads to my salvation. There are two roads ahead of me; One less traveled and one much traveled. I’m on the one less traveled going to heaven. In two places I can spend eternity; Hell with the devil or heaven with God. I have decided to spend it with my Lord Jesus. HAY DOS Solo hay dos soluciones; La correcta y la incorrecta. Yo trato de tomar la primera. Hay dos modos de hacer todo; El del hombre que es incorrectoel de Dios que siempre es correcto. Puedo escoger principios para vivir; Los de Dios o por los de la sociedad. Viviré por los de Dios que son eternos. Siempre hay bifurcación en e l camino; Luz en una dirección oscuridad en la otra. Buscaré la luz, porque en ella hay salvación. Se encuentran dos caminos delante de mí; Uno poco transitado y el otro lo demasiado. Sigo el menos transitado que me llevará al cielo. Puedo pasar la eternidad en uno de dos sitios; En el lago de fuego con el diablo o el cielo con Dios. Yo decidí pasarla en el cielo con mi Señor y Salvador. IT’S THE SPIRITUAL You must think thoughts of faith never of doubt. Try to see with your spiritual eyes not with the physical ones. Practice hearing with your spiritual ears more than with the physical ones. From now on speak with the voice of faith not with the one of doubt or unbelief. Henceforth and forever more live by pure faith and not by what your physical eyes see. ES LO ESPIRITUAL Piensa pensamientos de fe no de incredulidad. Mira más con los ojos espirituales que con los físicos. Oirás mejor con los oídos espirituales que con los físicos. De aquí en adelante habla con la voz de fe no con la de dudar. El resto de tu vida vívelo en pura fe en Dios y no por lo que veas.

GOD WAS THERE At my conception God was there. The day I was born God was there. When fear was around God was there. In my loneliest times God was there. In my darkest moments God was there. In my most desperate times God was there. When everyone abandoned me God was there. Every time I fell as a human being God was there. When I pass away from this world God will be there. DIOS ESTUVO ALLÍ Cuando fui concebido Dios estuvo allí. El instante en que nací Dios estuvo allí. Si me atacaba el temor Dios estaba allí. En mis tiempos de soledad Dios estaba allí. En mis horas más oscuras Dios estuvo allí. Cuando estuve desesperado Dios estuvo allí. Cuando todos me abandonaron Dios estuvo allí. Cada vez que me he resbalado Dios estuvo allí. Cuando mi alma pase a la otra vida Dios estará allí. TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE There are two types of people… the ones who don’t have a purpose and the ones who have it in Jesus Christ, the ones who don’t believe in God and the ones who believe in Jesus Christ, the ones who really live for themselves and the ones who live for Jesus Christ, the ones who live by their wits and the ones who live by faith in Jesus Christ, the ones who don’t have any hope and the ones who have it in Jesus Christ, the ones who are disobedient and the ones who are obedient to Jesus Christ, the ones who rebel against God and the ones who try to obey our Lord Jesus, the ones who have treasures here and the ones who have them with the Lord, the ones who will be in hell and the ones who will be in heaven with the Lord. DOS TIPOS DE PERSONAS Hay dos tipos de personas… las que no tienen propósito y las que lo tienen en Cristo Jesús, las que no creen en Dios y las que en realidad creen en Cristo Jesús, las que viven para complacerse y las que complacen a Dios en Cristo Jesús, las que viven por su astucia y las que viven por su fe en Cristo Jesús, las que no tienen esperanzas y las que sí las tienen en Cristo Jesús, las que son desobedientes y las que obedecen a Cristo Jesús, las que se rebelan contra Dios y las que siguen a Cristo Jesús, las que hacen tesoros aquí y las que los tienen en el cielo, y las que estarán en el infierno y las otras con Jesucristo. ASK JESUS TO HELP YOU If you are lost ask Jesus to guide you. If you are sick ask Jesus to heal you. If you are in sin ask Jesus to help you. If you are down ask Jesus to pick you up. If there’s no hope let Jesus be your hope. If all doors are closed ask Jesus to open one for you. PÍDELE A JESÚS QUE TE AYUDE Si estás perdido pídele a Cristo que te guíe. Si estás enfermo pídele a Jesucristo que te sane. Si estás pecando pídele a Jesucristo que te ayude. Si no hay esperanza permite que Jesús sea tu esperanza. Si estás caído en el suelo pídele a nuestro Señor que te levante. Si la puerta se ha cerrado Jesucristo te puede abrir una más grande. GOD GAVE HIS SON FOR ME My Lord is a giving God. He gave His only Son for me. My Lord is a loving God. He even loves me a sinner. My Lord is merciful. His mercy endures forever. My Lord is forgiving. He has forgiven all my sins. My Lord is righteous. His righteousness is everlasting. My Lord is a provider. He provides daily for all my needs. My Lord is a healing God. HE heals me physically and emotionally. My Lord protects the righteous. He never fails to protect me wherever I go. My Jesus is the Savior of the world. He saves everyone who receives Him as Lord. DIOS DIO A SU HIJO POR MI Mi Señor es un Dios que da. Lo sé porque dio a su único hijo por mí. Mi Señor es un Dios de amor. Lo digo porque me ama a mí un pecador. Mi Señor es misericordioso. Su misericordia permanece eternamente. Mi Señor perdona pecados. Me ha perdonado de todos mis pecados. Mi Señor es mi proveedor. Provee por mis necesidades de día en día. Mi Señor es Dios sanador. Me sana física, emocional y espiritualmente. Mi Señor siempre es justo. Su justicia por los siglos de los siglos no tendrá fin. Mi Señor es mi protector. No importa adonde vaya yo o esté, él me protege. Mi Señor es el Redentor. Salva a todos los que lo reciben como su Redentor. GOD WANTS YOU TO… God wants you to live by pure faith and not by sight. God wants you to believe in Him so He can save you. God wants you to praise Him so He can be with you. God wants you to adore Him so He can bless you. God wants you to pray to Him so He can help you. God wants you to be with Him forever and ever. DIOS DESEA QUE… Dios desea que vivas por fe y no por lo que ves. Dios desea que creas en él para darte salvación. Dios desea que lo alabes para que esté contigo. Dios desea que lo adores para que te bendiga. Dios desea que le ores porque desea ayudarte. Dios desea que tú estés con él eternamente. ALLOW GOD TO WORK THROUGH YOU Open your heart to God so you can be completely guided by His love Open your ears to God so you can hear what it is He wants you to do. Let God guide your feet so He can take you to places where you need to go Lend your hands to God so He can do the work He needs to do here on earth. Offer your mouth to God so He can bring people into salvation through you. Be sure to do God’s will so He can do through you what He needs done. Be faithful to God to the end. so you will spend eternity with Him. PERMITE QUE DIOS OBRE POR MEDIO DE TI Ábrele el corazón a Dios para que seas completamente guiado por su amor. Ábrele tus oídos a Dios para que oigas lo que él desea que tú hagas. Dale tus pies a Dios para que te lleven adonde debes ir. Presta tus manos para que hagan la obra de Dios. Ofrece tu boca a Dios para que lleves gente a la salvación. Haz la voluntad de Dios para que él te use como sea necesario. Debes ser fiel hasta el fin para que pases la eternidad con Dios en el cielo. EITHER THIS OR THAT Either we believe in Darwin’s evolution or in God’s creation. Creation is the real truth. Either God is in our imagination or He really exists. Yes, He does really exist. Either the Bible is made up or it is inspired by God. It was inspired by God. Either this is all there is or there is life after death. There is life after death. Either we are saved by good works or by faith. It can only be by faith. Either Jesus was lying or He is the Son of God. He is the Son of God. Either there are many ways to heaven or just one. Jesus is the only way. Either we are fooling ourselves or there will be a rapture. The rapture is coming. O UNO O LO OTRO O creemos en la evolución de Darwin o en la creación. La creación es verdadera. O Dios está en nuestra imaginación o en realidad existe. Él siempre ha existido. O la biblia fue inventada por hombres o fue inspirada por Dios. Fue inspirada por Dios. O esto es todo lo que hay o existe otra vida después de la muerte. Hay vida después de ésta. o somos salvos por nuestras buenas obras o solamente por la fe. Sólo puede ser por la fe. O Jesucristo estaba mintiendo o es el verdadero Hijo de Dios. Él es el hijo de Dios Padre. O Hay muchas maneras de llegar al cielo o solamente hay una. Jesús es el único camino. O nos estamos engañando o pronto llegará el rapto. El rapto ya está por llegar. YOU ARE NOT SAVED BY YOUR… Salvation is not related to your righteousness or good works. You will not enter heaven because you are a religious person. Church attendance won’t ever open the pearly gates for you. You are definitely not saved by being the very best person you can be. You won’t see God’s face because of your wisdom or intelligence. Making Jesus your Savior is the only way you may have eternal life. NO ESTÁS SALVO POR TU… Tu salvación no está relacionada con que eres justo y has hecho buenas obras. Definitivamente no entrarás al cielo porque eres una persona muy religiosa. Porque eres miembro de una iglesia Dios no te abrirá los portales del cielo. Debes saber que no serás salvo porque vives la mejor vida posible para ti. No verás la cara de nuestro Dios ni por tu sabiduría ni por tu inteligencia. Si le abres tu corazón a Jesús él sí te recibirá en su trono celestial. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE When you are in the company of unbelievers you cannot be one of them. When nobody can see what you are doing remember God can see you. When others are sinning all around you you don’t have to participate. When temptations appear before you take them captive immediately. When you stumble and fall into sin repent, ask God to forgive you. When you have no idea what to do ask, “What would Jesus Do?” RECUERDA QUIEN ERES Cuando te encuentres entre incrédulos no puedes ser uno de ellos. Cuando nadie ve lo que estás haciendo recuerda que Dios sí te ve. Cuando estén pecando a tu alrededor tú no tienes que participar. Cuando se te aparezcan tentaciones tómalas tú en cautiverio. Cuando el pecado te haga tropezar arrepiéntete de corazón. Cuando no tengas una idea qué hacer haz lo que haría Cristo. WHY DID JESUS DIE? He gave up His life for your sake. He suffered because of His love for you. He wanted to pay for your sins to set you free. He died to save a wayward son or daughter – you. He resurrected to give you a new life with Him in heaven. ¿POR QUÉ MURIÓ JESUCRISTO? Jesús dio su vida para salvar la tuya. Sufrió por el amor que te tiene a ti. Lo hizo para liberarte del pecado. Murió para salvar a un hijo pródigo. Resucitó para darte una nueva vida. Recibe el sacrificio y vivirás eternamente IT’S UP TO ME What I see is up to me. I can decide what to see and what not to see. What I hear is up to me. I control whether I want to hear something or not. What I say is up to me. I am the only one who can decide what to say or not to say. What I do is up to me. I am the only boss over my actions and what I do or do not do. What I think is up to me. I can completely control my thoughts at any given moment. What I believe is up to me. What I choose to believe or not believe is totally up to me. Who should I associate with? I am the only one who can really make those decisions. DEPENDE DE MÍ Lo que veo depende de mí. Yo decido lo que veo o no veo. Lo que oigo depende de mí. Yo controlo lo que debo oír o no oír. Lo que digo depende de mí. Sólo yo puedo decidir que decir o no decir. Lo que hago depende de mí. Soy patrón de mis acciones y de todo lo que hago. Lo que pienso depende de mí. Nadie puede controlar mis pensamientos, solamente yo. Lo que creo depende de mí. En lo que decido creer o no creer depende totalmente de mí. ¿Con quién debo asociarme? Yo soy la única persona quien puede decidir con quien asociarme. BECAUSE I AM GOD’S CHILD Because I am God’s child I declare that I have eternal life. I decree that God’s blessings are mine. I proclaim that Jesus’ blood covers my sins. I can state that God’s wings are covering me. I am assured that Jesus is preparing my mansion. I can take my prayers to God whenever I have a need. I am not afraid of dying because I will be going to heaven. PORQUE SOY HIJO DE DIOS Porque soy hijo de Dios declaro que tengo vida eterna. Decreto bendiciones de Dios para mí. Proclamo la sangre de Dios sobre mis pecados. Puedo declarar que me cubren las alas de Dios. Estoy seguro que Jesucristo está preparando mi mansión. Puedo llevarle mis peticiones a Dios cuando tengo necesidades. No tengo temor de morir porque sé que me espera Dios en el cielo. YOU NEED GOD Your family and the extended one are not enough you need God. Your friends and acquaintances are not enough you need God. Your wisdom to be honest is simply not enough you need God. Your intelligence and thinking are not enough you need God. Your employment or business is not enough you need God. Your talents and abilities are not enough you need God. Your wealth and fame are not enough you need God. Your good works are not enough you need God. Your religion is not enough you need Jesus. NECESITAS A DIOS Tu familia inmediata y la extendida no son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Ni tus buenos amigos ni tus conocidos son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Tu sabiduría por mucha que tengas no es lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Ni tu inteligencia ni tu modo de pensar son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Ni tu empleo ni el negocio que tengas son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Tus talentos y tus habilidades no son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Ni tus riquezas ni tu fama son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Tus buenas obras no son lo suficiente necesitas a Dios. Tu religión no es lo suficiente necesitas a Jesús. IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD If you don’t believe in a Creator God, your ancestors were untamed animals, this life is all there will ever be for you, there is no way you can have eternal life, you will die in your sins without forgiveness, you cannot pray for help in your time of need, you will live a hopeless life without God’s love, and you will go through the first and second death, which means you will be in the lake of fire with the devil. SI NO CREES EN DIOS Si no crees en nuestro Creador, esta vida será la única que tú vivirás, no será posible que tengas vida eterna, tus ancestros fueron animales ignorantes, morirás en tus pecados sin ser perdonado, no le podrás orar a Dios por tus necesidades, vivirás sin esperanza sin conocer el amor de Dios, no solamente pasarás por una muerte sino por dos; eso te mandará a pasar la eternidad en el lago de fuego. MAGNIFY YOUR GOD Worship God for His unselfish righteousness. Praise God for the mercy He has had on you. Thank God for the salvation He extended to you. Honor God for He created you and everything else. Exalt God for all the work He did in those six days. Serve God so you can be about your Father’s business. Talk to God for He wants a personal relationship with you. Glorify God for He alone is worthy to be glorified and praised MAGNIFICA A TU DIOS Adora a Dios por su rectitud y justicia. Alaba a Dios por su misericordia contigo. Gracias a Dios por la salvación que te ha dado. Honra a Dios por haberte creado y a todo lo demás. Exalta a Dios por la obra perfecta que hizo en seis días. Sirve a Dios para que puedas hacer la obra de Dios Padre. Háblale a Dios para que tengas tu relación personal con él. Glorifica a Dios porque sólo él merece ser glorificado y adorado. THAT’S WHAT I BELIEVE I believe in only one God – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I believe in one true Father – the Father of Jesus and of all Christians. I believe in one Redeemer – Jesus Christ who died for us on the cross. I believe in one salvation – the one that we accept through Jesus Christ. I believe in one eternal life – the one we’ll have with Jesus throughout eternity. I don’t believe in any religion, but I believe having a personal relationship with God. I believe in only one gospel – the one that was taught by Jesus and by His disciples. ESO ES LO QUE CREO Creo sólo en un Dios – el Dios de Abraham, Isaac e Israel. Creo sólo en un padre – el padre de Jesús y de los cristianos. Creo en un redentor – es Cristo quien dio su vida en la cruz. Creo en una salvación – la que recibimos al aceptar a Jesucristo. Creo en la vida eterna – la que pasaremos con Jesucristo en el cielo. No creo en religiones, pero sí creo en tener relación directa con Dios. Creo en un evangelio – el que enseñaban Jesucristo y sus discípulos. DO NOT BOAST Do not boast on your accomplishments. Thank God for blessing you. Do not feel pious because of your goodness. It’s God’s will for your life. Do beautify or embellish your righteousness. It’s a gift from our God. Do be exalted because of your spiritual awareness. It’s the Holy Spirit in you. Do not take pride in or glorify your acts of kindness. You’re just imitating Jesus. Do not feel saintly because of your sufferings for God. He expects that from us. Do not be puffed up because of your money and possessions. God is simply blessing you. Do not complain about the trials and tribulations you may be facing. God is building your character. Do not dwell on your past sins, disobedience or even on your failures. Jesus paid for them on the cross. God has omnipotent power, omniscient wisdom and is always omnipresent but His greatness is in His love. NO TE JACTES No te jactes de tus logros. Dale gracias a Dios. No te sientas piadoso por tu bondad. Es la voluntad de Dios. No embellezcas ni exaltes tu rectitud. Es un regalo de Dios. No te exaltes ni te jactes por tu espiritualidad. Es el Espíritu Santo en ti No te sientas envanecido por tu dinero y posesiones. Dios te ha bendecido. No te quejes de las pruebas o tribulaciones que te lleguen. Te edifican el carácter. No te enorgullezcas ni te glorifiques por tus obras de caridad. Estás imitando a Jesús. No te sientas santificado porque estás sufriendo por la causa de Dios. Dios espera eso de ti. No habites con los pecados, desobediencia ni con tus fracasos del pasado. Jesús los pagó en la cruz. Dios tiene poder omnipotente, sabiduría omnisciente y siempre está omnipresentesu grandeza está en su amor. LIGHT AND DARKNESS Ignorance is just lack of knowledge but knowledge will bring light to your life. Darkness is the absence of light and when light comes darkness disappears. Darkness comes during the night but when the sun comes the darkness flees. Sin is the darkness the devil brings but Jesus is the light that dispels that darkness. LA LUZ Y LA OSCURIDAD En ignorancia no hay conocimiento y sin éste no llega la luz a tu vida. La oscuridad es la ausencia de luz pero cuando la luz llega desaparece. La oscuridad llega por la noche desaparece cuando llega la luz del día. El pecar es la oscuridad diabólica Cristo es la luz divina que nos ilumina. SOMETHING BETTER God wants more for you than what you really have right now. He wants to take all your weaknesses and give you His strength . He wants to turn all the dreams you have for your life into realities. His will is to rebuke the hopelessness in your life and turn it into real hope. He wants to convert all your defeats into victories that only He can accomplish. He desires to change all those doubts you are festering into his absolute truths. He yearns to see you leave all your fears behind and place your confidence in Him He wants to dry all those tears you shed and bring nothing but happiness to your life. It is His will to take all the problems you are now facing and turn them into opportunities. But most of all He would love to see you accept His son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. ALGO MEJOR El deseo de nuestro Dios para ti es mucho mejor de lo que tienes este día. En realidad desea tomar todas tus debilidades y darte su fortaleza. Él quiere transformar todos tus sueños y hacerlos realidades. Sinceramente cambia tus desesperanzas por esperanzas. Quiere convertir tus derrotas en puras victorias. Desea que olvides todas tus dudas y recibas sus verdades. Es su voluntad secarte todas tus lágrimas y darte sólo felicidad. Le encantaría que perdieras todos tus temores y tuvieras pura fe en él. Su grande deseo es tomar todos tus problemas y cambiarlos por oportunidades. Lo más importante para él es que tú recibas a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador TURN TO GOD When it seems that God is not present and does not hear you remember when He helped you before. When it actually seems that the whole world is against you remember how you succeeded before. When there seems to be no glimmer of hope whatsoever there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. When you have absolutely reached the end of your rope God’s extending a helping hand to you. When all the doors seem to be tightly closed to you our God can make a brand new door. When everybody is enjoying stepping all over you God will pick you up and bless you. When you will not see any reason to go on God will be the only reason you need. ACÉRCATE A DIOS Cuando parezca que Dios se haya alejado y no te oiga recuerda las veces que te ha ayudado. Cuando parezca que todo el mundo está en tu contra recuerda todos tus éxitos ya cumplidos. Cuando no tengas ni siquiera un rayito de esperanza busca esa luz que está al final del túnel. Cuando parezca que la cuerda ya no puede resistirte Dios extiende su brazo para sostenerte. Cuando creas que todas las puertas estén cerradas Dios puede construirte una nuevecita. Cuando todos disfruten atropellarte y pisotearte Dios mismo te levantará y te bendecirá. Cuando tú no veas o tengas una razón por existir Dios será y te THAT’S WHO I AM I am a believer in the Creator of heavens and earth. I am a follower of the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a servant of the Kingdom of the Most High God. I am a soldier in the Army of my Lord Jesus. I am a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. I am an heir to the throne of God. I am a son of the Living God. That is who I am. ESE ES QUIEN SOY Soy creyente del Creador de los cielos y la tierra. Soy seguidor del Hijo de Dios- Jesucristo. Soy servidor del reino del Santísimo. Soy soldado del ejercito de Dios. Soy heredero con mi Señor Jesús. Soy ciudadano del reino de los cielos. Soy hijo del único Dios verdadero. Ese es quien verdaderamente soy yo. JUST BELIEVE If you repent you will bring happiness to God. His forgiveness is what can certainly set you free. Talk to Him and He will definitely listen to you. Pray to Him and He will answer your prayers. Invoke His name and the Lord Jesus will be with you. SIMPLEMENTE CREE Si te arrepientes le dará mucha alegría a Dios. Si le pides perdón todo pecado él te perdonará. Si le hablas a Dios él siempre te va a escuchar. Si le oras en fe te responderá tus oraciones. Si invocas a Jesús el Señor Dios estará contigo. GOD WANTS A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU God wants to have an intimate relationship with you Will you accept His friendship? God would definitely love to hear your voice. Will you start talking to Him? God is willing and longing to forgive you. Will you receive it in faith? God desires for you to be His child. Will you love Him as Father? God really wants to sanctify you. Claim that sanctification. God can heal you if you are ill. Will you pray for a healing? God has many blessings for you. Will you seek them out? God has an anointing ready for you. Will you activate your faith? God’s will is to cleanse and purify you. Will you allow Him to do it? Jesus Christ suffered, died and paid for your sins. Will you accept Him as Lord? DIOS DESEA TENER UNA RELACIÓN CONTIGO Dios desea tener una relación íntima contigo. ¿Aceptarás su invitación? Dios desea santificarte para que estés en su reino. ¿Clamarás esa santificación? Dios puede sanarte de cualquier mal que padezcas. ¿Le pedirás que te ayude? La voluntad de Dios es de limpiarte y purificarte. ¿Le permitirás que lo haga? Jesucristo sufrió, murió y pago por tus pecados. ¿Aceptarás lo que hizo por ti? Dios tiene tu unción preparada de antemano. ¿Tratarás de activar tu fe? Dios tiene innumerables bendiciones para ti. ¿Irás tú en pos de ellas? Dios desea que lo aceptes como tu Padre. ¿Lo amarás como su hijo? Dios definitivamente quisiera oír tu voz. ¿Comenzarás a hablarle? Dios quiere, desea y espera perdonarte. ¿Recibirás su perdón en fe? HAPPINESS COMES Happiness begins when you know who you are as a person. Harmony is yours when you are at peace with everyone. You can do well when you have confidence in yourself. You are satisfied when you have everything you need. God is happy when you love Him and love others. You are at your best when you are in good health. You feel good when you are doing what you enjoy. You are lucky when everything is going right for you. You are blessed when others are pouring blessings on you. You are pleasing God when you are obeying Him in what you are doing. You will have salvation when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. LA FELICIDAD LLEGA La felicidad te llegará cuando entiendas de verdad quien eres como persona. La armonía será tuya cuando estés en paz con todo y todos en el mundo. Estarás bien satisfecho cuando tengas todo lo que tú puedas necesitar. Harás a Dios muy feliz cuando lo ames a él y ames a los demás. Eres afortunado cuando todo, y digo todo, te sale bien. Estarás bendecido cuando otros te cubran con sus bendiciones. Darás lo máximo de ti cuando tengas la máxima confianza en ti mismo. Das lo mejo r de ti cuando estás en buena y completa buena salud. Complaces a Dios cuando lo obedeces en lo que sea que estés haciendo. Te has de sentir bien cuando estás haciendo lo que en realidad te da felicidad. Tendrás salvación cuando recibas a Jesucristo como tu Señor, Redentor y Salvador. BLESSED IS HE Seeing is he who believes in God. Wise is he who repents of all his sins. Lucky is he whose life is in God’s hands. Blessed is he who God chooses for salvation. Fortunate is he whose sins are completely forgiven. Sanctified is he who will not see the second death. Salvation has he who receives Christ as his Lord and Savior. Glorified will be he who will receive the crown of salvation. BENDECIDO ES Vidente es el que cree en Dios. Sabio lo es el que está arrepentido. Tendrá suerte el que le dé su vida a Dios. Bendecido es el que Dios escoge para salvarlo. Afortunado es al que Dios le perdona sus pecados. Santificado es el que no pasará por la segunda muerte. Salvación tiene el que recibe a Jesús como su Señor y Salvador. Glorificado será el que reciba la corona de salvación en el cielo. FEEL SORRY FOR A MAN Feel sorry for a man who refuses to believe in God. Understand a man who has not heard about God. Have mercy for a man who does not yet know God. Rescue any man who has been blinded by sin. Have pity on a man who falls into the hands of God. Be a light to a man who has been deceived by religion. Feel joy for a man who makes Jesus His Lord and Savior. QUE TE DÉ LÁSTIMA Ten lástima con el hombre quien se niega creer en Dios. Trata de entender al hombre quien no ha oído hablar de Dios. Ten misericordia con el hombre quien jamás ha conocido a Dios. Rescata a cualquier hombre quien ha sido cegado por pecado. Ten compasión con el hombre quien cae en las manos de Dios. Debes ser luz para el hombre quien ha sido engañado por religión. Regocíjate por cualquier hombre que reciba a Cristo en su corazón. JESUS IS GREATER The love of Jesus is greater than your disobedience. The ways of Christ are much higher than your ways. The wisdom of God is greater than your intelligence. The truth of God’s Son is greater than your doubts. The Redeemer’s power is greater than your illness. What Jesus can provide is greater than your needs. The grace of our God is greater than your sins. Life in Jesus is greater than death. JESUCRISTO ES MÁS GRANDE Lo que Dios provee es mucho más grande que tus necesidades. El amor de Jesucristo es más grande que tu desobediencia. Los caminos de Dios son mucho más altos que los tuyos. La sabiduría del Señor es más grande que tu inteligencia. Las verdades de Jesús son más grandes que tus dudas. El poder sanador de Dios es más grande que tu enfermedad. La gracia de nuestro Dios es más grande que todos tus pecados. La vida en Cristo Jesús es más grande que el sepulcro y la muerte LORD, HAVE MERCY When sin overtakes me Lord, have mercy. When the devil attacks me Lord, have mercy. When everything looks bleak Lord, have mercy. When I forget I am a Christian Lord, have mercy. When I don’t feel your presence Lord, have mercy. When I pass on from this world Lord, have mercy. When I come before your judgment Lord, have mercy. SEÑOR, TEN MISERICORDIA Cuando el diablo me ataque como león rugiente Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando, por la razón que sea, el pecado me domine Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando a mí todo me parezca deprimente en mi vida Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando se me olvide, por la razón que sea, que soy cristiano Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando no sienta tu presencia por alguna razón u otra Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando abandone este mundo y me vaya al otro Señor, ten misericordia. Cuando yo esté frente a ti en el juicio final Señor, ten misericordia. GOD’S GRACE IS ENOUGH FOR YOU If you feel your enemy is too strong for you God’s grace is enough. If you think all your sins cannot be forgiven God’s grace is enough. If you believe that no one really loves you God’s grace is enough. If you are down and you feel defeated God’s grace is enough. If everyone has turned his back on you God’s grace is enough. If all the doors are closed without a way out God’s grace is enough. If you have given up on the world and on yourself God’s grace is enough. LA GRACIA DE DIOS ES SUFICIENTE PARA TI Si te sientes como que no le importas a nadie la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si piensas que tu enemigo es más fuerte que tú la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si estás caído y te sientes totalmente derrotado la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si crees que tus pecados no pueden ser perdonados la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si todos se te han volteado y te han dado la espalda la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si todas las puertas se te han cerrado y no tienes salida la gracia de Dios es suficiente. Si te has dado por vencido y has perdido la confianza en ti la gracia de Dios es suficiente. IT’S BY GOD It’s by God’s will that I repented from being a sinner. It’s by God’s love that He called me while I was still in sin. It’s by God’s grace that I won’t go to hell for the wrong I’ve done. It’s by God’s mercy that He forgave my sins so I can go to heaven. It’s by God’s compassion that I am not punished but have everlasting life. ES POR DIOS Por la voluntad de Dios me arrepentí de todos mis pecados. Es por el amor de Dios que él me llamó estando yo en el pecado. Es por la gracia de Dios que no iré al infierno por los males que he hecho. Es por la misericordia de Dios que me perdonó para que yo pueda ir al cielo. Es por la compasión de Dios que no seré castigado sino que tendré vida eterna con él. GOD IS THERE TOO If I go into the deepest part of the earth God is there. If I go into the farthest place in outer space God is there. If I go to East Antartica the coldest place on earth God is there. If I go to the hottest and loneliest desert on our planet God is there. If I go to the brightest spot in our solar system God is there. If I hide in the darkest cave in our universe God is there. If I go to the holiest place in heaven God is there. If I go to the darkest place in hell God is not there. If I look inside my being God is there. DIOS ESTA ALLÍ TAMBIÉN Si voy al lugar más lejano del espacio Dios está allí. Si voy a Antártica el lugar más frío del planeta Dios está allí. Si voy al lugar más iluminado de nuestro sistema solar Dios está allí. Si me escondo en la caverna más oscura de nuestro universo Dios está allí. Si voy al desierto más cálido, inhospitable e inhabitable Dios está allí. Si voy al lugar más caliente del lago de fuego Dios no está allí. Si voy a lo más profundo de la tierra Dios está allí. Si voy al sitio más sagrado del cielo Dios está allí. Si miro dentro de mi ser Dios está allí. I AM A CHILD OF GOD I am a child of God because He called me. I am a child of God because He created me. I am a child of God because He adopted me. I am a child of God because Jesus died for me. I am a child of God because He sincerely loves me. I am a child of God because Jesus paid for all my sins. I am a child of God because Jesus resurrected from the dead. I am a child of God because I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. SOY HIJO DE DIOS Soy hijo de Dios porque me creó. Soy hijo de Dios porque él me llamó. Soy hijo de Dios porque él me adoptó. Soy hijo de Dios porque Jesús murió por mí. Soy hijo de Dios porque me ama con eterno amor. Soy hijo de Dios Porque Jesucristo pagó por mis pecados. Soy hijo de Dios porque Jesucristo resucitó de entre los muertos. Soy hijo de Dios porque acepté a Jesucristo como mi Señor y Salvador. LORD, HAVE MERCY ON ME Lord, every time that I fail you have compassion on me. Lord, because sometimes I am blind please have mercy on me. Lord, because I fall short quite often have pious pity on me. Lord, because I cannot live a sinless life let your grace fall on me. Lord, because I transgress even unaware be very patient with me. Lord, when I begin to move away from You bring me back to You. Lord, when I take the wrong fork on the road get me back on course. Lord, when I leave this world for the next one let your favor be on me. Lord, when I fall into sin through my ignorance be extremely kind to me. Lord, I will be under Your complete indulgence on Your Judgment Day. SEÑOR, TEN MISERICORDIA CONMIGO Señor Dios, cada vez que yo le falle tenga compasión conmigo. Señor, porque a veces tengo ceguera tenga misericordia conmigo. Señor, porque transgredo contra usted practique su paciencia en mí. Señor, porque siempre me quedo corto tenga mucha piedad de mí. Señor, cuando yo comience a alejarme regréseme prontito a su lado. Señor, cuando tome el camino equivocado recuerde que yo soy su hijo. Señor, si caigo en el pecado por ignorancia perdóneme por su bondad. Señor, cuando deje yo este mundo por el otro que halle favor en sus ojos. Señor, porque no puedo vivir una vida sin pecar que su gracia caiga sobre mí. Señor, cuando nos llegue el Día del Juicio a todos su indulgencia estará conmigo. BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS I am righteous not because of who I am but because of who my God is. I love people not because of who I am but because my God is love. I have light but I am not the source my Lord Jesus is the source. I forgive men not because I am nice but because God forgave me. I live by faith – that faith is not in me but it’s in the only living God. I decide correctly not by my intelligence but by the wisdom of God. I have salvation not by worldly deeds but by the blood of my Lord POR QUIEN ES EL Soy muy justo no por quién soy yo sino por quien es mi Dios. Amo a la gente no por quién soy yo sino porque Dios es amor. Decido bien – no por inteligencia sino por sabiduría de Dios. Reflejo la luz pero no soy su fuente. La fuente es Dios mi Señor. Yo perdono no porque soy bueno sino porque Dios me perdonó. Vivo por fe pero no es fe en mí sino fe en mi Señor y Salvador. Sé que soy salvo no por obras mundanas sino por la sangre del Cordero. HOW NEAR IS GOD TO YOU? How near is God to you? Near enough to be your companion. How far can God hear? Far enough to hear your prayers. How kind can God be? Kind enough to forgive all your sins. How long is God’s arm? Long enough to pick you up in need. How strong is God’s light? Strong enough to light up your path. How far can God see? Far enough to see everything you do. How deep is God’s love? Deep enough to let His Son die for you. How wise is our God? Wise enough not to fall into human sin. How intelligent is God? Intelligent enough to create the universe. How much does God know? He knows everything that has, is and will happen. ¿QUÉ TAN CERCA ESTÁ DIOS DE TI? ¿Qué tan cerca está Dios de ti? Lo suficiente para ser tu compañero. ¿Qué tan lejos puede oír Dios? Lo suficiente para oír tus oraciones. ¿Qué tan amable es el Señor? Bastante para perdonar tus pecados. ¿Cuánto alumbra la luz de Dios? Lo suficiente para alumbrar tu sendero. ¿Es larga la mano de Dios? Lo suficiente para ayudarte a levantarte. ¿Qué tan lejos puede ver Dios? Lo suficiente para ver todo lo que haces. ¿Qué tan profundo es su amor? Lo suficiente para que su Hijo muriera por ti. ¿Qué tan sabio es nuestro Dios? Lo suficiente para no pecar como los hombres. ¿Qué tan inteligente es Dios? Lo suficiente para crear todo el universo de la nada. ¿En realidad, cuánto sabe Dios? Sabe todo lo que hay que saber sobre todo lo que existe. CANNOT OCCUPY SAME SPACE Darkness and light cannot occupy the same space. One has to leave. Hatred and love cannot be in the same person. One dominates. Sadness and joy have no compatibility at all. One has to flee. Right and wrong cannot be found together. Cannot happen. Lies and truth have nothing in common. A lie is just that. Night and day will never ever be together. Different shifts. Satan and God will never be of one accord. Satan is just evil and God is holy. NO OCUPAN EL MISMO ESPACIO La oscuridad y la luz no pueden ocupar el mismo espacio. Una tiene que irse. El odio y el amor no pueden estar en la misma persona. Uno expulsa al otro. La tristeza y el regocijo no pueden existir simultáneamente. Uno tiene que huir. La maldad y el bien no se encuentran de compañeros. Eso jamás sucede. La mentira y la verdad no se pueden decir al mismo tiempo. Es una o la otra. La noche y el día jamás se han reunido y ni lo harán. Diferentes funciones. Satanás y Dios Padre jamás estarán de común acuerdo. El diablo es sólo malo y Dios es todo bueno. GOD’S LOVE ENDURES FOREVER I love God for his ever unfailing compassion for his love endures forever. I always praise God for his righteousness – his justice endures forever. I will always call on the name of my Lord for no other name suffices. I obey God for his righteous judgment – his wisdom is everlasting. I worship God for his sacred holiness – his divinity lasts forever. I trust God for his eternal faithfulness; his word lives eternally. I exalt God for his sincere meekness and for his true humility. I will always live by Bible principles. God gave them to us. EL AMOR DE DIOS ES ETERNO Amo a Dios por su compasión y porque su amor permanece eternamente. Alabo a mi Señor por su justicia y porque esa justicia permanece para siempre. Obedezco a Dios en su juicio justo porque él todo lo juzga con su excelente sabiduría. Exalto a mi Dios por su humildad y por su verdadera mansedumbre que demostró en la cruz. Siempre viviré por principios bíblicos que Dios nos dejó en sus escrituras y que Jesucristo los vivió. Confío en Dios por su eterna fidelidad y porque su palabra se cumplirá por toda la eternidad. Siempre invoco el nombre de mi Señor porque su nombre está sobre cualquier otro nombre. Adoro a Dios por su sagrada santidad porque su divinidad permanecerá eternamente. THAT’S THE WAY GOD IS To the Sinners God is forgiveness and eternal life. To the lost He is the way, the truth and the life. To the weak He is strength, power and assistance. To the poor He is relief, a refuge and their provision. To the sick He is the medicine, the doctor and the healer. To the lonely He is a shoulder to cry on, a companion and a friend. To an unbeliever Jesus is a stumbling block, his only chance and his final judge. To a godly parent He is his spouse, his children, his employment and God. To the single mother He is the sustainer, the advisor and her husband. To the pastor He is the Bible, his church and the congregation. To the farmer He is the seed , the rain and the harvest. To the oppressed He is safety, deliverance and freedom. ASÍ ES DIOS Para los pecadores Dios es el perdón y la vida eterna. Para los perdidos él es el camino, la verdad y la vida. Para los débiles él es la fuerza, el poder y su asistencia. Para el pastor es la biblia, su iglesia y su congregación. Para los oprimidos él es su seguridad, su rescate y su libertad. Para el incrédulo es piedra de tropiezo, única oportunidad y juez. Para los padres creyentes él es su pareja, sus hijos, su empleo y su único Dios. Para los pobres nuestro Dios es descanso, refugio y provisión. A los abandonados él los oye como amigo y, los acompaña. Para la madre soltera es su sustento, su consejero y su esposo. Para el granjero él es la semilla, la lluvia y la cosecha. Para los enfermos es medicina, médico y sanación. I BELIEVE IN HIM I always obey the Lord my God and He sustains me. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for my eternal salvation. I put all my trust on the Lord Jesus and He never fails me. My eternal hope is in the Lord Jesus and I will live eternally. My faith is entirely on the Lord God. Therefore He blesses me. My life is in the hands of my Lord Jesus and He handles it well. YO CREO EN ÉL Siempre obedezco a mi Señor y él me sostiene. Creo en el Señor Jesucristo para mi salvación. Pongo mi confianza en Dios y él no me falla. M i esperanza está en Jesús para mi salvación. Toda mi fe está en Jesucristo y soy bendecido. En sus manos mi vida está y él la maneja bien. GOD’S WORD Father God, Your word lights up my path as it shoves away the darkness. It shows me the right way as it goes with me everywhere. It dispels all the blindness that the world hurls at me. I simply do not stumble because your word guides me. The narrow road I find because your word leads me. Heaven bound I will be through Jesus the word of God. LA PALABRA DE DIOS Dios Padre, tu palabra ilumina mi sendero al remover la oscuridad de mi camino. Me enseña la correcta dirección ya que ella me acompaña fielmente. Ella dispersa todas las mentiras que este mundo me está arrojando. Simplemente no me tropiezo porque tu palabra es guía para mí. El camino angosto yo encontré porque tu palabra fue la que me guió. Algún día al cielo yo arribaré por Jesucristo – tu palabra viviente. DON’T QUIT DREAMING If life has given you the pits and not the cherries enjoy the pits. Although life may seem like a nightmare to you don’t quit dreaming. If the pitcher of life has thrown a curve at you learn to hit it. If you are not enjoying this life like a party don’t quit dancing. If life has given you nothing but lemons, sell lemonade. If all your plans have gone down South you go North. If all you have are sour grapes make good wine. NO DEJES DE SOÑAR Si la vida te da las semillas y no la naranja disfruta las semillas. Si el lanzador de la vida te tira una curva aprende a pegarle. Si todos tus planes se han despedazado junta los pedazos. Si la vida te ha dado solamente limones haz buena limonada. Aunque la vida parezca una pesadilla no dejes de soñar. Si la vida no es una gran fiesta para ti no dejes de bailar. Si solamente te quedan uvas agrias haz un buen vino. IT WILL PASS You may be feeling extremely sad but that will pass. You may be experiencing difficulties but they will pass. You can be hurting extremely bad now but it will pass. You may be going through an injustice but it will pass. You may be lamenting a loss of a dear one. but that will pass. Maybe you are suffering a lot physically that too will pass. It may be a time of sorrow for you but it will pass. Maybe it’s your time for crying but it will pass. No matter how old you are this life will pass. ESO TAMBIÉN PASARÁ Tal vez te sientas muy triste pero eso pasará. Es posible que pases por dificultades pero ya pasarán. Posiblemente te sientas muy lastimado pero eso pasará. Puedes estar presenciando injusticias severas pero esas pasarán. Si estás de luto por la muerte de un ser querido ese luto te pasará. Es probable que estés sufriendo mucho físicamente pero pronto pasará. El destino te puede haber traído un tiempo muy amargo y ya está por pasar. Tal vez sea el tiempo para que te desahogues de todo y llores pero también pasará. No importa tu edad, que tan saludable estés o que tan rico seas esta vida se te acabará. THAT’S NOT IT You can be very religious and wind up in hell. You can know many people and be lonesome. You can be extremely wealthy but spiritually broke. You can participate in lots of sex and not know love. You can be more than intelligent and be very unwise. You can be the strongest one physically and be emotionally weak. ESO NO ES Puedes conocer miles de personas pero te sientes muy solo. Puedes ser la persona más inteligente pero vacío de sabiduría. Puedes ser extremadamente religioso y descender al infierno. Puedes tener sexo con miles de personas y no conocer el amor. Puedes ser el más rico de todo el mundo y espiritualmente vacío. Físicamente puedes ser la persona más fuerte pero débil emocionante. GOD DIDN’T GIVE ME THAT God did not give me a spirit of fear but one of courage. God did not instill in me a spirit of unbelief but one of believing. God did not provide me with a spirit of hatred but a spirit of love. God did not make available to me a spirit of sadness but rather one of joy. God did not empower me with the spirit of hopelessness but with the one of hope. God did not come for me to be lacking the basic necessities but for me to live in abundance. God did not furnish me with the spirit of inconsistency but with the one of consistency. God did not anoint me with the spirit of quitting but with one of persevering God did not equip me with the spirit of doubt but with one of confidence. God did not envision me with a spirit of losing but with one of winning. God did not give His Son for me to go to hell but to go to heaven IF EVOLUTION IS TRUE If evolution is true were your ancestors worms or apes? If evolution is true were you completely ignorant at one point? If evolution is true will the human race evolve into something else? If evolution is true will the animals keep on evolving into human beings? If evolution is true will there be no animals once all of them have evolved? SI LA EVOLUCIÓN ES VERDADERA Si la evolución es verdadera ¿tus antepasados fueron lombrices o gorilas? Si la evolución es verdadera ¿fuiste completamente ignorante en un tiempo? Si la evolución es verdadera ¿la raza humana evolucionará a ser algo diferente? Si la evolución es verdadera ¿los animales evolucionarán hasta ser gente humana? Si la evolución es verdadera ¿existirán animales ya que todos hayan evolucionado? I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I looked in my mirror and what did I actually see? I saw a sinner looking back at me. I looked in God’s mirror and what did I actually see? I saw a saint looking back at me. Then I looked at myself and what did I really see? I saw God’s grace all over me. MIRÉ EN EL ESPEJO Miré en mi espejo ¿y qué creen que yo miré? I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I looked in my mirror and what did I actually see? I saw a sinner looking back at me. I looked in God’s mirror and what did I actually see? I saw a saint looking back at me. Then I looked at myself and what did I really see? I saw God’s grace all over me. MIRÉ EN EL ESPEJO Miré en mi espejo ¿y qué creen que yo miré? Vi un pecador mirándome a mí. En el espejo de Dios ¿Qué creen que yo miré? Vi a un santo mirándome a mí. Me vi a mi mismo ¿y de verdad qué miré? Miré la gracia de Dios en mí. YOU CANNOT DO IT You cannot clean yourself from sin only Jesus can do that. You cannot forgive your own sins only Jesus can do that. You cannot even change yourself but Jesus can do it. You cannot save your own soul only Jesus can do that. You cannot be saved by works but you can by grace. NO PUEDES HACERLO No puedes limpiarte del pecado sólo Jesús puedo hacerlo. No puedes perdonar tus pecados sólo Jesús puede hacerlo. No puedes cambiar lo que eres sólo Jesús puede hacerlo. No puedes salvarte a ti mismo sólo Jesús puede hacerlo. No puedes ser salvo por obras sino por la gracia de dios. I LOVE GOD FOR 100,000 REASONS I love Gove because He created the world but also because He created me. I love God because He shed His blood for me and because He covers all my sins. I love my Lord because He gave His life for me and also for giving me eternal life. I love God because He left the Bible with His word and because that word lives inside of me. I love my Lord because He is preparing a home for me but also because the Holy Spirit lives in me. I love God because He became a human just to save us but also because soon He is coming back for us. I love God for more than one hundred thousand reasons but most of all I love Him for being who He is. AMO A DIOS POR CIEN MIL RAZONES Yo amo a Dios porque él creó el mundo y también porque me creó a mí. Amo a Dios porque derramó su sangre y por la misma me limpió a mí. Amo al Señor por dar su vida por mí y por proveerme vida eterna. Amo a Dios por dejarnos su palabra y porque la palabra vive en mí. Amo a Dios por prepararme morada para que algún día viva con él. Amo a Dios por convertirse en humano para enseñarnos cómo vivir. Amo a dios por más de cien mil razones pero sobre todo lo amo por ser él. MY FAITH IS IN JESUS ONLY I put my trust in Jesus not on temporary things. I believe in my Lord not on Darwin’s evolution. My faith is in Jesus not on earthly sinking sand. I only pray to Jesus not to some worthless idols. I cling on to Jesus not to money or material things. TENGO FE EN JESUCRISTO Me aferro a mi Jesús no al dinero ni a las cosas materiales. Creo en el Creador no en la tonta evolución de Darwin. Confío en Jesucristo no en las cosas temporáneas. Tengo la fe en Jesús no en la arena movediza. Yo le ora a mi Dios no a ídolos inservibles. FAITH WILL PREVAIL Where there is much fear if you let confidence in it will prevail. Where there is real hate if you let love come in it will prevail. Where there is darkness if you let the light in it will prevail. Where the devil rules if you let Jesus in He will prevail. Where there is confusion if you seek the truth it will prevail. When you are not certain if you pray in faith it will prevail. LA FE PREVALECERÁ Donde hay temor si permites que entre la confianza ella prevalecerá. Donde hay odio si permites que entre el amor éste prevalecerá. En la oscuridad si permites que llegue la luz ella prevalecerá Si el diablo está ábrele la puerta a Jesús y él prevalecerá. Si estás confuso busca la verdad en Dios y prevalecerás. Si estás inseguro órale a Dios con mucha fe y prevalecerás LOOK FOR JESUS If the seeds of evolution have been planted in you, stop watering them. If the darkness of sin is obscuring your godly vision, start to read the Bible. If you have placed Jesus in the valley of indifference, get Him out of there. If the long tentacles of the devil have a tight grip on you, repent and seek Jesus. If you can’t see Jesus because of the forest of busyness, chop down the trees. If the trails of confusion are leading you in the wrong path, find the way in Jesus. Because you really don’t know when death may come to you, turn to the Lord Jesus. If you have lost Jesus somewhere in the shadows of your mind, seek Him in the sunlight. BUSCA A JESUCRISTO Si la semilla de la evolución te ha sido sembrada, no la riegues. Si la oscuridad del pecado te ha quitado la visión, ve a la biblia. Si has puesto a Jesús en el valle de la indiferencia, sácalo de allí. Si no puedes ver a Jesús por el bosque de trabajo, corta los árboles. Si en las veredas de confusión te encuentras perdido, busca la de Jesús. Si has perdido a Jesucristo en las tinieblas de tu mente, lo hallará s en la luz. Si los lacayos del mismo diablo te tienen atrapado fuertemente, arrepiéntete este día. Porque no sabes cuándo te llegue el día de rendirle cuentas a Dios, acércate a él hoy mismo. GOD WANT ME TO BE HAPPY God wants me to be happy because when I am truly happy I make others happy. God wants me to have faith because when I have real faith He can work through me. God wants me to pray because when I pray in faith He will do His miracles. God wants me to prosper so when prosperity comes I can help the needy. DIOS DESEA QUE ESTÉ CONTENTO Dios desea que yo esté contento porque cuando soy feliz hago a otros felices. Dios desea que tenga mucha fe porque cuando tengo esa fe puede obrar en mí. Dios desea que ore bastante porque cuando oro así hace sus Milagros. Dios desea que yo prospere porque si yo prospero ayudo al necesitado. I DON’T WANT TO BE SO INTELLIGENT I do not want to be learned and educated that I don’t believe in God. I don’t want to be so intelligent and think that I only believe in myself. I don’t want to be so educated and wise that I cannot live by faith. I do not want to be so good and pious to think I don’t need God. I do not want to b e so successful to think I did it by myself. NO QUIERO SER TAN INTELIGENTE Jamás quiero ser tan erudito y educado que no crea en Dios. No quiero ser tan inteligente ni pensar que solo crea en mí. No quiero pensar que yo sea tan sabio para no vivir por fe. No quiero ser tan bueno tan piadoso y no necesitar a Dios. No quiero tener tanto éxito ni fama que crea que lo hice yo. LET IT BE IN ME Let there be light around me and let it come from me. Let there be joy where I may be and let it be spread by me. Let there be lots of love in the world and let some be found in me. Let there be peace on this earth and let it begin in me. Let there be humility in men and let it be in me. QUE ESTÉ EN MÍ Que haya luz donde yo esté y que salga de mí. Que haya regocijo alrededor de mí y que lo lleve yo. Que haya mucho amor en este mundo y que lo sienta yo. Que haya abundancia de humildad primeramente en mí. Que haya paz en esta tierra empezando en mí. SIMPLY HONOR GOD Honor God if you are intelligent or not so intelligent. Praise God if you are in good health or if you are not. Exalt God if everything is working out or going wrong. Worship God if you are in a church or wherever you may be. Thank God for the good experiences and for the bad ones. Serve God when you feel like it and even when you do not. Glorify God by simply doing your very best in everything you do. Pray to God when you need something and also when you don’t. Mention God when you’re with Christians but also when you are not. SIMPLEMENTE HONRA A DIOS Honra a Dios si eres inteligente o no. Exalta a Dios si todo va bien o si va mal. Alaba a Dios si tienes buena o mala salud. Adora a Dios si estás en la iglesia o en otro lugar. Glorifica a Dios al dar lo mejor de ti en todo lo que hagas. Dale gracias a Dios por las buenas experiencias y por las malas. Sirve a Dios cuando tengas ganas y cuando no las tengas. Órale a Dios cuando necesites algo y cuando no necesites nada. Menciona a Dios cuando estés con cristianos cuando estés con incredulous. WHERE SHOULD WE BE? Where should we be? Where God is. Where should we be? In God’s will. Where should we be? Serving God. Where should we be? It’s in prayer. Where should we be? In repentance. Where should we be? In a church. Where should we be? In the Bible Where should we be? In God’s light. Where should we be? In God’s love. Where should we be? In heaven. ¿DÓNDE DEBEMOS ESTAR? ¿Dónde debemos estar? Donde Dios esté. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En la voluntad de Dios. ¿Dónde debemos estar? Sirviendo a Dios. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En plena oración. ¿Dónde debemos estar? arrepintiéndonos. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En una iglesia. ¿Dónde debemos estar? Leyendo la biblia. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En la luz de Dios. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En el amor de Dios. ¿Dónde debemos estar? En el cielo con Dios THE GOD OF GRACE God is a God who extends grace. That’s why He forgives all my sins. God wanted to reconcile us to Him. That’s why He sent Jesus for our salvation. I made my personal confession of faith. That’s why my God received me as His son. He was, is and will always be a merciful God. That’s why when I confess my sins He forgives me. We worship a God who is righteous and just. That’s why He does not judge us by our many faults. EL DIOS DE GRACIA Nuestro Dios extiende su gracia. Por eso me perdona los pecados. Dios quiere reconciliarnos con él. Por eso vino a Jesús al mundo. Yo hice una confesión personal de fe. Por eso ahora soy hijo de Dios. Dios era, es y siempre será misericordioso. Por eso por su gracia soy salvo. Los cristianos adoramos a Dios porque es justo. Por eso nos juzga con amor HOLY FATHER Holy Father, shower me with wisdom that I may just follow You. Create a new heart in me that I may be a new creation. Open my eyes and my heart that I may leave sin behind. Cleanse me of all my sins that I may start a brand new life. Purify my life, mind and soul that I may always do your will. Let there be a transformation of my mind that I may change. Holy One, sanctify me for your service that I may serve You well. Bless me in every area of my life that I may be a blessing to others. Fill me with the Holy Spirit that people may feel your Spirit in me. Father, give my soul eternal life that I may spend eternity with You. Anoint me so much that when I pray for sick people they will be healed. I receive that peace that surpasses all understanding coming from You. SANTO PADRE Santo Padre, báñame con tu sabiduría para que pueda seguirte. Ábreme los ojos y el corazón para que deje el pecado. Crea nuevo corazón en mí para que sea nueva creación. Límpiame de todo pecado para comenzar una nueva vida. Purifícame la vida, la mente y el alma para hacer tu voluntad. Transfórmame la mente y el modo de pensar para que cambie. Bendíceme en cada área de mi vida para que yo bendiga a otros. Santidad, santifícame para tu servicio para que pueda servirte bien. Lléname del Espíritu Santo para que sientan la presencia de Dios en mí. Dale a mi alma vida eterna para que yo pueda pasar la eternidad contigo. Úngeme para que al orar se sanen los enfermos de cualquier enfermedad. Recibo esa paz, armonía y tranquilidad de ti que sobrepasa todo entendimiento. GOD IS EVERYWHERE The God that was with you when you were born will be with you when you die. The God that is with you when you are in the city is with you also in the village. The God that is with you on the mountain tops accompanies you in the valleys. The God that is with you when you are planting is with you during harvest time. The God who hears every one of your prayers is the one who answers them. The God who is with you during your good times comforts you in the bad ones. The God who never leaves you nor forsakes you will also be with you in heaven. DIOS ESTÁ DONDEQUIERA El Dios quien estaba contigo cuando naciste estará contigo cuando mueras. El Dios quien está contigo en las ciudades está contigo en los pueblitos. El Dios quien está contigo en las montañas es tu compañero en los valles. El Dios que está contigo cuando siembras te acompaña en la cosecha. El Dios quien recibe todas tus oraciones es el mismo que las responde. El Dios quien celebra tus buenos tiempos se entristece en los malos. El Dios que jamás te abandona o te deja estará contigo en el cielo. I WISH I WERE IN HEAVEN I wish I were in heaven so… I could enjoy more peace and love than I could imagine. I would smell sweeter fragrances than any perfume. I would see more shades of colors than here on earth. I would hear such divine melodies that don’t exist here. I would think of wonderful things that I don’t think now. I would feel wonderful feelings that I have never felt. It’d be a beautiful experience as I never ever had. The most wonderful thing is that I’d be with God. SI YO ESTUVIERA EN EL CIELO Si yo estuviera en el cielo… disfrutaría de la paz y amor que aquí no es imaginable. Olería mejores fragancias que cualquier perfume. Miraría matices de colores que no existen en el mundo. Escucharía hermosas melodías que no se producen en el planeta. Pensaría en cosas tan maravillosas que me alegrarían simplemente por pensarlas. Sentiría sentimientos tan divinos y tan profundos que ellos mismos me llevarían a la presencia de Dios. Pero lo más hermoso y maravilloso de todo lo mencionado es que, en realidad, pasaría toda la eternidad con mi Creador. HE IS A GOD FOR ALL OF US God’s love is not limited so there is enough for me. His light is not so dim that it cannot shine on me. His hand is not so short and that’s why it reaches me. His forgiveness is true for anybody who truly repents. His compassion is for anyone of His sons who is hurting. His blessings are for the children who are serving Him. There’s no one perfect so He saves the ones who come to Him. ÉL ES DIOS PARA TODOS El amor de Dios no tiene límite; por eso él tiene bastante para mí Como su luz no es tan opaca llega su iluminación donde yo esté. Su mano no es demasiado corta que me toca dondequiera que sea. Su perdón es tan verdadero que perdona al que se arrepienta. Su compasión es tan genuina que se compadece del que sufre. Sus bendiciones les llegan a sus hijos quienes están sirviéndole. Ya que nadie es perfecto salva a los que lo aceptan como su Dios. JESUS DID IT FOR US Jesus came down from heaven to be with us. He shed His divine blood to save us. He died for our sins at Calvary. He left us His Word in the Bible. He intercedes for us to the Father. He gave us His name – Christians. He prepared a place for us in heaven. He is patiently waiting for us to come to Him. JESÚS LO HIZO POR NOSOTROS Cristo descendió del cielo para enseñarnos sus caminos. Él derramó su sangre divina para salvarnos del pecado. Murió por nuestros pecados en el Calvario en una cruz. Nos dejó su palabra escrita para nosotros en la biblia. Está intercediendo por nosotros allá en el cielo con su Padre. Por su nombre que nos dio somos sus amados hijos y cristianos. Preparó una vivienda para nosotros para que vivamos en el cielo. Pacientemente él está esperando que cada persona venga a él para salvarla INSTEAD OF THAT Instead of believing in evolution believe in creation. Instead of you trusting in men trust in Jesus Christ. Instead of fearing real change embrace it totally. Instead of handling worries give them to God. Instead of you blaming others be responsible. Instead of always complaining do something. Instead of being afraid of death rejoice in Jesus. EN VEZ DE ESO En vez de creer en evolución cree en la creación. En vez de confiar en los hombres confía en Jesucristo. En vez de temerle al cambio espéralo con júbilo. En vez de preocuparte por todo entrégaselo a Dios. En vez de culpar al prójimo remedia la situación. En vez de seguir quejándote toma acción positiva. No tengas temor de morir sino acércate a Dios. HOW CAN I BE SAVED? Can I go to heaven by my religion? No! Can I be saved by doing good works? No! Can I be with God by helping the poor? No! Can I have salvation by being a good person? No! Can I have eternal life by believing in Buddha? No! Can I enter the pearly gates by praying to Allah? No! Can I be taken up by the prophet Mohammad? No! Can I dwell in heaven through Jesus Christ? Yes, yes, yes! ¿CÓMO PUEDO SER SALVO? ¿Puedo ir al cielo por mi religión? ¡No! ¿Puedo ser salvo por mis buenas obras? ¡No! ¿Puedo estar con Dios si ayudo a los pobres? ¡No! ¿Puedo recibir salvación siendo buena persona? ¡No! ¿Puedo tener vida eterna si tengo mucha fe en Buda? ¡No! ¿Se me abren los portales del cielo si le oro a Alá? ¡No! ¿Me puede llevar al cielo el profeta Mohamed? ¡No! ¿Puedo vivir en el cielo si acepto a Jesucristo? ¡Sí, sí, sí! WHICH VOICES ARE SPEAKING TO YOU? To which one do you subscribe… the truths of God or the devil’s lies? Do you listen carefully to the voice of faith or the voice of doubt? Do you actually hearken to the voice of love or the voice of hatred? Do you pay attention to the voice of confidence or the voice of fear? Do you lend your ears to the voice of edifying or the one of destroying? Which voice do you hear,,, the voice of godly joy or the one of worldly sadness? Do your truths come from… the word of God or from the news on your television set? ¿CUÁLES VOCES TE HABLAN? ¿A qué escuchas mucho más a la voz de confianza o a la voz de temor? ¿A qué le prestas atención a la voz de amor divino o a la voz del odio? ¿Escuchas cuidadosamente la voz de la fe o la voz que siembra dudas? ¿Por cuáles principios vives… las verdades de Dios o las mentiras del diablo? ¿A qué le prestas ambos oídos a la voz de edificar o a la voz de destruir gente? ¿Cuál voz te habla más fuerte la de regocijarte y ser feliz o la de estar amargado? ¿De dónde vienen tus verdades, de la palabra de Dios o de las noticias por la televisión? THAT’S NOT HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS We don’t measure success by how tough we are. We measure it by how gentle we are. We don’t measure success by the money we keep. We measure it by the money we give. We don’t measure success by the people we beat. We measure it by the ones we lift up. We don’t measure success by what we accomplish. We measure it by what God does in us. We don’t measure success by our own intelligence. We measure it by the wisdom of God. ASÍ NO MEDIMOS EL ÉXITO No medimos el éxito por nuestra fuerza. Lo medimos por nuestro amor. No medimos el éxito por ser muy ricos. Lo medimos por lo que damos. No medimos el éxito por derrotar gente. Lo medimos por exaltar a unos. No medimos el éxito por nuestros logros. Lo medimos por lo que Dios hace. No medimos el éxito por la inteligencia. Lo medimos por la sabiduría de Dios. HE IS THE SOLUTION Jesus does not only have the truth; He is the truth. He does not simply give out love; He is pure love. He does not only create life; He is life itself. He is not just another way; He is the way. He is not just any light; He is the light. He is not a solution; He is the solution. ÉL ES LA SOLUCIÓN Jesús no sólo tiene la solución; Él es la solución. Él no simplemente da amor; Él es puro amor. Él no solamente crea vida; Él es todo vida. No es solamente otra luz; Es la luz divina. No es sólo un camino; Él es el camino. No es una solución; Es la solución. LOVE YOURSELF! If you do not love yourself, start looking at yourself through God’s eyes because if you don’t do that, you will not be able to love someone else. Help yourself as much as you possibly can in every area of your life because if you fail completely to do that, you will not help others. Start an intimate relationship with God – He will answer your prayers, but if you actually fail to reach out to Him you will not touch others. Exercise your faith every change you get, so that it will grow and grow because if you do not try to exercise it, it will fail you in time of need. Ask God to bless every area of your life, and He will send HIs blessings. but if you don’t take the trouble to do it, you will be the one who loses. ¡ÁMATE A TI MISMO! Mírate por los ojos de Dios si es que no te amas, porque si tú no lo haces jamás podrás amar. Ayúdate en lo que puedas en todas las áreas, porque si tú no lo haces, a nadie le ayudarás. Inicia una relación con Dios y órale lleno de fe para que te haga milagros y te ilumine su luz. Ejerce tu fe con devoción para que crezcas, porque si fallas en eso estancado estarás Pídele a Dios bendiciones cada día de tu vida para que puedas bendecir al prójimo en tu vida. PEOPLE WILL KNOW People will know who we are… by our love not by our hatred, by our light, not by our darkness, by our tolerance, not by our intolerance, by our love for the sinner, while hating the sin, not by defeating others, but by helping them succeed, not by going to church, but by helping people in time of need, and not by the Christian stickers on our car, but by the way we drive. LA GENTE SABRÁ La gente sabrá quienes somos… por nuestro amor, no por el odio, por nuestra luz, no por la oscuridad, por nuestra tolerancia, no la intolerancia, por amar al pecador y por odiar el pecado, no por vencer al prójimo, sino por verlo triunfar, no por asistir a la iglesia, sino por ayudar al vecino, y no por calcamonías en el coche – sí por conducir bien. THE COAT OF MANY COLORS I have a coat of many colors. Blue stands for the color of heaven where my God lives. Red represents the blood that my Lord Jesus shed for me. The color green is there to represent the planet’s fertility. Purple is because God has made me part of His royal family. Brown reminds me that God created the earth for us to live in it. White is there to represent cleanliness and righteousness. Black is only there to remind me that I should always avoid sin. LA CHAQUETA DE DIVERSOS COLORES Tengo una chaqueta de muchos colores. EL azul representa el color del cielo donde vive mi Padre. El rojo lo tiene por la sangre que Jesucristo derramó por mí. Lo verde significa la fertilidad de este planeta y la de mi vida. La parte púrpura es la que me recuerda de mi realeza divina. El color café es el color de la tierra que Dios nos proveyó. El retazo blanco representa la pureza y la justicia de mi Dios. El negro se puso para recordarme siempre que no debo pecar. BEGIN YOUR DAY Begin your day by deciding to… be happy and not sad, give whatever is needed, live by faith and not by fear, live by love and not by hate, forgive and not hold grudges, be grateful and not complain, do your part, not be a burden, get started, no procrastinating, bless others as much as possible, admit your faults and not blame others. COMIENZA TU DÍA Comienza tu día decidiendo que… estarás contento y no triste, vas a dar lo que sea necesario, vivirás por tu fe y no por miedo, vas a vivir por amor y no por odio, perdonarás toda ofensa contra ti, estarás bien agradecido sin quejarte, vas a comenzar todo sin procrastinar, bendecir a otros según tus capacidades, y que admitirás tus faltas sin culpar a nadie. GOD IS SOVEREIGN God will always love His people but hates their sin. God will provide for your needs not for your desires. God will hear your prayers – only if you’re sincere. God sometimes will bless you but only if it’s His will. God will forgive all your sins but only if you repent. God offers to you salvation if you receive His Son. DIOS ES SOBERANO Dios siempre amará a sus hijos pero odio sus pecados. Dios proveerá tus necesidades pero no por tus deseos. Dios te oye cuando tú le oras si de verdad eres sincero. Dios a veces va a bendecirte – si está en su voluntad. Dios perdonará tus pecados – tienes que arrepentirte. Dios te ofrece a ti vida eterna si recibes a su Hijo Jesús. GOD, USE ME Lord, allow me to love the ones who need Your love. Jesus, permit me to bless the ones who You want to bless. Jehovah, use me to help those who really need Your help. Lord, guide me to touch the ones You truly want to touch. Savior, send Your word to the ones who You want saved. Messiah, help me pray for Your chosen children the Israelites. God,have me give hope to the ones who are truly yearning for it. Son of the Living God, let me bring Your joy to the joyless children. Jesus Christ, my Savior, please prepare my home with You in heaven. DIOS, UTILÍZAME Amo, utilízame a mí para que sea luz a los perdidos. Hijo del Dios Viviente, llevaré regocijo a tus seguidores. Jesús, que yo bendiga a los que deseas que bendiga. Señor, déjame amar a los que necesitan tu amor. Padre mío, ayudaré a los que necesitan tu ayuda. Dios, siempre tocaré a los que quieres que toque. Les daré tu palabra a los que quieres tú salvar. Mesías, voy a orar por tus hijos – los judíos. Jesús, prepárame mi morada allá contigo. HOW SHOULD YOU BE? Our Father is compassionate. Try to imitate Him. Be merciful. If your Lord Jesus is pure love, treat other people with love. God is the light of the world. What should you do? Be a light . Father God is all righteous. How should you live? Righteously. God is patient with you. Follow His example. Be patient! ¿CÓMO DEBES SER? Nuestro Padre es compasivo. Trata de imitarlo con amor. Tu Señor Jesús es todo amor. Trata al prójimo con amor. Jesucristo es la luz del mundo. ¿Qué debes ser? una lucecita. Dios es la verdadera justicia. ¿Cómo debes vivir? En su justicia. Dios tiene paciencia contigo. Sigue su ejemplo. Ten paciencia. I BELONG TO HIM I was created in my mother’s womb by the Great Creator. I am very proud to be a subject of the King of kings. I try to be a humble servant of the Most High God. I am a faithful follower of my Lord Jesus. I am a definite believer in Jesus Christ. I was adopted by Father God. I belong to my Lord. YO LE PERTENEZCO Fui creado en el vientre de mi madre por el Gran Creador. Trato de ser un humilde servidor del Altísimo Dios. Me enorgullezco al ser vasallo del Rey de reyes. Soy un seguidor muy fiel de mi Señor Jesús. Definitivamente creo en mi fiel Redentor. Fui adoptado por Padre Dios. Le pertenezco a mi Señor. S U F F E R I N G Suffering is not because God is punishing you. Suffering does not mean you have failed God. Suffering is not because of you have lack of faith. Suffering is not as a result of God not trusting you. Suffering is a consequence of Adam’s original sin. EL SUFRIMIENTO El sufrimiento no es porque Dios te quiere castigar. El sufrimiento no significa que le has fallado a tu Dios. El sufrimiento no es a causa de tu falta de fe en Cristo. El sufrimiento no es resultado que Dios ya no confía en ti. El sufrimiento es la consecuencia del pecado original de Adán. YOU’LL FIND IT IN JESUS Do you feel empty without meaning? You will find meaning in Jesus. Do you feel fatigued all the time? You’ll find needed rest in Jesus. Do you find all the doors closed? Find a door opened in Jesus. Are you in a hopeless situation? You will find hope in Jesus. Are you are discouraged? Be encouraged in Jesus. LO ENCONTRARÁS EN CRISTO ¿Te sientes vacío y la vida sin sentido? Tiene muchísimo sentido en Cristo. ¿Estás en una situación sin esperanza? Encontrarás esperanza en Cristo. ¿Te sientes fatigado todo el tiempo? Encontrarás descanso en Cristo. ¿Encuentras todas puertas cerradas? Hay una bien abierta en Cristo. ¿Estás completamente sin alientos? Puedes recibir aliento en Cristo. IT’S NOT BECAUSE OF YOU You were not created because of who you are. You were created because of who Jesus is – The Creator. You don’t have wisdom because of who you are. You have wisdom because of who Jesus is – Omniscient. You are not serving God because of who you are. You are serving because of God’s servant – Jesus Christ. You are not a light because of who you really are. You are a light because you are a son of – the Father of lights. You don’t love simply because of who you really are. You love because you were loved first by – Father God. You are not saved because of who you happen to be. You are saved because someone died for you – the Son of God – Jesus. NO ES POR QUIEN TÚ ERES No fuiste creado por quien eres tú. Fuiste creado por lo que es Jesucristo – el Creador. No tienes sabiduría por quien eres tú. Tienes sabiduría por que Jesucristo es – omnisciente. No sirves a Dios por quien eres tú. Le sirves por el ejemplo de su Hijo – Jesucristo. No alumbra tu luz por quien eres tú. Tu luz viene del Padre de las luces – Dios Padre. No amas a otros por quien tú eres. Los amas porque recibiste amor de – Padre Dios. No fuiste salvo por quien eres tú. Fuiste salvo porque alguien murió por ti – el hijo de Dios. SHOULD WE DO THAT? Why did God create everything? He did because He is the Creator – Isaiah 40:28 What really makes God love us? He does because He is pure love – 1 John 4:8 Can we pray for God to heal us? We can because He is a healing God – Acts 9:34 Can we pray for God to provide? We can because He is the provider – Genesis 22:8 Should we ask God to protect us? We should because He is our protector – Psalm 91:1-13 Should we come to God for advice? We should because He is our heavenly Father – Isaiah 9:6 Should we ask God for our salvation? We should because His Son Jesus is our Savior – John 14:6 Should we pray for peace in our lives? We should because He is the God of peace – Hebrews 13:20 Should we ask God for an abundant life? We should because Jesus provides it abundantly – John 10:10 Should we be always worshiping our God? We should because our God lives in our praises – Psalm 22:3 Should we look forward to an eternal life? We should because Jesus has prepared a place for us – John 14 ¿DEBERÍAMOS HACER ESO? ¿Por qué creó Dios lo que existe? Lo hizo porque él es el Creador – Isaías 40:28 ¿Por qué nos ama tanto Dios? Nos ama porque él es puro amor – 1 Juan 4:8 ¿Debemos pedir sanidad? Sí, claro, porque él es sanador – Hechos 9:34 ¿Le podemos pedir que provea? Podemos porque él es el proveedor – Génesis 22:8 ¿Le debemos pedir que nos proteja? Sí, desde luego. Es nuestro protector – Salmo 91:1-13 ¿Podemos pedirle consejos a Dios? Hagámoslo porque es nuestro Padre celestial – Isaías 9:6 ¿Debemos alabar y adorar a Dios? Debemos hacerlo porque vive en la adoración – Salmo 22:3 ¿Debemos pedir salvación? Desde luego porque es nuestro Salvador – Juan 14:6 ¿Le pedimos a Dios que nos dé paz? De seguro, porque él es el Dios de paz – Hebreos 13:20 ¿Le pedimos a Dios una vida abundante? Hagámoslo porque Jesús desea que la tengamos – Juan 10:10 ¿Debemos ansiar estar en la vida eterna? Claro que sí porque Dios nos ha preparado una morada – lo dice en San Juan 14:3 I WILL JOIN GOD’S ARMY You have a very dangerous foe. Fight him with the sword of the Spirit, which happens to be the word of God. You need to put on your armor, which is in reality the armor of God. You can only access it through prayer. Don’t be a loner and fight alone. Join the biggest and powerful army, which is composed of God’s children. If you actually join God’s Army, you will never regret it because you will spend eternity with our God. ME ALISTARÉ EN EL EJÉRCITO DE DIOS Tienes un adversario muy peligroso. Pelea con la espada del Espíritu Santo, la cual es la palabra bíblica de nuestro Dios. Necesitas ponerte toda tu armadura, que, en realidad, es la armadura de Dios. Solamente puedes ponértela en oración. No pelees como un lobo solitario. Alístate en el ejército más poderoso, que se compone de los hijos de Dios. Si te alistas en el ejército de Dios, jamás te arrepentirás o tendrás pena, porque pasarás la eternidad con Dios. FATHER GOD, JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT Creator God, I offer to You as a sacrifice my spirit, my soul and my body. Eternal God, open my ears and my eyes, not forgetting my understanding. Most Holy God, I receive all three of You: Father, Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God of Abraham, I am asking for Your anointing, sanctification and Your consecration. Holy Blessed God, I need Your protection at home, in my going out and in my coming in. Most Loving God, I need to be touched by You physically, psychologically and emotionally. Father of wisdom, please give me much more light, much more wisdom and much more faith. My Provider God, I thank You for breakfast, lunch, dinner and for everything else you do for me. Redeeming Lord, I am asking You to bless my family, my friends, my enemies and me as well. Omniscient God, guide me when I start a project, in the middle of it, and when I finish it. Omnipresent God, hear my prayers at church, at home and anywhere else I may pray. Father of lights, let me walk out of the darkness into Your light and into Your love. Everlasting God, help me enjoy weekdays, weekends and holidays. Heavenly Father, prepare a place for me in heaven. DIOS PADRE, JESUCRISTO Y EL ESPÍRITU SANTO Padre de las Luces, permíteme salir de la oscuridad a tu luz y a tu amor. Dios de Sabiduría, abre mis oídos y mis ojos, sin olvidar mi entendimiento. Jehová Redentor, te ofrezco como sacrificio mi cuerpo, mi espíritu y el alma. Santa Trinidad, recibo la Trinidad: a Dios Padre, Dios Hijo, y al Espíritu Santo. Dios Protector, necesito que me protejas en casa, al salir, afuera y al regresar. Dios Celestial, oye mis oraciones en la iglesia, en casa, y dondequiera que te ore. Misericordioso, deseo que me toques física, sicológica, emocional y espiritualmente. Dios de Abraham, te pido de todo corazón que me unjas, me santifiques y me consagres. Padre de la Sabiduría, por favor, dame mucha más luz, mucha más sabiduría y mucha más fe. Dios Proveedor, te doy gracias por el desayuno, el almuerzo, la cena, y por todo lo demás. Dios Redentor, te pido que redimas a: mi familia, mis amigos, mis enemigos y a mí también. Eterno Dios, ayúdame a disfrutar los días laborales, los fines de semana y los días festivos. Dios Omnisciente, guíame cuando comience un proyecto, cuando lo esté haciendo y cuando termine. Señor de los Cielos, prepáreme una morada especial para mí en el cielo, según lo que dice en San Juan 14:2. AT 3:00 PM At 2:59 Jesus seemed beaten. At 3:00 He died on an old cross. At 3:01 He had His heavenly body. At 2:59 His flesh had all our sins. At 3:00 He released the flesh and sins. At 3:01 He was washed completely clean. At 2:59 He was a man of many sorrows. At 3:00 He was set free from all of them. At 3:01 He was joyful as when He was in heaven. For two days plus, Jesus was buried in the grave, but early on the third day He rose from the dead. He died as a man, but resurrected as the Living God. A LAS 3:00 PM A las 2:59 Jesús parecía derrotado. A las 3:00 murió en una cruz romana. A las 3:01 recuperó su cuerpo celestial. A las 2:59 cargaba nuestros pecados. A las 3:00 se había deshecho de ellos. A las 3:01 su Padre lo había limpiado. A las 2:59 tenía muchos problemas. A las 3:00 se estaba liberando de todos. A las 3:01 se regocijaba como en el cielo. Por casi tres días lo detuvo la tumba, pero muy tempranito en el tercer día resucitó como Dios al derrotar la muerte. THAT IS WHAT GOD IS God is love and in Him there is no hatred. God is light and in Him there is no darkness. God is wisdom and in Him there is no ignorance. God is strength and in Him there is no weakness. God is merciful and since He is He cannot be merciless. God is humble. Therefore in Him there is no arrogance. God is a forgiver and in Him there is no lack of forgiveness. God is omnipresent so He cannot be restricted or limited to one place. God was always eternal and for that reason He cannot be a temporal entity. God created everything. and that is why the theory of evolution is pure nonsense. ESO ES LO QUE ES DIOS Dios es amor y en él no existe el odio. Dios es la luz y en él no hay oscuridad. Dios es sabio y en él no se ve ignorancia. Dios es poder y en él no existe la debilidad. Es misericordia y por eso siempre nos la dará. Dios es humilde – jamás ha conocido la arrogancia. Dios nos perdona y su misericordia no tiene barreras. Dios es omnipresente por eso puede estar en todas partes. Dios siempre es eterno y por es no tuvo comienzo y no tendrá fin. Dios es el Creador de todo – esa es la razón por qué la evolución es fraude. WHO ARE YOU? Who are you? You are a created being. Genesis 2:7 Who is your father? The God of Abraham is your Father. Matthew 2:10 What can you actually do? With God’s help you can do everything. Philippians 4:13 What kind of person are you? Through Jesus Christ you are more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37 What kind of life can you have? You can have an extremely successful and abundant life. John 10:10 What is your position according to God? His word tells us that you actually belong to a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 ¿QUIÉN ERES? ¿Quién eres? Eres una creación de Dios. Génesis 2:7 ¿Quién es tu Padre? El Dios de Abraham es tu padre. Mateo 2:10 ¿Qué puedes hacer tú? Con Dios a tu lado puedes hacer todo. Filipenses 4:13 ¿Qué clase de persona eres? En Cristo Jesús eres mucho más que vencedor. Romanos 8:37 ¿Qué clase de vida puedes vivir? Puedes tener una vida muy exitosa en abundancia. Juan 10:10 ¿Cuál es tu posición según Dios? Eres linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, santo, hijo de Dios. 1 Pedro 2:9 ONE BLESSING AT A TIME One blessing at a time Lord Jesus that’s all I’m asking for now. One healing at a time Lord Jesus that’s all I need right now. One grace at a time Lord Jesus that’s all I’m believing for. One anointing at a time Lord Jesus that’s all I need to serve you. A sanctification in time Lord Jesus that’s what I want for my life. One kind word from You Lord Jesus that’s all I need to have hope UNA BENDICIÓN A LA VEZ Una bendición a la vez Señor Jesús es lo que te pido yo. Una curación a la vez Señor Jesús es lo que quiero hoy. Una gracia de ti a la vez Señor Jesús es lo que me ayuda a mí. Una unción a la vez Señor Jesús con eso te puedo servir. Con tu santificación Señor Jesús puedo hacer tu voluntad. Tu palabra de aliento Señor Jesús HOLY AND BLESSED GOD Savior God save me through Your Son. Lord Jesus purify me with your blood. Righteous God Guide me with your truth. Loving God bathe me with your love. Holy Jesus sanctify me for your glory. Son of God anoint me for your service. Blessed Lord bless me to bless others. SAGRADO Y BENDITO DIOS Dios Redentor dame salvación por medio de tu Hijo. Bendito Señor bendíceme para que yo bendiga. Santo Jesús santifícame pero para tu gloria. Hijo de Dios úngeme para que yo te sirva Señor Jesús purifícame con tu sangre. Dios Justo guíame con tu verdad. Amoroso Dios báñame con tu amor. WE WILL LIVE BY FAITH The righteous will live by faith because without it it is impossible to please God. We must live in God’s light because out of it we are in the world’s darkness. We need to live by God’s love for if we don’t we will be living by our own will. The truth can set all of us free and that truth can only be our Lord Jesus Christ. VIVIREMOS POR FE Los justos vivirán por fe porque sin ella es imposible agradar a Dios. Debes vivir en la luz de Dios. Afuera de ella estarías en la oscuridad. Vive por el amor de Dios porque si no sólo harías tu voluntad. La verdad puede liberarte y esa verdad solamente la tiene Jesucristo. NOW I ACTUALLY SEE I was lost, but now am found. My Lord Jesus came to me. I was blind, but now I see. The Lord opened my eyes. I was deaf, but now I hear. The Lord unplugged my ears. I was enslaved, but now I’m free. My Lord Jesus released my chains. I was spiritually ill, but now am healed. The healing God healed me completely. YA PUEDO VER BIEN Perdido estaba, pero ya no. Mi Señor su luz me dio. Ciego estaba, pero veo ya. Los ojos me abrió mi Dios. Estaba sordo, y oigo bien. Los oídos Dios me destapó. La esclavitud me atrapaba, pero el Señor me desencadenó. Espiritualmente enfermo estaba, pero mi Señor y Salvador me sanó. THE GRACE OF OUR GOD What can disarm any lie? The truth. What name is above any other? Jesus Christ. Who is the way, the truth, the life? Our Redeemer. What can restore a broken relationship? Reconciliation. What is stronger than the hate of the world? Only God’s love. What is more powerful than seeking vengeance? True forgiveness. What can set you free from evil deeds you have done? Sincere repentance. What is much stronger than any sin you may have committed? The grace of our God. Who is the only one who is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent? Our Lord Jesus Christ. LA GRACIA DE NUESTRO DIOS ¿Qué puede desarmar una mentira? Sólo la verdad. ¿Cuál nombre está sobre todo nombre? El de Jesucristo. ¿Quién es el camino, la verdad y la vida? Nuestro Redentor. ¿Qué puede restaurar una relación rota? La reconciliación. ¿Qué es más fuerte que el odio del mundo? El amor de Dios. ¿Qué es más eficaz que buscar la venganza? el saber perdonar. ¿Qué te puede liberar de todos tus pecados? La gracia de Dios. ¿Quién es el único que todo lo puede y todo lo sabe? Nuestro Redentor. IN GOD’S TIME You need a job. God will bless you with one in His time. You want a spouse. God will bring one to you in His time. You want children, and yes, you will have them in His time. You want a house. Our God will bless you with it in His time. You need a healing, and God is going to heal you in His time. A SU TIEMPO Necesitas buen empleo. Dios te lo dará a su tiempo. Quieres tener tu pareja. Dios te la traerá a su tiempo. Deseas tener varios hijos. Claro, los tendrás a su tiempo. Quisieras tu propia casa. Y sí te llegará a su tiempo. Estás bastante enfermo. Dios te sanará a su tiempo. TAKE ME UP THERE Holy and heavenly father, bring me up to Your presence, so I can feel the love of heaven, so I can smell the heavenly smells, so I can I can taste the delicacies there, so I can experience the beautiful colors, so I can touch what is there to be touched, so I can actually praise You in all your splendor. LLÉVAME A TU REINO Padre Todopoderoso, tráeme a tu presencia para que sienta tu amor, para oler lo que Tú hueles, para poder probar las delicias allá, para disfrutar los colores celestiales, para que toque lo que es perfecto y divino, y para que pueda adorarte en tu esplendor. JESUS IS ALL THAT AND MORE Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is our Father, our Lord and our God. He was, is, and forever will be God. He is our Counselor, Judge and Redeemer. He is our Provider, Healer and our Protector. He is our companion, our guide and our friend. He forgives our sins and reconciles us to our Father. He blesses us, anoints us and sanctifies us as His children. He is always loyal, faithful, true to His word and to His Father. He is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, but humble and meek. JESÚS ES ESO Y MUCHO MÁS Jesús es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Él es nuestro Padre, Señor y nuestro Dios. Él era, todavía es, y siempre será lo que es. Es nuestro Consejero, Juez, y también Redentor. Es nuestro Proveedor, Sanador, y nuestro Protector. Es nuestro fiel compañero, guía, y nuestro buen amigo. Perdona nuestros pecados y nos reconcilia a nuestro Padre. Jesucristo nos bendice, no unge, y nos santifica como sus hijos. Él siempre es leal y fiel al cumplir su palabra y la de su Padre. Es Omnipotente, Omnipresente y Omnisciente, pero manso y humilde. JESUS GAVE UP EVERYTHING FOR US Our Lord descended from heaven so we could ascend to it. He became a mere mortal like us so we could be immortal. He became sin by taking our sins so we could become saints. He suffered horribly on the cross so we would not go to hell. He resurrected on the third day so we could live eternally. JESUCRISTO LO DIO TODO POR NOSOTROS Jesucristo descendió del cielo para que pudiéramos ascender allá. Se convirtió en un simple mortal para que pudiéramos ser inmortales. Tomo todos nuestros pecados para que nos convirtiéramos en santos. Sufrió a lo máximo en la cruz para que no sufriéramos en el infierno. Resucitó de entre los muertos para que pudiéramos vivir eternamente. GOD WAS NOT THERE I looked for God in our President, but the President had rejected Him. I sought Him in our court system – He had been declared unconstitutional. I searched for Him in Congress, but Congress had already excluded Him. I tried to find Him in our schools, but I only found the theory of evolution. I went to see Him in our churches but there I only found the prosperity message. I probed into the humble hearts and I found Him there happy and satisfied. DIOS NO ESTABA ALLÍ Busqué a Dios en el Presidente, pero el Presidente lo había rechazado. Inquirí en nuestro Congreso, pero ya lo habían excluido totalmente. Pregunté en la Corte Suprema, pero lo habían declarado inconstitucional. Fui a nuestro sistema escolar, y solamente encontré la teoría de evolución. Me dirigí a la iglesia cristiana, y solamente escuché el mensaje de prosperidad. Examiné los corazones humildes Y afortunadamente allí fue donde lo encontré. LET THE LIGHT OF GOD COME IN If you are living in darkness Let the light of Jesus come in and the darkness will flee. If you are living in hatred Let the love of Jesus come in and that hatred will leave. If you have not repented Repent and send that lack of repentance into oblivion. If you have low self-esteem Find out who you really are through the word of God. If you only think of yourself Leave that selfishness behind and love your brother. If you are not a Christian Receive Jesus Christ and He will give you salvation. PERMITE QUE ENTRE LA LUZ DE DIOS Si estás viviendo en la oscuridad permítele entrar a la luz de Dios y la oscuridad huirá. Si vives con odio hacia alguien deja que entre el amor de Dios y el odio terminará. Si todavía no te has arrepentido arrepiéntete y manda ese resentimiento al olvido. Si tienes muy bajo autoestima estudia la palabra de Dios para que sepas quien eres. Si solamente piensas en ti mismo abandona el egoísmo y piensa en el prójimo también. Si no has llegado a la luz de Dios recibe al Señor y él te saca de la horrible oscuridad. YOUR WALL IS BROKEN God is telling you… Your wall is weak because you are lukewarm. Your wall is in peril and your soul is in jeopardy. Your wall is broken because you are far from God. Your wall will fall now because you are deep into sin. Your wall is destroyed because you have rejected Jesus. TU MURO ESTÁ ROTO Dios te dice… Tu muro está muy débil porque tú estás muy tibio. Tu muro está en peligro y tu alma se puede perder. Tu muro ya está roto porque estás lejos de Dios. Tu muro se desploma porque estás en el pecado. Tu muro se destruirá porque rechazaste a Dios. LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND We are to leave the things of the world behind and think only of heavenly things. We ought to live by the word of the living God and reject the lies of the devil. We must walk away from the darkness of this world and walk into the light of the Lord. We should take the temporary things with a grain of salt and concentrate on what is eternal. We must discard the hateful and unfruitful ways of the world and change them for God’s loving ones. It would behoove us to trade the uncertainties all around us for the certainties that God provides. As Christians one of our goals is to discard the fears of this world and trade them for confidence in God. The Bible instructs us not to let the hopelessness of this world affect us and wait for the blessed hope in Jesus. Our biggest mistake is that we try to live by our wisdom and intelligence instead of just doing the will of God. DEJA EL MUNDO ATRÁS Debemos dejar lo del mundo atrás y pensar en cosas divinas. Hay que vivir por la palabra de Dios y rechazar lo del diablo. Debemos alejarnos de la oscuridad mundana y acercarnos a la luz de Dios. Es necesario que descartemos las veredas del mundo y sigamos los caminos de Dios. No debemos prestarles atención a las cosas temporarias y concentrarnos en lo eterno. Bueno sería que cambiáramos las incertidumbres del mundo por las certidumbres de Dios. Siendo cristianos una de nuestras metas debe ser descartar todo temor y confiar totalmente en Dios. La palabra de Dios nos dice que no caigamos en la desesperanza del mundo sino poner nuestros ojos en Dios. Nuestro error más grande es tratar de vivir por nuestra inteligencia y voluntad en vez de en la voluntad de Dios. WHAT IS IT ABOUT? It’s not about me or what my will is. It’s all about a living God – Creator of all things. It’s not about what I can do or not do. It’s about what God can do working through me. It’s not about seeing people my way. It’s about seeing people the way God sees them. It’s not about amassing wealth here. It’s about making treasures in heavenly places. It’s not about working for salvation. It’s about receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior. ¿DE QUÉ SE TRATA? No se trata de mí ni de mi voluntad. Se trata de un Dios viviente omnipotente. No se trata de lo que yo puedo hacer. Se trata de lo que Dios hace obrando en mí. No se trata de cómo yo veo a la gente. Se trata de que yo la vea con los ojos de Dios. No se trata de acumular mucha riqueza. Se trata de servir a Dios y hacer tesoros en el cielo. No se trata de trabajar para ser salvos. Se trata de recibir a Jesucristo como nuestro Salvador. DO IT GOD’S WAY Do not do things Frank Sinatra’s way but do them God’s way. Do not live your life the world’s way but live it God’s way. Do not make decisions your way – make them God’s way. Do not treat others just your way – treat them God’s way. Don’t go to eternity the devil’s way. Go into it God’s way. HAZLO A LA MANERA DE DIOS No hagas las cosas a la manera de Frank Sinatra sino a la manera de Dios. No vivas tu vida a la manera de este mundo sino a la manera de Dios. No hagas las decisiones a tu manera sino a la manera de Dios. No trates al prójimo a tu manera sino a la voluntad de Dios. No vayas perdido a la eternidad sino al cielo con tu Dios. IF GOD WERE NOT GOD If God were not God we would have no hope at all. If God were not God we would not even be alive. If God were not God there would be no life at all. If God were not God planet earth would not even exist. If God were not God nothing, but nothing that exists would exist. SI DIOS NO FUERA DIOS Si Dios no fuera Dios no tuviéramos esperanzas. Si Dios no fuera Dios ni siquiera tuviéramos vida. Si Dios no fuera Dios este planeta ni siquiera existiera. Si Dios no fuera Dios ninguna clase de vida se conociera. Si Dios no fuera Dios nada pero nada de lo que existe existiría. THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB The blood of the Lamb is calling us out of the darkness. The blood of Jesus Christ is waiting to cleanse us of all sin. The blood that Jesus shed paid for all the sins of all mankind. The precious blood of God can open the gates of heaven to us. The blood of our Lord Jesus wants to reconcile us with our Father. The pure blood of the Lamb can give us eternal life with our Savior. LA SANGRE DEL CORDERO La sangre del cordero Nos pide que salgamos de la oscuridad. La sangre de Jesucristo Esta esperando para limpiarnos del pecado. La sangre que Jesús vertió Pagó por todos los pecados de toda la humanidad. La preciosa sangre de Dios Es la que les abre los portales del cielo a los hijos de Dios. La sangre de nuestro Señor Es por la cual podemos reconciliarnos con nuestro Padre celestial. La sangre pura del cordero Nos puede dar vida eterna con nuestro Padre y con nuestro Señor y Salvador. THE GOD OF SALVATION Everlasting God, You had no beginning and you will have no end. God of creation, You created me and I will always worship You. God of Abraham, spiritually I am Your son and by faith I am Abraham’s. God of the cross, You gave up your life, but You resurrected for all believers. God of Israel, You have chosen Israel as your people and the believers too. Forgiving God, You have forgiven all my sins because I asked You to forgive me. God of love, You give us unconditional love although we do not deserve it. God of light, You have brought your light to us in order to get us out of darkness. God of wisdom, You have taught us that fear of the Lord is the real beginning of wisdom. God of power, Although You are powerful You have taught us humility and meekness. God of grace, Although we don’t deserve forgiveness nor salvation You give them to us. Healing God, Regardless of what illness we may have, You are willing and able to heal us. Redeemer God, You redeem us of any and all wrongdoings because You love us unconditionally. EL DIOS DE LA SALVACIÓN Dios de la eternidad, no tuviste comienzo y jamás tendrás fin. Dios de la creación, porque me creaste a mí, siempre te adoraré. Dios de Abraham, en espíritu soy tu hijo y por fe de Abraham. Dios de la cruz, diste tu vida por nuestros pecados y resucitaste. Dios de Israel, escogiste a los israelitas y a los creyentes también. Dios perdonador, te pedí perdón por todos mis pecados y me has perdonado . Dios de amor, nos has brindado amor incondicional sin que lo merezcamos. Dios de luz divina, nos has traído tu luz para que salgamos de la horrible oscuridad. Dios de sabiduría, nos has enseñado que el temor a Dios es el comienzo de la sabiduría. Dios del poder, aunque eres todopoderoso requieres que seamos humildes y mansos. Dios de la gracia, aunque no merecemos ni la salvación ni el perdón nos ofreces ambos. Dios Sanador, sin importar la gravedad de la enfermedad que tengamos nos puedes sanar. Dios redentor, nos redimes con tu sangre de todo pecado y maldad que hagamos cometido. WE HAVE NO CLUE No mind has imagined what God has for us in eternity. No eye has seen the colors it will enjoy in heaven. No ear has heard The choir of angels worshiping God . No hand has touched The softness it will feel in God’s presence. No feet have walked on the streets of gold as they will in heaven. No man really knows what God has prepared for him after this life. NO TENEMOS LA MENOR IDEA Nadie se imagina lo que le espera en la eternidad. Ningún ojo ha visto la variedad de colores que verá en el cielo. Ningún oído ha escuchado las melodías de los ángeles adorando a Dios. Ninguna mano ha sentido la suavidad de todo lo que sentirá en el cielo. Ningún pie han andado en calles de puro oro como las del cielo. Ningún hombre sabe todo lo que Dios le ha preparado. IT’S ONLY THROUGH JESUS Abandon the devil’s lies and come to the truth. You will find it in Jesus. Leave the darkness and come to the light. That light is in Jesus. If you are lost you may find the way, if you come to Jesus. Enter heaven through the door, and the door is Jesus. Come to the presence of God. Do it through Jesus. If you need a miracle, just call on Jesus. Do you need peace? It’s in Jesus. SOLAMENTE EN CRISTO Abandona las mentiras del diablo y ven a la verdad. La encuentras en Jesús. Sal de la oscuridad y ven a la verdadera luz. Esa luz es Jesucristo. Si estás perdido, busca el camino. El camino es Jesús. Entra al cielo por la puerta. La puerta es Jesús. Ven a la presencia de Dios por medio de Cristo. ¿Necesitas milagro? Clámale a Dios. ¿Te falta paz? Está en Jesús. IT’S BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS God does not love you just because of who you are. He loves you because of who He is. He is the essence of love. God does not save you because of what you have done. He saves you because of what Jesus did. He gave up His life for you. God does not really listen to you because you speak. He listens to you because of your prayers. Prayer can changes things. God does not simply help you because you have a need. He helps you because you pray in faith. Faith can move mountains. ES POR QUIEN ES EL Dios no te ama por quien eres tú. Te ama por quien es él. Él es puro amor. Dios no te salva por lo que has hecho, sino por lo que hizo Jesús. Dio su vida por ti. Dios no te escucha solo porque hablas. Te oye porque tú le oras. La oración es útil. Dios no te ayuda por tus necesidades. Te ayuda por tu fe en él – mueve montañas. BLESSED IS THE MAN Blessed is the man whose eyes are opened for he shall see God’s light. Blessed is the man who sincerely repents for he shall be forgiven. Blessed is the man who makes Jesus Lord for he shall have salvation. Blessed is the man who lives just by faith for God will be with him. Blessed is a Christian when he leaves this world for his home will be in heaven. BENDECIDO ES EL HOMBRE Bendecido es el hombre a quien se le abren los ojos porque va a encontrar la luz de Dios. Bendecido es el hombre quien se arrepiente de corazón Porque sus pecados son perdonados. Bendecido es el hombre cuyo Señor y Salvador es Jesús porque jamás perderá su salvación. Bendecido es el hombre quien vive solamente por fe porque Jehová siempre le proveerá. Bendecido es el cristiano quien abandona este mundo porque su nuevo hogar es el cielo IF YOU RUN OUT OF ANSWERS If you run out of answers before a problem in front of you it would be wise for you to turn to God. If you run out of money before running out of month find a better-paying job and plan better. If you run out of patience before running out of time renew your mind and think differently. If you run out of time before you finish your projects it is time to start planning much better. If you run out of options before you start a project forget all about it and don’t get involved. If you run out of life before becoming a Christian you will wind up suffering in the fire. SI SE TE ACABAN LAS RESPUESTAS Si se te acaban las respuestas ante un problema sería mejor que se lo dieras a Dios. Si se te acaba el dinero antes que se acabe el mes busca mejor empleo y planea mejor. Si se te acaba el tiempo antes que termines tus proyectos es tiempo que comiences a planear mejor. Si se te acaban las opciones antes de comenzar un proyecto olvídalo y no te involucres porque fracasará. Si se te acaba la paciencia antes que se te acabe el tiempo cambia y transforma tu mente y modo de pensar. Si se te acaba la vida antes de recibir a Jesucristo como tu Salvador pasarás la eternidad sufriendo en el lago de fuego. IT COMES FROM GOD The true strength of a man is in his humility. The real justice of a man is his compassion. The actual Sanctity of man is obedience to God The agape love a man has comes from God. How a man keeps his word that is his truth. How a man treats people that is his worth. The faith a man has in God that sustains him. How much God is in man only God knows. VIENE DE DIOS La fuerza del hombre es su humildad. La justicia de un hombre es su compasión. La santidad de un hombre – obedecer a Dios. El amor que tiene el hombre viene de su Dios. Como el hombre cumple su palabra esa es su verdad. El tratamiento que el hombre da a otros es lo que él vale. La fe que tiene un hombre en su Dios – eso lo sostiene. Cuánto hay de Dios en una persona sólo Dios lo sabe. IT’S ALL AROUND YOU Light is all around you but you must come out of darkness. Faith is looking at you but you have to let go of your unbelief. Hope is next to you but you should discard all hopelessness. Confidence is waiting for you to face and overcome your fears. Love is within you but you must forgive and say good-bye to hate. The Holy Spirit is near but so far you have kept Him totally unemployed. God is very patient. That’s why He waits for you to repent and come to Him. Heaven is there for you but only if you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. ESTÁ A TU ALREDEDOR Hay luz todo alrededor de ti pero tienes que salir de la oscuridad. La fe te está persiguiendo pero tienes que soltar la incredulidad. La esperanza está a tu lado pero sólo si abandonas la inseguridad. La confianza está esperando que triunfes sobre todos tus miedos El amor ya fue plantado en ti pero sólo florece si descartas el odio. El Espíritu Santo ya vive en ti pero solamente obra si le das permiso. Dios ha sido paciente contigo. Espera que te arrepientas de corazón. El cielo será verdadero para ti pero sólo si Jesucristo es tu Redentor. HELP ME BE LIKE YOU Father, help me hear You the way You want me to hear You. God, allow me to feel You the way You want me to feel You. Jesus, permit me to see You the way You want me to see You. Spirit let me befriend You the way You want to be befriended. Master, I want to obey You the way You want be to obey You. Savior, guide me to live now just the way You want me to live. Jesus, give me love for others the way they need to be loved. Father, receive me in heaven according to Your righteousness. AYÚDAME A SER COMO TÚ Padre, ayúdame a oírte como deseas que yo te oiga. Dios, permíteme sentirte como quieres que te sienta. Jesucristo, déjame verte como deseas que yo te vea. Espíritu, soy tu amigo, ¿cómo quieres que lo sea? Amo, deseo obedecerte como sé que debo hacerlo. Señor Jesús, quiero vivir como tú quieras que yo viva. Dios, ayúdame a amar como tú quieres que ame. Jesucristo, recíbeme tú cuando yo llegue a los cielos. DON’T BE A FOOL Don’t spend time chasing the wind . It’s pure foolishness. Don’t look for the elusive butterfly. You will never find it. Don’t be a perennial daydreamer. You’ll be wasting time. Don’t go to the end of the rainbow. There is no pot of gold. Don’t try to make castles in the air. They are just fantasies. Don’t just hope for a better future. Prepare yourself for it. NO SEAS TONTO No pierdas tiempo persiguiendo al viento. Es pura tontería. Ni siquiera intentes buscar la mariposa falaz. No la encontrarás. No te permitas el lujo de ser un perenne soñador. Perderás tu tiempo. No vayas en busca del final de un arco iris. No hay olla de oro. No trates de hacer castillos en el aire. Sólo son fantasías. No esperes tener mejor futuro. Prepárate y llegará. DECIDE TO BELIEVE You’ve been questioning God’s truths question the devil’s lies. You have been doing nothing but your will – start doing the will of God. You have been walking in the darkness of sin – start walking in God’s light. You have been making all your treasures on earth – start making them in heaven. You have been running away from God all your life – It’s time to start running to Him. DECIDE CREER Has cuestionado las verdades de Dios – cuestiona las mentiras del diablo. Todo lo que has hecho es sólo tu voluntad – ahora comienza a hacer la de Dios. Sólo has caminado en la oscuridad del pecado – empieza a caminar en la luz de Dios. Has hecho todos tu s tesoros aquí en esta tierra – comienza a hacer unos en el cielo. Has pasado tu vida entera huyéndole a Dios tu Salvador – se te llegó el tiempo de correr hacia él. GUIDE ME, LORD Father God have me see through your eyes. Lord Jesus let me hear through your ears. Holy Spirit help me think as you think. Mighty God use my hands as your hands. Precious God have me forgive as you do. Loving Lord I want to love a s you love. Blessing God bless many others using me. Savior Lord save many others through me. GUíAME, SEÑOR Dios Eterno déjame que vea por tus ojos. Poderoso Dios permíteme oír por tus oídos Espíritu Santo ayúdame a pensar como tú. Dios de amor usa mis manos como tuyas. Precioso Dios yo quiero perdonar como tú. Señor Jesús deseo amar como amas tú. Padre Dios bendice a muchos usándome. Señor Salvador salva a muchos utilizándome a mí. IT WAS DONE AT THE CROSS If you rebelled against God bury that rebellion in the past. If you have been indifferent leave that indifference to others. If you have been lukewarm it’s time that you became red-hot. If you have been a bystander be transformed into a participant. If you have been a selfish one think of others and help them too. If you are having evil thoughts take those thought into captivity. If you cannot forgive someone God can help your unforgiveness. If you have unfounded fears much greater is God who is in you. If you are afraid of dying know that you have eternal life. SE CUMPLIÓ EN LA CRUZ Si te rebelaste contra Dios entierra esa rebeldía en el pasado. Si tú has sido indiferente deja esa indiferencia para otros. Si estás en un estadio tibio debes cambiar y ponerte caliente. Si la has hecho de mirón es tiempo de iniciar participación. Si has sido muy egoísta piensa primero en otros y ayúdales. A tus malos pensamientos tómalos en cautiverio y descártalos. Si no has podido perdonar llévaselo a Dios en súplica y oración. Si tienes temor sin razón más grande es Dios quien vive en ti. Si tienes miedo de morir debes saber que con Dios tú vivirás. GOD SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING If you are searching for truth that surpasses all understanding read the Bible. If you need understanding that surpasses all understanding come to God. If you want a special love that surpasses all understanding befriend God. If you need a real peace that surpasses all understanding embrace God. If you are looking for a light that surpasses all understanding find it in Jesus. If you cannot find the joy that surpasses all understanding it’s only in God. If you don’t have salvation that surpasses all understanding come to Christ. If you want to live that life that surpasses all understanding live it for God. NO ONE TAUGHT GOD Who taught God to create? No one. He creates by His own will. Who taught God to love? No one. He is the essence of love. Who taught God to shine? No one. He is the light of the world. Who taught power to God? No one. All power comes from Him. Who taught God to forgive? No one. Forgiveness is in His nature. Who taught God to judge? No one. He judges by righteousness. Who taught Jesus to suffer? No one. He did it obeying His Father. Why did Jesus Christ suffer? He did so we could have salvation. GOD GIVES, THE DEVIL TAKES AWAY God gives us life the devil tries to take it away. God gives us confidence the devil replaces it with fear. God gives us the truth the devil distorts it with lies. God gives us His light the devil brings his darkness. God is edifying us the devil trying to destroy us. God gives us love the devil only offers hatred. God is forgiving us but the devil is accusing us. You choose who? Choose God and you will live. THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD Are you so deep in sin that you think you have no hope? With God all things are possible. He wants to help you. Call on Him now! Are you so ill that the doctors cannot give you hope? Jesus Christ is the master healer. Only He can heal you. Ask Him in faith. Is your marriage in such a state that you’ve given up hope? It may be saved if you believe. Put it in God’s hands. God will help you. Is your situation in such a state that you see no way out? The impossible is possible in God. Claim it in the Bible – Mark 10:27. Do you feel that no one listens to you because you don’t matter? God hears you and He loves you. You matter to Him. Seek Him! REBUKING ALL NEGATIVITY I move away from the spirit of indifference and move toward the one of belief. I remove all worldly darkness from my life and open the door to the light of God. I just canceled the spirit of unbelief in me to live by faith in my Lord Jesus.. I have bound the spirit of disobedience and from here on I will obey my God. I purposely diffused the spirit of confusion In order to live in the certainty of God. I rebuke the spirit of fear which is in me and I release the spirit of confidence. I have dismantled the spirit of frustration In order to install the spirit of elation I will abandon the spirit of selfishness and replace it with the spirit of giving. I have disassociated myself from turmoil. Now I embrace the spirit of serenity. I got rid of all the negative spirits in my life bringing positivity into my world. YOU CAME TO SEE ME Lord, I was in turmoil and you gave me peace. I was a prisoner and you freed me from sin. I was in the dark and you brought me light. I had no hope and you gave me some. I was way down and you picked me up. I was in jail and you visited me. I was hungry and you fed me. I was sick and you were there. I was sad and you brought me joy. I was blind and you opened my eyes. I was so deaf and you unplugged my ears. I was thirsty and you gave me living water IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE You are alive now but you could be dead in the twinkling of an eye. You are here now but you could be in hell faster than a speeding bullet. You feel safe now but in a heartbeat you could be with the devil and his demons. Life seems long but faster than you can count one, two, three you could lose your life. You don’t worry but in an instant you could leave this world behind and go to the next one. You don’t think so but swifter than an eagle’s flight you could find yourself burning in torment. You don’t realize it but if you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you could live with Him forever. IT’S NOT AS BAD Being confused about something physical is not as bad as being confused about something that is spiritual. Spending time in jail for a crime we committed is not as bad as spending eternity in the lake of fire for not repenting. Being blind physically and not being able to see is not as bad as someone who is blind spiritually and just refuses to see. Being guilty of an earthly crime and repenting is not as bad as being guilty of sinning without repenting or being forgiven. Being mute physically not being able to speak is not as bad as not being able or not wanting to talk to God on a regular basis. Being deaf physically and not being able to hear is not as bad as being deaf spiritually and not being able to hear the voice of God. For a Christian going through a physical death is not as bad as for an unbeliever who goes through the second death and straight to hell. CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK On Christ the Rock my feet do stand for everything else is sinking sand. On the love Rock my hope is placed for everything else is foolishness. The Rock of light gives light to me; Everything else in darkness lies. My hope is in Jesus my Lord; Everything else is hopelessness. My destiny is in my Lord’s hands for He is the way, truth and life. THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER THE SUN Other than Jesus there is no other name under which God will hear us. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can be blessed. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can be anointed. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can be justified. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can be sanctified. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can be truly healed. Other than Jesus there is no other name in which we can conquer the second death. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which our souls can actually be saved. Other than Jesus there is no other name through which we can enter the pearly gates. Other than Jesus there is no other name under which we can spend eternity with Father God. WHAT IS JESUS? Is Jesus Christ a man or a god? He is really both. Does He act in love or in hatred? He is perfect love. Does He live in light or in darkness? He is a shining light Does He act out of strength or weakness? He is very meek Does He represent truthfulness or deceitfulness? He is the real truth. Is Jesus Christ a righteous or an unrighteous god? He is just righteous. BECAUSE GOD IS WHO HE IS Because God is love He loves me just the way I am. Because He is light He doesn’t see the darkness in me. He is omnipotent and does not see the weakness in me. He is omnipresent and because of that I never ever feel alone. He is omniscient and therefore knows exactly what is in my heart. Because He is merciful He blots out all my sins and gives me salvation. FROM ABOVE When you don’t know what to do look for God up above. When you find yourself in darkness the light from above. When it seems that all hope is gone seek hope from above. When fear has crippled and paralyzed you get courage from above. When you have lost all faith and confidence renew them from above. When you are ill and the doctors cannot heal you your healing is from above. When you are being attacked senselessly and mercilessly help will come from above. When you have sinned and want undeserved forgiveness Jesus will save you from above. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND I cannot understand how God created everything that exists. It must be because He is omnipotent. I do not envision the Creator shaping us in His own image. It must be because He wanted children. I will never conceive what Jesus endured to pay for our sins. It must be because He loves us so much. I fail to understand how God knows and sees everything I do. It must be because He is omnipresent. It’s beyond my understanding why God is giving us eternal life. It must be so we can live with Him. GOD IS PERFECT God created all the galaxies that exist because He is the Creator. He brought life into existence out of nothing simply because He is life. He spoke light into the darkness of this planet because He is the light. He created the garden of Eden as perfect as could be because He is perfection. The Devil brought darkness into this world because he is darkness. Jesus brought salvation back to us because He is the Savior. THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS From my darkness I came out and it was through the blood of Jesus. Now in freedom of mind I live and it’s because of the blood of Jesus. I am cleansed of all my sins and it is through the blood of Jesus. I was made as white as snow being washed with the blood of Jesus. Some day in heaven I will be and it’s because of the blood of Jesus. The devil is under my feet and it’s due to the blood of Jesus. WITH GOD IT’S POSSIBLE God can bring you real hope when you have none. God can make a way for you when there is no way. God can open the door for you when it seems shut. God can bring light to your life to erase the darkness. God can heal you o f any illness when doctors can’t. God can heal any broken relationship that is dead to you. God wants to forgive you of all your sins If you just ask Him. With His Son’s blood God has paved a road to heaven for you to follow it A CHRISTIAN SHOULD… A Christian should… live by faith, not by sight. A believer should… walk in love, not in hate. A son of God should… emit light, not darkness. A redeemed should… do God’s will, not his. A real saint should… serve God, not the devil. WHO AM I REALLY? Who am I really? You are a son of the Living God. John 1:12-13 What am I now? You are much more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37 What can I do? You can do all things through Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:13 What protects me? Every morning just put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 Should I fear? Fear nothing because even the devil has to flee from you. James 4:7 What worries me? Nothing – in prayer you can turn your worries over to God. Philippians 4:6 What defeats me? Nothing can because no weapon forged against you shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 Will I live long? Being a Christian you will live eternally with your Father and the Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:5 ETERNALLY GOD. God is holy and His holiness will never diminish. He is good and His goodness shall never end He Is love and His agape love is there for you. He is merciful and His mercies endure forever. He is righteous and His righteousness is without limits. Because He is eternal He is the one that created eternity YOU ARE LIMITED Your love is conditional but God’s love is unconditional for He is love. Your wisdom is limited but God’s wisdom is unlimited. He is omniscient. Your strength is temporal but God’s strength is eternal. He is omnipotent. You cannot forgive sins but Jesus can forgive them. He is the Redeemer You can be at one place but God can be everywhere. He is omnipresent. MY TRUST IS IN GOD Some only trust in themselves while others trust in their religion. There are those who trust in their position while others simply put their trust in money. Then there are those whose trust is in their power but as for me and my house, we put our trust in God. WITHOUT LOVE YOU GAIN NOTHING If your faith is not in our Lord Jesus Christ you eternity is not too good. If your hopes are not based on solid principles you will never achieve them. If you say you have faith in God but have no works that faith is as dead as can be. If you are doing works but doing them without love it’s as if you hadn’t done them. If you have a vision but don’t have the courage to do it, It is as if you did not have it. If you don’t understand the destiny God has prepared for you you will never ever be fulfilled. If you know that God exists but don’t have a relationship with Him your home won’t be in heaven. WHEN I AM WEAK, GOD IS STRONG When I am weak my God is strong, and when I am down He always picks me up. If I should stumble and sin His blood would cover me. When all the doors are closed He reaches down and opens them. When I feel alone and afraid He provides courage for me. When I walk in the darkness He brings me to His light. When I leave this body I will be with Him. THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME This is the right time for you to start thinking about your eternity. This is the perfect time for you to repent of the sins you have committed. This is the exact moment you should be on your knees asking God to forgive your sins. This is the time God set for you to receive Jesus Christ in your heart as your Lord and Savior. DIVINE THOUGHTS 3 Read More

Proverbs (Sayings) February 11th, 2016 Posted in Proverbs (Sayings)

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GIVE HELP WHEN IT’S NEEDED There is a Finnish proverb that says: “Help a man uphill, not at the top of the hill.” When a person is going uphill he needs help. When he is at the top of the hill he does not need help anymore. When a person has a big problem, that is when he needs help. He does not need help once he has overcome the problem. Help is very much appreciated when it comes at the right time. Help when it is not needed does not mean anything. PRESTA AYUDA CUANDO SE NECESITE Un proverbio finlandés dice así: “Ayúdale a un hombre cuando vaya cuesta arriba, no en la cima del cerro.” Cuando una persona va cuesta arriba, es entonces cuando necesita ayuda. Al llegar a la cima ya no necesita ayuda. Cuando una persona tiene un problema grande eso es cuando necesita ayuda. Cuando lo haya solucionado ya no necesita ayuda. La ayuda o la asistencia se aprecia muchísimo cuando se da al momento preciso. Cuando no se necesita no vale para nada.

BLAMING OTHERS (12/21/2017) A Finnish proverb says: “A wife who cannot cook puts the blame on the pots.” A person who does not do something well blames his equipment. A person who does not do his work well blames others. Many times poor people blame the system for their poverty. People are always looking for scapegoats for their poor behavior or for their poor performance. CULPAN A LOS DEMÁS (12 de Diciembre 2017) Un proverbio finlandés dice: “La esposa que no puede cocinar culpa las ollas.” La persona que no hace algo bien culpa su equipaje. La persona que no hace su trabajo bien culpa a los demás. Muchas veces la gente pobre culpa el sistema por su pobreza. La gente siempre busca un chivo expiatorio por su mal desempeño o comportamiento.

DRESS A GOAT IN SILK (December 7, 2017) An Irish proverb says: “Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat.” A Spanish proverb says: “Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda,” which means “Although a female monkey might dress itself in silk, it is still a monkey.” William Shakespeare would probably say: ”A pig by any other name would still be a pig,” or he could probably say: “Clothing does not make the man.” You are what you are and there are some things you cannot change, whether you like it or not. VISTE LA CABRA DE SEDA (7 de Diciembre 2017) Un proverbio irlandés dice: “Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat,” lo que significa, “Vistan la cabra de seda, y continúa siendo cabra.” En español decimos: “Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.” Shakespeare diría: “Un cerdo por cualquier otro nombre, todavía sería cerdo.” O tal vez diría: “La ropa no hace al hombre.” Eres lo que eres, y hay cosas que no puedes cambiar - no importa si te gustan o no te gustan. DRESS A GOAT IN SILK (December 7, 2017) An Irish proverb says: “Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat.” A Spanish proverb says: “Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda,” which means “Although a female monkey might dress itself in silk, it is still a monkey.” William Shakespeare would probably say: ”A pig by any other name would still be a pig,” or he could probably say: “Clothing does not make the man.” You are what you are and there are some things you cannot change, whether you like it or not. VISTE LA CABRA DE SEDA (7 de Diciembre 2017) Un proverbio irlandés dice: “Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat,” lo que significa, “Vistan la cabra de seda, y continúa siendo cabra.” En español decimos: “Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.” Shakespeare diría: “Un cerdo por cualquier otro nombre, todavía sería cerdo.” O tal vez diría: “La ropa no hace al hombre.” Eres lo que eres, y hay cosas que no puedes cambiar - no importa si te gustan o no te gustan.

DON’T HANG AROUND WITH FOOLS (November 30, 2017) There’s an Irish saying that says: “Don’t give cherries to pigs or advice to fools.” It goes hand in hand with the scripture of Matthew 7:6, which says: “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” In other words, we ought to be careful as to who we allow in our inner circle. Although we are to love people and help them whenever possible, there are certain things we should not share with people who, for whatever reason, don’t deserve it, or are not trustworthy. What we share with them could bite us later. NO TE JUNTES CON TONTOS (30 de Noviembre 2017) Un dicho irlandés dice: “No les des cerezas a los cerdos ni consejos a los tontos.” Significa más o menos lo mismo que la escritura Mateo 7:6, la cual dice: “No les des lo santo a los perros, ni eches tus perlas delante de los cerdos, no sea que las pisoteen, y se vuelvan y te despedacen.” En otras palabras, debemos tener cuidado a quien dejamos entrar a nuestras vidas. Aunque debemos amar al prójimo y ayudarle cuando sea posible, hay ciertas cosas que no debemos compartir, porque por la razón que sea no lo merecen o no son de confiar. Lo que compartimos con ellos nos puede hacer daño más tarde. THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD There’s an Irish proverb that says: “A scholar’s ink lasts longer than martyr’s blood.” It goes hand in hand with another proverb that says: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” In other words, there is much power in the written word. The best example, of course, is the Bible. It has been translated into many, many languages and it has changed lives throughout history and throughout the world. Many authors have made an impact with their writings. Some of them have been positive and some negative. Consider William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, Leo Tolstoy, Dante Alighieri, Plato, Sophocles, Leonardo da Vinci, Martin Luther, Federico Garcia Lorca, Adolph Hitler and Karl Marx. LA PLUMA ES MÁS PODEROSA QUE LA ESPADA Hay un refrán irlandés que dice: “La tinta de un letrado dura más tiempo que la sangre de un mártir.” Va mano a mano con otro refrán que dice: “La pluma es más poderosa que la espada.” En otras palabras, hay mucho poder en la palabra escrita. El mejor ejemplo es la biblia. Ha sido traducida a centenares de lenguas y ha cambiado vidas por los siglos de los siglos alrededor del mundo. Muchos autores han causado grandes impactos con sus libros. Algunos de esos impactos han sido positivos y otros negativos. Considera a Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, Dante Alighieri, Platón, Leonardo da Vinci, Martín Lutero, Federico García Lorca, Adolfo Hitler y Karl Marx. USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU (November 16, 2017) A Polish proverb says: “Ink, if not used, will dry up.” Yes, it does apply to ink, but, of course, it has a deeper meaning. A few examples will suffice: If we do not exercise our bodies, they will not function as they should. If we do not use our brains, when the time comes that we need them, they will not respond properly. If we have learned a foreign language, but do not practice it, we will forget it. If we know how to play a musical instrument, but don’t play it for a few years, we will not be able to play it well. If we have memorized the entire Bible, but do not live by godly principles, we have wasted that time in vain. UTILIZA LO QUE DIOS TE HA DADO (16 de Noviembre 2017) Un proverbio polaco dice: “La tinta, si no se usa, se seca.” Sí, se refiere a la tinta, pero, claro, tiene un significado más amplio. Unos ejemplos serán suficientes: Si no ejercitamos nuestros cuerpos, no van a funcionar bien. Si no esforzamos nuestros cerebros, cuando necesitemos que funcionen bien, no responderán adecuadamente. Si hemos aprendido cualquier lengua extranjera y dejamos de practicarla algunos años, lo más probable es que se nos olvidará. Si hemos aprendido a tocar un instrumento musical, pero no lo tocamos por varios años, no podremos tocarlo bien. Si hemos aprendido de memoria toda la biblia, pero no vivimos por principios cristianos, hemos perdido ese tiempo – ha sido en vano. REAR YOUR CHILDREN CORRECTLY (November 9, 2017) A Polish proverb says: “What little Johnny has not learned, big John will not know.” This is very true and it goes hand in hand with the Bible scripture – Proverb 22:6 – which says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents have a very important responsibility in raising their children with godly principles. If they don’t, many times their children grow up to be delinquents, criminals, bad parents and irresponsible citizens. If the shoe fits, wear it. CRIA TUS HIJOS CORRECTAMENTE (9 de Noviembre 2017) Un refrán polaco dice: “Lo que Juanito no ha aprendido, el hombre Juan no lo sabrá.” Es muy verídico y va mano a mano con la escritura de la biblia – Proverbio 22:6 – que dice: “Instruye al niño en su camino, Y aun cuando fuere viejo no se apartará de él.” Los padres tienen una responsabilidad grandísima de criar a sus hijos bajo los principios bíblicos. Si no lo hacen, muchas veces los hijos crecen a ser delincuentes, criminales, malos padres y ciudadanos irresponsables. Si el zapato te queda, póntelo. DON’T PAY ATTENTION TO FOOLISHNESS (November 2, 2017) A proverb comes from Spain that says: “To foolish words, the ears are deaf.” It tells us not to pay attention to people who say foolish things. Some of the foolish things may be: Not believing in God, believing in evolution, thinking the earth is flat, falling for scams, thinking the world revolves around us, daydreaming with the impossible, thinking that people can decide their own gender (they are what they are and they cannot change that), and making idols out of people, such as movie stars, singers, athletes, politicians, when in reality they are people just like us. NO ESCUCHES TONTERÍAS (2 de Noviembre 2017) En España hay un refrán que dice: “A palabras necias, oídos sordos.” Nos dice que no les prestemos atención a las personas quienes dicen cosas necias. Algunas de esas tonterías pueden ser: No creer en Dios, creer en la evolución, pensar que el mundo no es redondo, sino plano, creer que el mundo gira alrededor de nosotros, vivir soñando sueños inalcanzables, pensar que la gente puede escoger su propio sexo (son lo que son y no lo pueden cambiar), convirtiendo personas famosas en ídolos … estrellas de cine, cantantes, deportistas, políticos – que en realidad son gente como nosotros. HELP SOMEONE (October 26, 2017) A Chinese proverb says: “If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap. If you want happiness for a day – go fishing. If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime – help someone else.” True happiness comes when we know we are doing the will of God and His will is for us to love Him, love others and love ourselves. That is why when we are helping others or serving God in one capacity or another we feel good. AYÚDALE A ALGUIEN (26 de Octubre 2017) Un refrán chino dice: “Si quieres felicidad por una hora – toma una siesta. Si quieres felicidad por un día – ve a pescar. Si quieres felicidad por un año – hereda una fortuna. Si quieres felicidad por toda tu vida – ayúdale a otra persona.” La felicidad verdadera nos llega cuando sabemos que estamos haciendo la voluntad de Dios. Su voluntad es que lo amemos a él, que amemos al prójimo y que nos amemos a nosotros mismos. Por eso cuando les ayudamos a otros o estamos sirviendo a Dios nos sentimos contentos IF YOU DO NOT GIVE (October 19, 2017) There’s an Albanian proverb that says: “When you have given nothing, ask for nothing.” That principle applies to a lot of people. It applies to the athletes who don’t want to salute the American flag and have not even served in the military. It also applies to the movie stars sinners in Hollywood who have really given nothing to this country other than bad examples of living and who come against the President. It applies to the people on welfare who can work, but don’t and claim that what the government gives them is not enough. It applies to any person who receives and receives, but does not give back to society. After all, if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. SI NO DAS (19 de Octubre 2017) Hay un refrán albanés que dice: “Cuando no hayas dado nada, no pidas nada.” El principio se le puede aplicar a muchas personas. Se le puede aplicar a los atletas afro-americanos quienes se niegan a respetar o saludar la bandera estadounidense. La mayoría de ellos ni siquiera han prestado servicio militar. También se les aplica a los actores y actrices quienes solamente nos dan malos ejemplos de cómo vivir. Claro que se les puede aplicar a las personas quienes reciben dinero sin trabajar del Bienestar Social, y se quejan que no reciben bastante. Desde luego que se le puede aplicar a cada persona que recibe y recibe y no hace nada por la sociedad. Cuando todo se ha hecho y dicho, si no eres parte de la solución, eres parte del problema. YOU WILL SUCCEED ANYWHERE (October 12, 2017) There is a saying in Spanish that says: “El que es buen gallo en cualquier gallinero canta,” which means, “He who is a good rooster will sing in any chicken coop.” The real meaning is that a person who is prepared and bold will make it anywhere. Some people will make it no matter where they go, and others will not make anywhere. The key is being prepared, having good self-esteem and having a positive state of mind. TENDRÁS ÉXITO DONDEQUIERA (12 de Octubre 2017) Un refrán dice: “El que es buen gallo es cualquier gallinero canta.” El significado es obvio. Si una persona está preparada, tiene buen autoestima y tiene confianza en sí misma va a tener éxito dondequiera que vaya. Los que no están preparados, tienen bajo autoestima y no tienen confianza en sí mismos tienen problemas dondequiera que van. IT’S GOOD TO DEVELOP GOOD HABITS (October 5, 2017) There is an ancient proverb that says: “Good habits result from resisting temptation.” Yes, that is an excellent way to develop good habits. It takes time, but the temptations start disappearing if you keep on practicing good habits. The habit becomes second nature to you and you don’t even have to think anymore before acting or reacting. ES BUENO DESARROLLAR BUENOS HÁBITOS (5 de Octubre 2017) Hay un viejo proverbio que dice: “Los buenos hábitos son el resultado de resistir la tentación.” Sí, es una manera excelente de desarrollar buenos hábitos. Toma tiempo, pero si uno desarrolla buenos hábitos las tentaciones comienzan a desaparecerse. Ya las tentaciones no tienen poder sobre uno, y uno ya ni piensa en ellas antes de actuar. THIS TOO WILL PASS! (September 28, 2017) There is an Irish saying that states: “However long the day, the evening will come.” It is a true saying. It refers to whatever you might be going through, it will pass. You might be going through a difficult situation and it seems that it will never end, but don’t dismay because it will come to its end. Have faith in God and patience and it too will pass just as everything else has come and gone. ESTO TAMBIÉN PASARÁ (28 de Septiembre 2017) Existe un refrán irlandés que dice: “El día será largo, pero llegará la noche.” Es un dicho muy verdadero. Se refiere que lo que estés pasando pronto pasará. Es posible que estés pasando por situaciones difíciles, y que parezca que nunca terminarán, pero no desmayes porque pasarán. Ten fe en Dios y paciencia, pasaran igualmente como todo lo demás ha venido y ha pasado DON’T BE WITH BAD COMPANIONS (September 21, 2017) A proverb from Spain says: “Better alone than in bad company.” This proverb is 100% correct. It is much, much better to be alone than to be with bad company. Many innocent people get in trouble because of the company they keep. It is much better for us not to have friends than to have one who will lead us into sin or who will get us into trouble. If we have bad friends, sooner or later, we will become involved in something we should not be involved with. NO ESTÉN MAL ACOMPAÑADOS (21 de Septiembre 2017) Un proverbio de España dice: “Mejor estar solo que mal acompañado.” Tiene toda la razón. Es muchísimo mejor estar solo que estar con mala compañía. Muchas personas inocentes se han metido en problemas por tener amistad con ciertas personas. Es mucho mejor que no tengamos amigos cuyo estilo de vida es pecaminoso o ilegal, porque si los tenemos, tarde o temprano, nos vamos a involucrar en algo que no deberíamos hacer. LET THERE BE LIGHT (September 14, 2017) The saying in Latin says: “Fiat lux,” which means “Let there be light.” It is alluding to God when He said in Genesis 1:3 – “’Let there be light,’ and there was light.” The sun, the moon and the stars came into existence. All God has to do is speak the word and things will come into being. On a practical level, when a person does not understand something and then all of a sudden that aha moment happens, then we say, “Let there be light.” HÁGASE LA LUZ (14 de Septiembre 2017) Hay un dicho en latín que dice: “Fiat lux,” que significa “Hágase la luz.” Es una alusión a las palabras de Dios en Génesis 3:1 –“‘Hágase la luz,’ y la luz fue hecha.” La luna, el sol y las estrellas comenzaron a existir. Todo lo que Dios tiene que hacer es dar la palabra y la creación le obedece. Aquí en lo practico, cuando alguien no ha entendido algo y de repente se le prende el foco y lo entiende, decimos: “Hágase la luz, y la luz fue hecha.” JUST A PENNY (September 7, 2017) “A penny for your thoughts” is an expression we use when we want to find out what the other person is thinking. We normally use it when a person seems to be in a pensive mood. It’s normally used among friends. We would not walk up to a total stranger and ask him that. SOLAMENTE UN CENTAVO (7 de Septiembre 2017) “A penny for your thoughts” es una expresión muy utilizada en inglés que significa, “Un centavo por tus pensamientos.” Se usa para preguntarle a la otra persona qué está pensando. Normalmente se utiliza cuando la otra persona se mira pensativa. Se usa entre amigos. Uno no le dice eso a una persona totalmente desconocida. GOD WILL FORGIVE YOU (August 31, 2017) There’s a Turkish saying that says: “No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back.” In other words, it is never too late to change. If you have been a drunk most of your life, it is time to quit. If you have been strung out on drugs, this is the perfect time to quit. If you have been on the wrong road of life sinning, doing your own thing without worrying about who you are hurting, it is time to change. If you have never gone to a Christian church, the time is ripe for you to turn to God. Believe it or not, He will forgive you. No matter how much you have sinned or done, our loving God will forgive you if you repent and pray. Come to Him! DIOS TE PERDONARÁ (31 de Agosto 2017) Hay un refrán turco que dice: “No importa que tan lejos hayas ido en el camino equivocado, da vuelta hacia atrás.” En otras palabras, nunca es demasiado tarde para cambiar. Si has tomado licor toda tu vida, es tiempo que dejes de hacerlo. Si has abusado de las drogas por largo tiempo, se te llegó el tiempo de dejarlas. Si has estado en el camino equivocado de la vida pecando, haciendo lo que te da la gana, sin preocuparte a quienes estás lastimando, es tiempo de cambiar. Si jamás has asistido a una iglesia cristiana, este tiempo es perfecto para que lo hagas. Créelo o no, Dios te perdona. No importa lo que hayas hecho ni cuanto hayas pecado, nuestro Dios de amor te perdonará si te arrepientes. ¡Acércate a él! A DIFFICULT SITUATION (August 24, 2017) There is a Spanish proverb that says: “Estoy entre la espada y la pared,” which means, “I am between the sword and the wall.” In English we have a similar saying which says: “I’m between a rock and a hard place.” The meaning, of course, is that I find myself in a very difficult situation. I may see no way out. However when that happens that’s when we should reach out to God and He in turn will reach out to us. UNA SITUACION MUY DIFICIL (24 de Agosto 2017) Hay un refrán en español que dice: “Estoy entre la espada y la pared.” En inglés hay uno que significa lo mismo y dice: “I am between a rock and a hard place.” Claro, ambos refranes significan que me encuentro en una situación extremadamente difícil. No parece tener salida. Ese es el momento preciso que debemos acercarnos a Dios. Si le oramos y le pedimos que nos ayude, él es fiel y nos ayuda. DOUBTS (August 17, 2017) There is a Chinese proverb that says: “Deep doubts, deep wisdom; small doubts, small wisdom.” People who have deep doubts are the ones who investigate , learn the truth and do something about it. People who have little doubts do not bother to investigate and therefore do not learn many things that they need to learn. Which type of person are you? DUDAS (17 de Agosto 2017) Hay un refrán chino que dice: “Profundas dudas, profunda sabiduría; pequeñas dudas, pequeña sabiduría.” La gente quien tiene profundas dudas son las personas quienes investigan, aprenden la verdad, y hacen algo con ella. La gente quien tiene pequeñas dudas no toma la molestia de investigar, y por eso no aprende lo que debe aprender. ¿Qué tipo de persona eres tú? NOTHING IS PERFECT (August 10, 2017) There is a Zulu proverb that says: “The most beautiful fig may contain a worm.” It means that nothing is perfect. At first, we may think something or someone is perfect, but then we find a flaw with it or with him/her. Normally that never fails. The best thing for us to do is to realize that we live in a fallen world and that we will never find perfection on this earth. The only person who was perfect was Jesus Christ and the only place that is perfect is heaven. The question is…will you get there? NADA ES PERFECTO (10 de Agosto 2017) Hay un proverbio de la tribu zulú que dice: “El higo más hermoso puede tener un gusano.” El significado es que nada es perfecto. A primera vista, podemos pensar que algo o alguien es perfecto, pero luego encontramos que tiene una falta o más. Esa observación casi nunca falla. Lo mejor que podemos hacer es admitir que vivimos en un mundo caído, y que jamás encontraremos la perfección aquí en la tierra. La única persona que fue perfecta es Jesucristo, y el único sitio perfecto es el cielo. La pregunta es…¿Irás tú al cielo? KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO (August 3, 2017) There is a Spanish saying that says: “Antes que te cases, mira no que haces,” which means, “Before you get married, look and see what you are really doing.” What it really means is that before we make any decisions of importance, we should measure the consequences. Many people make decisions without really thinking them through and then they get into trouble that could have been avoided. I am sure you can think of thousands of examples where people have made serious mistakes because they did not think of the consequences of their actions. There’s an English saying that says: “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” It basically means the same as the Spanish proverb. Let’s hope you are not one of those people. DEBES SABER EN QUE TE ESTAS METIENDO (3 de Agosto 2017) Tenemos un proverbio o refrán en español que dice: “Antes que te cases, mira lo que haces.” Lo que significa es que antes que hagamos una decisión importante, pensemos en las consecuencias que puedan resultar y como nos puedan afectar. Muchos de nuestros problemas actuales podrían haberse evitado si hubiéramos pensado de antemano lo que pudiera ocurrir. Tengo toda la seguridad del mundo que puedes pensar en lo que te ha sucedido a ti y a otras personas por no haber tomado la decisión correcta a su debido tiempo. Ojalá que en el futuro tomes las decisiones más en serio para que las cosas te salgan bien WHEN IN NEED ANYTHING HELPS (July 20, 2017) There is a Mexican saying that says, “A buen hambre, no hay mal pan,” which literally means that when one is hungry all bread is good. The real meaning is that when there is a need any help is welcomed and appreciated. It goes along with the saying, “You don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” CUANDO HAY NECESIDAD TODA AYUDA ES ACEPTABLE (20 de Julio 2017) Hay un refrán mexicano que dice: “A buen hambre, no hay mal pan.” Va más o menos con el otro refrán que dice, “A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes.” El verdadero significado del primer refrán es que cuando hay necesidad cualquier ayuda es aceptada y apreciada WE REAP WHAT WE SOW (July 20, 2017) We reap what we sow is a saying that comes directly from the Bible. Galatians 6:7 says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” If you want to reap love, sow love. If you sow hatred that’s what you will reap. The seed is within you. According to the seed you plant that’s what you will reap. LO QUE SEMBRAMOS COSECHAMOS (20 de Julio 2017) El refrán, “Lo que siembra se cosecha,” viene directamente de la biblia. Gálatas 6:7 dice: “No te engañes: Dios no puede ser burlado; que todo lo que el hombre siembra, eso también cosecha.” Si quieres cosechar amor, siembra amor. Si siembras odio, eso cosecharás. La semilla ya está en ti. Según la semilla que siembres, eso cosecharás. CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT (July 13, 2017) We have a proverb that says: “Curiosity killed the cat.” It means that we should not meddle in something that is not our business. We should not try to straighten somebody else’s life. Their life is their own. That, of course, does not mean that we should not give sound advice to our children, grandchildren, parents, spouses and help them when they need help. We should help them when it is necessary and to the best of our ability. LA CURIOSIDAD MATÓ AL GATO (13 de Julio 2017) Hay un refrán que dice: “La curiosidad mató al gato.” Significa que no debemos meternos en lo que no tiene nada que ver con nosotros. No debemos meternos en las vidas ni problemas de otras personas. Pero claro, eso no significa que cuando necesiten ayuda no debemos darles buenos consejos a nuestros hijos, nietos, padres o a nuestras parejas. Debemos ayudarles siempre y cuando podamos y sea necesario. THE DOG THAT BARKS (July 6, 2017) There’s a Mexican proverb that says: “Perro que ladra no muerde,” which means: “The dog that barks doesn’t bite.” It’s not necessarily referring to dogs, but rather to people. People who talk a lot normally don’t execute. They are good talkers, but that’s about all. They can convince people who don’t know them, but they cannot fool the ones who already know them well. Hopefully you are a doer and not just a talker. EL PERRO QUE LADRA (6 de Julio 2017) Hay un refrán mexicano que dice: “Perro que ladra no muerde.” No se refiere a los perros necesariamente, sino a la gente. Normalmente la gente que habla mucho no ejecuta. Es puro bla, bla, bla. Mucho palabrerío sin acción. Engañan a las personas quienes no los conocen, pero no a la gente que ya los conoce bien THE WEAKEST LINK (June 29, 2017) There’s a saying that says: “A chain will break at its weakest link.” This saying has several applications, but I will only touch on a few. 1. If a metal chain has a link that is weaker than the rest, when it breaks it will be there. 2. If a group is competing against another and one member is weaker than the rest, that’s where the opposing team will attack. 3. If a business is strong in many areas, but is weak in one area, such as advertising, quality control, management, distribution or something else, because of that it may fail. 4. If every member of a family is strong, but they don’t work together as a unit, it may disintegrate. 5. If a person is intelligent, strong and wealthy, but falls into drugs, he may lose everything. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible says: “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The devil will attack you at your weakest point, and if you are not vigilant, you will fall. EL ESLABÓN MÁS DÉBIL (29 de Junio 2017) Hay un dicho que dice: “La cadena se rompe en el eslabón más débil.” Este refrán tiene muchas aplicaciones, pero solamente mencionaré algunas. 1. Si una cadena metálica tiene un eslabón que es más débil que los otros, cuando se rompa será de allí. 2. Si un grupo compite contra otro y un miembro es más débil que los demás, allí atacará el otro grupo. 3. Si un negocio es fuerte en muchas áreas, pero es débil en una, tal como publicidad, control sobre la calidad, manejo, distribución o cualquier otra cosa, por esa razón puede irse a la bancarrota. 4. Si todos los miembros de una familia son fuertes, pero no funcionan juntos como una unidad, la familia puede desintegrarse. 5. Si una persona es inteligente, fuerte y rica, pero cae víctima a las drogas, puede perder todo. En 1 Pedro 5:8, la biblia nos dice: “Sean sobrios, y velen; porque su adversario el diablo, como león rugiente, anda alrededor buscando a quien devorar.” El diablo te atacará en tu punto más débil, y si no lo vigilas te hará caer.” WITHOUT LOVE (June 22, 2017) A prominent Lithuanian proverb says: “A life without love is like a year without summer.” A life without love is as empty as can be. Yet many people don’t love because they are selfish, because they are afraid to love, because they are incapable of doing so or because they don’t believe in God. In Matthew 22:37-40, God tells us to love Him and to love people. If we don’t love Him or people, we are being disobedient and will wind up suffering eternally in the lake of fire. Don’t let that happen to you! SIN AMOR (22 de Junio 2017) Un proverbio lituano prominente dice: “Una vida sin amor es como un año sin verano.” Una vida sin amor está lo más vacía de lo que pueda ser posible. Sin embargo, muchas personas no aman, porque son egoístas, tienen miedo amar, son incapaces de hacerlo o porque no creen en Dios. En Mateo 22:37-40, Dios nos dice que lo amemos a él y que amemos al prójimo. Si no lo amamos a él o a la gente, lo estamos desobedeciendo, y terminaremos sufriendo eternamente en el lago de fuego. ¡No permita que eso le pase DON’T OVERDO IT! (June 15, 2017) My stepfather used to say: “It’s good to be a pig, but not to have such a big snout.” What he meant was that it’s good to make the most of a good situation, but not to overdo it by taking advantage of other people. It’s similar to not looking at a gift horse in the mouth or beggars can’t be choosers. NO TE APROVECHES (15 de Junio 2017) Mi padrastro decía: “Es bueno ser marrano, pero no tan trompudo.” Lo que decía, en realidad, era que es bueno disfrutar las oportunidades a lo máximo, pero no tomar ventaja de los demás. El principio es muy parecido a: “A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes,” y a: “Limosnero y con garrote.” DOES IT APPLY TO YOU? We have an English a saying and expression that says: “If the shoe fits, wear it.” It is normally used in a derogatory way. In other words, if somebody is describing you in a negative way, accept it only if it applies to you because it describes you accurately, but if it does not apply to you, do not accept it at all. ¿TE APLICA A TI? Tenemos un refrán en inglés que dice: “If the shoe fits, wear it,” que significa: “Si el zapato te queda, póntelo.” Normalmente se utiliza de una manera derogatoria. En otras palabras, si alguien te describe de una manera negativa, acéptalo solamente si, en realidad eres así y te describe bien, pero si no eres así no te aplica a ti, no lo aceptes. TWO HEADS There’s a proverb that says: “Two heads are better than one.” In other words, the more people we have working on a problem, the faster it will get solved. That’s also one of the reasons we should seek advice from experts in the field. Many mistakes are made by not seeking advice or by trying to do it alone. The days of “The Lone Ranger” are over. CUATRO OJOS Hay un refrán que dice: “Cuatro ojos ven más que dos.” En otras palabras, entre más gente tengamos tratando de resolver un problema, lo más pronto se resolverá. Esa también es una de las razones para pedir consejos de expertos en ese ramo. Ocurren muchos errores, porque la gente no pide consejos o trata de hacerlo sin ayuda. Los días del “Llanero Solitario” ya no existen. WHERE THE SUN SHINES THE MOST (May 25, 2017) There is a saying in Spanish that says: “Van adónde más calienta el sol,” which means, “They go where the sun shines the brightest.” The saying means that some people go to where it’s more convenient for them. In other words, they jump from place to place just thinking of themselves and not about the others. They only have one agenda and that is to satisfy their needs. DONDE EL SOL BRILLE MÁS (25 de Mayo 2017) Un refrán hispano dice: “Van adónde más calienta el sol.” El refrán significa que algunos solamente van adonde les convenga. En otras palabras, van de lugar en lugar pensando solamente en ellos y no en los demás. Solamente tienen una agenda, y esa es de satisfacer sus necesidades a como dé lugar. Espero que no seas uno JUDGMENT DAY IS COMING (5/18/17) There is a saying in the Netherlands that says: “God does not pay weekly, but He pays at the end.” Whether we believe in God or not, there will be a judgment day for all of us. The ones who have believed in God and have lived a g y no odly life will go to heaven and the ones who have not will go to the lake of fire. This I know…if you don’t receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, hell is waiting for you and it is not very pleasant. EL DIA DEL JUICIO SE APROXIMA (18 de Mayo 2017) Hay un dicho holandés que dice: “Dios no paga semanalmente, pero sí paga al final.” Ya seamos creyentes o no, el día del juicio nos va a llegar a todos. Los que hayan creído en Dios y hayan vivido una vida sana irán al cielo, y los que no, irán al lago de fuego, Esto yo sé…si no recibes a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador, el infierno te espera es un lugar placentero. WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY (May 11, 2017) A German proverb says: “Whoever cares to learn will always find a teacher.” This goes hand in hand with our proverb: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” There’s one in Spanish that says: “Querer es poder,” which means, “To be willing is to be able.” A person who wants to get ahead will always find a way to do it. He or she may go through some difficulties, but they will not deter him or her from the real mission. QUERER ES PODER (11 de Mayo 2017) Un proverbio alemán dice: “El que desea aprender siempre encontrará profesor.” Este proverbio significa lo mismo que el que en español dice: “Querer es poder.” En inglés otro dice: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” que significa. “Donde hay voluntad, hay modo.” La persona quien desea salir adelante encuentra la manera de hacerlo. Es posible que encuentre muchas dificultades y obstáculos, pero al final cumplirá su meta. DON’T BLAME OTHERS (May 4, 2017) There’s a Mexican proverb that says, “Cuando el arriero el malo le echa la culpa a las mulas,” which means, “When the driver is bad he blames the mules.” We could say when the carpenter is bad he blames the tools or when the baseball hitter is bad he blames the bat. That saying applies to anybody who is always making excuses for his or her performance or behavior. Let’s hope you are not one of them. NO CULPES A LOS DEMÁS (4 de Mayo 2017) Hay un proverbio mexicano que dice, “Cuando el arriero es malo le echa la culpa a las mulas.” Esto le aplica a cualquier persona que siempre da excusas por su mal rendimiento o de su mal comportamiento. Por ejemplo el carpintero que es malo le puede echar la culpa a la herramienta o el conductor de coches que tiene muchos accidentes les puede echar la culpa a los otros conductores. Ojalá no seas una de esas personas. ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS (April 27, 2017) A well-known Irish proverb says: “The work praises the man.” This could also be said: “A man is known by his works.” People do not necessarily judge us by what we say, but rather by what we do. We can also say, “Walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk.” The question is…Are you walking the walk, or are you just simply talking the talk? SEGÚN TUS OBRAS (27 de Abril 2017) Un refrán irlandés bien conocido dice: “El trabajo alaba al hombre.” También se puede decir: “El hombre se conoce por sus obras.” La gente no nos juzga necesariamente por lo que decimos, sino por lo que hacemos. Si hacemos lo que decimos ganamos el respeto de la gente, pero si simplemente hablamos por hablar perdemos ese respeto IT’S BETTER TO WAIT (April 20, 2017) There’s a French saying that states: “Don’t imitate the fly before you have wings.” In other words, we should not try to do something until we are ready. This is excellent advice for teenagers who try to do what adults do. Of course I’m referring to drinking, smoking, using drugs, having sex and even driving. Many young people ruin their lives completely because they are in a hurry to do all those things I already mentioned. ES MEJOR ESPERAR (20 de Abril 2017) Hay un dicho francés que dice: “No imites las moscas antes de tener alas.” En otras palabras, no debemos tratar de hacer algo antes que estemos capacitados. Es un consejo excelente para los adolescentes quienes tratan de hacer todo lo que hacen los adultos. Claro, me refiero al uso de drogas, tomar bebidas alcohólicas, fumar, participar en el sexo, y hasta conducir autos, porque los conducen peligrosamente. Muchos jovencitos arruinan sus vidas completamente, porque tratan de hacer esas cosas que ya mencioné. FACTS ARE FACTS (4/13/17) An Austrian proverb says: “A light is still a light even though the blind man cannot see it.” In other words, facts are facts. People do twist them, but they cannot change them. A few examples: God exists and is still God although the atheists may not believe in His existence. Men marrying men and women marrying women is still a sin and they will wind up in hell although society might embrace them. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcoholic beverages and using drug is bad for your body although you may deny it. Jumping from a ten-story building will get you killed although you may think you’re Superman. Facts are facts. LOS DATOS SON DATOS Y LOS HECHOS SON HECHOS (13 de Abril 2017) Hay un proverbio austriaco que dice: “Una luz es una luz aunque el invidente no pueda verla.” En otras palabras los datos y los hechos no dejan de serlo simplemente porque alguien niega que existen o que hayan sucedido. Dios existe y sigue siendo Dios, aunque los ateos nieguen su existencia. Que los hombres se casen con hombres y las mujeres con mujeres continúa siendo pecado en los ojos de Dios, y aunque la sociedad lo condone los participantes terminarán en el lago de fuego. Si fumas cigarrillos, bebes bebidas alcohólicas y usas drogas te están dañando el cuerpo aunque tú lo niegues. Si saltas de un edificio de diez pisos morirás aunque creas que eres Superman. THE DANCE IS THE HUNT (April 6, 2017) An Austrian proverb says: “The hunt is like a dance for men, for the women the dance is the hunt.” In other words, the main aim of the men is to enjoy the hunt, but the main aim of the women is to catch the prey, which of course are the men. It is very simply stated, but in most cases it is the truth. EL BAILE ES LA CAZA (6 de Abril 2017) Un proverbio austriaco dice: “La caza es como un baile para los hombres, para las mujeres el baile es la caza.” En otras palabras, el objetivo principal de los hombres es de disfrutar la caza, pero para las mujeres el objetivo principal es atrapar la presa, y esa presa son BEGIN SLOWLY (March 30, 2017) a German proverb says: “He who begins too fast accomplishes little.” In many cases this is true, but not in all of them. Another way of saying it is, “Haste makes waste.” What it means, of course, is for us to study the situation, plan well, have the necessary resources and then go ahead with the project, whatever it may be. I am well aware that sometimes it is better to act as fast as possible or somebody else will beat us to the punch. SE COMIENZA DESPACIOSAMENTE (30 de Marzo 2017) Un refrán alemán dice: “El que comienza rápidamente logra muy poco.” En muchos casos es verídico, pero no en todos. Otra manera de decir lo mismo es, “El que mucho abarca poco aprieta.” El sentido del refrán es que estudiemos la situación, hagamos un plan, juntemos los recursos necesarios, y luego ponerle manos a la obra, sea la que sea. Muy bien sé que a veces entre más rápido comience uno mejor, porque otro nos puede ganar la partida. DO GOOD (March 23, 2017) There’s an Arabian proverb that says: “Do good and throw it into the sea.” This goes along with what Jesus said: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” – Matthew 6:3 HAZ EL BIEN (23 de Marzo 2017) Un proverbio Árabe dice: “Haz el bien y arrójalo al mar.” Ese dicho va con lo que dijo Jesucristo: “ Mas cuando tú des limosna, no sepa tu mano izquierda lo que hace tu mano derecha.” – Mateo 6:3 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ONCE (March 16, 2017) An English proverb says: “Opportunity seldom knocks twice.” Many times an opportunity only comes once and if we don’t take advantage of it at the right time we don’t get a second chance. The main thing is to keep our eyes open, keep our ears listening and seize the opportunity when it’s available. LA OPORTUNIDAD NO VUELVE (16 de Marzo 2017) Un refrán ingles dice: “La oportunidad raramente llega dos veces.” Muchas veces la oportunidad se presenta una vez, y si no la aprovechamos al tiempo correcto no volveremos a tenerla. Lo principal es que mantengamos los ojos y los oídos abiertos para aprovechar la oportunidad al tiempo oportuno IF REPEATED IT BECOMES ACCEPTED (March 9, 2017) There is a Jewish proverb that says: “Commit a sin twice and it will not seem a crime.” If a person or society does something several times, first it becomes accepted and then it becomes the norm. That is exactly what has happened in the USA with abortion, transgender, gay marriages and so on. People don’t watch movies anymore unless they have violence, vulgar language, lying, cheating and nudity. It has become the norm. Society fails to remember that God is watching, hearing and that sooner or later His judgment will fall on this nation. SI SE REPITE BASTANTE, SE ACEPTA (9 de Marzo 2017) Un refrán judío dice: “Comete un pecado dos veces, y no parecerá pecado.” Si una persona o la sociedad hace algo bastantes veces, primeramente es aceptado y luego se convierte en lo normal. Eso es exactamente lo que está sucediendo en los Estados Unidos con el aborto, los matrimonios de los homosexuales, los baños públicos para los que se consideran “transgénero,” y la venta legal de la mariguana. La gente ya no ve películas a menos que tengan violencia, disparates, mentiras, chantaje, odio, desnudez o algo peor. A la gente se le olvida que Dios está viendo, escuchando y que, tarde o temprano, nos va a juzgar. THE CORRECT WAY (March 2, 2017) A Polish saying says: “There are a thousand paths to every wrong.” There could be thousands of ways of doing something, but only one could be the correct way. Throughout history and around the world there have been thousands of so-called gods worshiped, but there is only one God and He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. If you are worshiping and believing in any other entity, you will not make it to heaven. ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU CAN (February 23, 2017) A Japanese proverb says: “Be happy while you are still living, for you will be a long time dead.” Enjoy every minute of your life. You don’t know what tomorrow may bring. Enjoy your spouse, family, friends, good health, your home, your job and whatever else may be in your life. Enjoy whatever is in your life, because you don’t know when it will no longer be available to you. It could be gone over night THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE (February 16, 2016) There’s an African proverb that says: “Kindness is a language which the blind can see and the deaf can hear.” We can probably add to that: “That the not so smart people can understand and that the mute can speak.” If more people were kind there would be very few unhappy people in the world and we would accomplish a lot more as a human race THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE (February 9, 2017) There’s a Spanish proverb that says: “Mientras hay vida hay esperanza,” which means “As long as there is life there is hope.” In other words, we should never lose hope. As long as we are breathing there is hope. This does not only apply to physical life, but also to other things, such as a marriage that seems to be headed for divorce, a relationship that seems to be ending, a business that’s headed for bankruptcy, or a breakthrough in anything else. It even applies to salvation. A person could have sinned millions of times, but if he truly repents before dying, he will spend eternity with Jesus. There are plenty of scriptures to back that up. SIEMPRE HAY ESPERANZA (9 de Febrero 2017) Hay un proverbio hispano muy verdadero que dice: “Mientras hay vida hay esperanza.” Mientras estemos respirando y tengamos vida hay esperanza. Esto no solamente se le aplica a la vida física, sino también a todo lo demás. Se le puede aplicar a un matrimonio que está por deshacerse, a un negocio que va rumbo a la bancarrota, a una relación entre personas que parezca no tener remedio, y a cualquier otra cosa que parezca no tener solución favorable. Este principio se le puede aplicar hasta a la salvación de una persona. Una persona que haya pecado millones de veces, pero si se arrepiente de corazón antes de morir pasa la eternidad con Dios y no con el diablo. Hay muchísimas escrituras que respaldan esta declaración. BE PATIENT! (February 2, 2017) There’s a Spanish saying that says: “When you were a hammer you did not show clemency, now that you are an anvil, be patient.” In other words, if you know how to dish it out, learn to receive when others insult you or come at you. It’s not about always winning, but we also have to learn to lose gracefully. Many people know and enjoy winning, but they are poor losers. The person who loses and does not know how to lose is frustrated, disgusted, mad and bitter. Let’s hope that person is not you! DEBES SER PACIENTE (2 de Febrero 2017) Un refrán dice: “Cuando fuiste martillo no tuviste clemencia, ahora que eres yunque, ten paciencia.” En otras palabras, si te gusta insultar y siempre ganar tienes que aprender a recibir insultos y a perder. No se gana todo el tiempo. Lo importante es aprender a perder con gracia. Hay que saber ganar, pero también hay que saber perder. En muchos concursos y aún en la vida misma hay un ganador y muchos perdedores. El que pierde y no sabe perder queda frustrado, enojado, disgustado y amargado. Ojalá esa persona no seas DON’T PLANT THORNS (January 26, 2017) An English proverb says: “He who plants thorns must never expect to gather roses.” It is a wise saying. Example: If you insult people, don’t expect to have friends. Your harvest will depend on what you sow with your words and actions. NO PLANTES ESPINAS (26 de Enero 2017) Un refrán inglés dice: “El que planta espinas no debe esperar recoger rosas.” Hay sabiduría en eso. Ejemplo: Si insultas a los demás, no esperes tener amigos. Tu cosecha depende de tus palabras y tus acciones. DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING (January 19, 2017) A Japanese proverb says: “If you believe everything you read, you better not read.” It is very appropriate. If you believe everything you see on the Internet, it would be wise for you not to use it. If you believe everything the politicians say, you better not listen to them. If you believe all the gossip that is going around, you better not participate. NO CREAS TODO (19 de Enero 2017) Un proverbio japonés dice: “Si crees todo lo que lees, es mejor que no leas.” Es muy apropiado. Si crees todo lo que ves en el Internet, sería mejor que no lo vieras. Si crees todo lo que dicen los políticos, sería mejor que no los escucharas. Si crees todo el chisme que oyes, sería mejor que no lo repitieras. GENTLY (January 12, 2017) A Chinese proverb says: “Deal with the faults of others as gently as with your own.” First of all, we should give everybody the benefit of the doubt and then we should not be too harsh on them, unless it is something very serious. SUAVEMENTE (12 de Enero 2017) Un proverbio chino dice: “Trata las faltas de otros tan suavemente como las tuyas.” Primeramente debes darle el beneficio de la duda a todo el mundo, y después no debes tratar a nadie muy duro, a menos que haya cometido una ofensa muy grave BE PRUDENT (January 5, 2017) A Spanish proverb says: “It is better to conceal one’s knowledge than to reveal one’s ignorance.” This is a very wise saying. Our knowledge should only be revealed when it is needed and when it is going to help the situation whatever it may be. It should be used when it is part of the solution and not part of the problem. We should not use it to exalt ourselves, but rather to exalt God because He is the one who gave us the intelligence, the wisdom and the opportunity to use them. DEBES SER PRUDENTE (5 de Enero 2017) Un proverbio español dice: “Es mejor ocultar nuestro conocimiento que revelar nuestra ignorancia.” Es un dicho muy sabio. Nuestro conocimiento debe ser revelado solamente cuando se necesita y cuando va a remediar una situación sea la que sea. Debe utilizarse cuando es parte de la solución, no del problema. No debemos usarla para exaltarnos, pero sí para exaltar a Dios, porque él es el que nos dio la inteligencia, la sabiduría y la oportunidad de usarlas RUMORS (December 29, 2016) A Chinese proverb says: “A rumor goes in one ear and comes out of many mouths.” People are ready to spread gossip. They may not know whether it’s true or not, but they pass it on as if it were the gospel truth. Gossip, criticizing and judging go totally against God’s principles. Let’s hope you don’t participate in either one of those. RUMORES (29 de Diciembre 2016) Un proverbio chino dice: “Un rumor entra en un oído y sale de muchas bocas.” La gente está lista para participar en el chisme. Tal vez no sepan si es verdad o no, pero lo dicen como si fuera la absoluta verdad. El chismear, el criticar y el juzgar a otros van totalmente contra los principios de IF ON THE WRONG ROAD, TURN BACK (December 22, 2016) There is a Turkish proverb that says: “No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn back.” As soon as you know you are mistaken, you should correct it. Otherwise, it will just get worse and worse. Stubborn people many times get in trouble because they don’t want to admit they made a mistake. No matter how long you have been smoking, drinking or using drugs, you can quit. If you do, you will live longer and enjoy life a lot more. That goes for anything else you may be doing wrong. SI ESTÁS EN EL CAMINO EQUIVOCADO, DA VUELTA (22 de Diciembre 2016) Un proverbio turco dice: “No importa que tan lejos hayas ido en un camino erróneo, da vuelta.” Tan pronto sepas que estás equivocado, corrígelo. Si no lo haces, se empeorará la situación más y más. Muchas veces la gente terca se mete en problemas porque no quiere admitir que está equivocada. No importa cuánto tiempo tengas fumando, tomando o usando drogas, puedes dejar ese vicio. Si lo haces, vivirás una vida más larga, tranquila y feliz. Ese consejo te sirve para cualquier otra cosa que estés haciendo que no es beneficial para ti. LOVE IS ACTIVE (12/15/2016) a Swahili proverb says: “Love has to be shown by deeds not words.” Love without action is not love. The Bible says in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. By the same token, love that is only shown by words and not by deeds is not love. It may be anything else, but it is not love. EL AMOR ES ACTIVO Un proverbio suajili dice: “El amor se tiene que enseñar por obras no por palabras.” El amor sin acción no es amor. La biblia dice en Santiago 2:17 que la fe sin obras está muerta.Igualmente el amor que solamente se dice por palabras y no se enseña por obras no es amor. Puede ser cualquier otra cosa, pero no es amor IT’S GOOD TO TRAVEL (December 8, 2016) A Moorish proverb says: “He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” When a person travels he learns a lot from the different cultures. At the same time he learns that most of us are very much alike, regardless of where we may live. As odd as it may sound, he also learns a lot about himself. If you have not traveled or have traveled very little, start taking advantage of every opportunity to travel that may present itself to you. The best education a person can have is acquired by raveling and meeting different kinds of people around the world. ES BUENO VIAJAR (8 de Diciembre 2016) Hay un proverbio morisco que dice: “El que no viaja no conoce el valor de los hombres.” Cuando una persona viaja aprende muchas cosas de las diferentes culturas. Al mismo tiempo aprende que la gente por todo el mundo es muy parecida. Y tan raro como se oiga o parezca, el hombre que viaja aprende mucho de sí mismo. Si no has viajado, o si has viajado muy poco, aprovecha toda oportunidad de viajar que se te presente. La mejor educación que puedas tener la adquirirás al viajar y al conocer diferentes personas alrededor del mundo. NO MORE, NO LESS (December 1, 2016) There is a Brazilian saying that says: “You can only take out of the bag what was already in it.” If we apply it to us it means that we can only give what we have, whether it be money, talent, wisdom, intelligence, kindness, encouragement, strength and so on. We cannot give what we do not have. NI MÁS, NI MENOS (Primero de Diciembre 2016) Hay un dicho brasileño que dice: “Solamente puedes sacar de la bolsa lo que ya tiene.” Si nos lo aplicamos significa que solamente podemos dar de lo que tenemos, ya sea dinero, talento, sabiduría, inteligencia, amabilidad, fuerza, aliento, ánimo o lo que sea. No podemos dar lo que no tenemos. MAKE IT PERFECT (November 24, 2016) There is an anonymous proverb that says: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” I don’t know who said it first, but it is excellent advice. More of us should start doing exactly that. There would be much more happiness in this world. PERFECCIONA EL MOMENTO (24 de Noviembre 2016) Hay un proverbio anónimo que dice: “No esperes por el momento perfecto. Toma el momento y hazlo perfecto.” No sé quien fue el primero que lo dijo, pero es un consejo excelente. Todos deberíamos hacer eso. Si lo hiciéramos habría mucha más felicidad en el mundo. DON’T TOUCH THE SORE SPOT (November 17, 2016) There is a Jamaican proverb that says: “If you go to a donkey’s house, don’t talk about ears.” It actually means that we should not bring up in a discussion a subject that is extremely sensitive to the other person. If we do, we may hurt him or he could even get mad. We have nothing to gain, and plenty to lose if we do it. NO PONGAS EL DEDO EN LA LLAGA (17 de Noviembre 2016) Hay un refrán jamaiquino que dice: “Si vas a la casa de un burro, no hables de orejas.” Lo que nos dice es que en una discusión no toquemos un tema que sea muy sensible para la otra persona. Si lo hacemos, podemos lastimarle los sentimientos o hasta se puede enojar. No tenemos nada que ganar y mucho que perder. En español tenemos, más o menos, un refrán que significa lo mismo. Nosotros decimos: “No pongas el dedo en la llaga.” TIME KEEPS ON MOVING (November 10, 2016) A wise saying that comes from Great Britain that says: “Time waits for no one.” Regardless of what we do or do not do, time keeps moving on. We should learn to use the time wisely and make the most of it every single day. If we fail to plan for the future, then we plan to fail. It is that simple. Regardless of who we may be all of us have twenty-four hours in a day. What we do with that time is entirely up to us. Therefore we should take advantage of every opportunity, because unlike some of the Hollywood movies we cannot go back in time. Once it’s over, it’s over. EL TIEMPO SIGUE ADELANTE (10 de Noviembre 2016) Nos llega un proverbio sabio de Inglaterra que dice: “El tiempo no espera a nadie.” No importa lo que hagamos o no hagamos, el tiempo sigue su marcha. Debemos aprender a usarlo sabiamente y aprovecharlo diariamente. Si no planeamos, planeamos fracasar. Esa es la realidad. Sin importar quienes seamos, todos tenemos veinticuatro horas en un día. Lo que hacemos con ese tiempo depende totalmente de cada uno de nosotros. Debemos aprovechar todas las oportunidades que se nos presenten porque, diferente al pensamiento de las películas en Hollywood, no podemos regresar al pasado. Cuando el tiempo ha pasado, ha pasado. LOVE MAKES IT POSSIBLE (November 3, 2016) A proverb from India says: “It is love that makes the impossible, possible.” They are correct in saying that. The Bible tells us that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Only through the love of God are we able to forgive others. After all, all of us are sinners, and yet God forgives us if we repent, ask Him to forgive us and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we do that, not only does He forgive us, but He gives us eternal life with Him. EL AMOR LO HACE POSIBLE ( 3 de Noviembre 2016) Un proverbio de la India dice: “Es el amor el que hace lo imposible, posible.” Tienen toda la razón en decir eso. La biblia nos dice que el amor cubre una multitud de pecados (1 Pedro 4:8). Solamente en el amor de Dios podemos perdonar al prójimo. Después de todo, todos nosotros somos pecadores, y sin embargo Dios nos perdona si nos arrepentimos, le pedimos perdón, y aceptamos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Si hacemos eso, no tan solo nos perdona, sino que también nos da vida eterna con él. LOVE LIVES IN THE LIGHT A Burundian proverb says: “Where there is love there is no darkness.” That darkness is the darkness of sin, hatred, depression, low self-esteem and everything that is negative. It could very well say: “Where there is love there is no hatred, racial prejudice and so on.” EL AMOR VIVE EN LA LUZ Un proverbio burundés dice: “Donde hay amor no hay oscuridad.” Esa oscuridad es la oscuridad del pecado, odio, depresión, bajo autoestima, y todo lo demás que sea negativo. Pudiera decir: “Donde hay amor no hay odio, perjuicio racial, etcétera.” DON’T CRITICIZE (October 20, 2016) There is a saying in English that says: “People who live in glass houses should not cast stones.” It simply means that a person who has a specific weakness should not criticize others who have the same weakness. In other words, a drunk should not criticize another drunk because he drinks. Do you live in a glass house? If you do, don’t cast stones. NO CRITIQUES (20 de Octubre 2016) Hay un dicho en ingles que dice: “La gente que vive en casas de cristal no debe arrojar piedras.” Simplemente significa que las personas quienes tienen una específica debilidad no deben criticar a los que tienen la misma. En otras palabras, una persona con el vicio del alcoholismo no debe criticar a los que toman licor. ¿Vives en una casa de cristal? Si tu respuesta es sí, no arrojes piedras. CHANGE YOURSELF (October 13, 2016) A Portuguese proverb says: “Change yourself and fortune will change.” The proverb is right on target. In most cases, unless a person changes from within, there will be no changes from without. There are persons who never change, and yet they expect their circumstances to change. Sometimes they switch jobs, they change spouses or they move to another town, but since they don’t change themselves, their situations don’t change. CAMBIA TU MODO DE SER (13 de Octubre 2016) Un proverbio portugués dice: “Cambia tu modo de ser, y tu suerte cambiará.” Ese proverbio le pega al clavo. En la mayoría de los casos, a menos que la persona cambie su modo de ser o de pensar, no le cambiará la vida. Hay personas quienes jamás cambian, y sin embargo esperan que las circunstancias les cambien. A veces cambian de empleo, de pareja o se mudan a otro pueblo, pero como ellos no cambian, su situación no cambia tampoco. EVIL GROWS RAPIDLY An Ethiopian proverb says: “Evil enters like a needle and spreads like an oak tree.” A good example is when a young person tastes drugs for the first time. It seems innocent enough and it does not harm him at first, but then it becomes a horrible habit. It is the same with any other sin or bad habit, such as stealing, cheating, lying, running away from problems, blaming others, procrastinating, arguing, fighting and so on. LA MALDAD CRECE RÁPIDAMENTE Un proverbio de Etiopía dice: “La maldad entra como una aguja y se desparrama como un árbol roble.” Un buen ejemplo es cuando un jovencito prueba la droga por la primera vez. No lo lastima y hasta parece ser buena, pero más tarde se convierte en un hábito malísimo. Funciona igual con otros vicios o hábitos como robar, engañar, mentir, culpar a otros, discutir, pelear, evadir las responsabilidades, procrastinar y con muchos otros hábitos. ALLOW LOVE TO REIGN They have a proverb in India that says: “Where love reigns the impossible may be attained.” The reason that much may be attained is because people will agree and even if they do not, they will agree to disagree. Either way, they will accomplish their goals. Where there is hatred, envy or division very little get accomplished. PERMITE QUE REINE EL AMOR En la India tienen un proverbio que dice: “Donde reina el amor lo imposible se puede lograr.” La razón que mucho se puede lograr es que las personas están de acuerdo, y si no lo están han decidido obrar juntos en armonía. Sea como sea logran sus metas. Cuando hay odio, envidia o división muy poco se puede lograr DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD (September 22, 2016) A Hebrew saying says: “Hosech shivto sono bno,” which means, “He who spares the whip hates his son.” There is also Bible scripture – Proverb 13:24 – that says: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” God commands us to love our children just as He loves us, but sometimes we have to discipline them because they are misbehaving. If we don’t do it while they are children, when they grow up they will continue in the path of unrighteousness. Of course the discipline has to be adequate to their age and the offence committed. Unfortunately many parents go overboard and punish them severely. That goes against God because He is a Father who is compassionate, merciful, forgiving and loving. DISCIPLINE A SUS NIÑOS (22 de Septiembre 2016) Un refrán hebreo dice: “Hosech shivto sono bno,” que significa, “El que no utiliza mucho su látigo odia a su hijo.” Hay una escritura bíblica – Proverbio 13:24 – que dice: “El que utiliza muy poco su vara odia a su hijo, pero si lo ama lo disciplina prontamente.” Dios nos manda que amemos a nuestros hijos igualmente como él nos ama, pero a veces tenemos que disciplinarlos, porque se han portado mal. Si no los disciplinamos cuando son niños crecen en el camino de la maldad. Pero claro, la disciplina tiene que ser adecuada para la edad del niño y la ofensa que se haya cometido. Desafortunadamente muchos padres castigan a sus hijos cruel y severamente. Eso va totalmente contra Dios, porque él es compasivo, misericordioso, amable, perdonador, y lleno de amor. NOBODY IS UGLY IN HIS OWN EYES (September 15, 2016) A Haitian proverb says: “A Monkey never thinks his baby is ugly.” Nobody is ugly in his own eyes and neither are his or her children. It all depends on how we look at things. To God everything is beautiful because He created it. If we were to learn to find the beauty and what is good in everything we see, this world would be a much better place. NADIE ES FEO EN SUS PROPIOS OJOS (15 de Septiembre 2016) Un proverbio Haitiano dice: “Una mona jamás piensa que su bebé es feo.” Nadie es feo en sus propios ojos ni lo son sus hijos. Todo depende del color del cristal con que se miran las cosas. Para Dios todo es hermoso porque él lo creó. Si aprendiéramos a buscar lo bello y lo bueno en todo lo que vemos, este mundo sería mucho mejor de lo que es MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS (September 8, 2016) A Chinese proverb says: “A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion.” This proverb hits the nail right on the head. Unfortunately today people follow the crowd. Everything has to be politically-correct. People don’t think for themselves anymore. The ones who do are criticized, ostracized and even insulted. Be your own person and make your own decisions. HAZ TUS PROPIAS DECISIONES (8 de Septiembre 2016) Un proverbio chino dice: “Un hombre sabio hace sus propias decisiones, un hombre ignorante sigue la opinión pública.” Este proverbio le pega al clavo. Desgraciadamente actualmente la gente sigue la opinión pública. Todo tiene que ser políticamente correcto. La gente no piensa por sí misma. Los que sí piensan por sí mismos son criticados, excluidos, desterrados e insultados. Tienes que ser tu propia persona y hacer tus propias decisiones. DON’T STIR IT UP (August 1, 2016) There’s a Dutch proverb that says: “Do not wake up sleeping dogs.” What it really means is that we should not stir up or provoke trouble, but just leave things as they are. An example: Russia or China could stir up trouble, which would cause a war with the United States and millions upon millions of people would die on both sides. It’s much better to let the dog sleep. Of course, this also applies to you. Keep peace in your family, with your friends, with your coworkers, with your neighbors and with everybody else. NO SE LE BUSCA RUIDO AL CHICHARRÓN (Primero de Agosto 2016) Hay un proverbio holandés que dice: “No despiertes a los perros dormidos.” Lo que significa es que no debemos provocar a otros o empeorar la situación. A veces es mejor que dejemos la situación en paz. Ejemplo: Rusia o China provocan a los Estados Unidos de América, hay guerra, y mueren millones de millones de personas en ambos lados. Es mucho mejor dejar que el perro duerma. Esto también te aplica a ti. Debes mantener la paz en tu familia, con tus amigos, con tus vecinos, con tus compañeros de trabajo, y con todos los demás. THE SUN RISES FOR EVERYONE (August 25, 2016) A Cuban proverb, which comes from the Bible says: “Cuando el sol sale, sale para todos,” which of course means: “When the sun rises, it rises for everyone.” In Matthew 5:45, Jesus tells us: “…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” In other words, all of us go through good times and bad times, trials and tribulations, sickness and good health, encouragement and discouragement, wins and losses, happiness and sadness, frustrations and jubilations and so on. The only difference is how we react to our circumstances. Are you a positive person or a negative one? EL SOL SALE PARA TODOS (25 de Agosto 2016) Un proverbio cubano que sin duda viene de la biblia dice: “Cuando el sol sale, sale para todos.” En Mateo 5:45, Jesucristo nos dice: “…para que sean hijos de su Padre que está en los cielos: que hace que su sol salga sobre los malos y sobre los buenos, y que llueva sobre los justos y los injustos.” En otras palabras, todos pasamos por buenos tiempos y malos tiempos, pruebas y tribulaciones, enfermedades y buena salud, aliento y desaliento, victorias y derrotas, alegría y tristeza, frustraciones y júbilo, etcétera. La única diferencia es como reaccionamos a las circunstancias. ¿Eres una persona positiva o negativa? IT’S NOT HOW MUCH YOU START, IT’S HOW MUCH YOU FINISH From Germany comes a proverb that says: “Who begins too much accomplishes little.” This is very true. In English we say: “Don’t bite more than you can chew.” In Spanish we say: “El que mucho abarca poco aprieta,” which means: “He who embraces too much, tightens very little.” It’s not about how many projects you undertake or how fast you start, it’s about finishing what you start and doing a good job at it. NO SE TRATA DE CUANTO PROYECTOS COMIENZAS En Alemania hay un refrán que dice: “El que comienza mucho, logra muy poco.” Es muy verdadero. En español tenemos un refrán parecido que dice: “El que mucho abarca poco aprieta.” En inglés hay uno que dice: “Don’t bite more than you can chew” que significa: “No muerdas más de lo que puedas masticar.” No se trata de cuantos proyectos comiences o que tan rápido los empieces, se trata de terminar lo que comienzas y de hacerlo bien. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? (August 11, 2016) There is an English proverb that says: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Yes, that is very true. If it were not for that some of those painting would not sell for millions of dollars. Some people would never find a spouse if beauty were not in the eyes of the beholder. Without that principle consumerism would not be as effective and as important as it really is. What one person considers junk another can consider it a treasure. It depends entirely on how you look at things. ¿CÓMO VES LAS COSAS? (11 de Agosto 2016) Hay un proverbio en Inglaterra que dice: “La belleza está en el ojo del espectador.” En español tenemos un refrán que significa lo mismo. El nuestro dice: “Todo depende del color del cristal con que se miren las cosas.” Si no fuera por eso muchas de las pinturas que se venden por millones de dólares no se venderían por esa cantidad. Algunas de las personas quienes algunos de nosotros consideramos feas no encontrarían pareja. Sin ese principio el consumismo no sería tan efectivo ni tan importante como lo es. Lo que una persona considera basura es tesoro para otra. Todo depende como uno ve o vea las cosas EVERY DAY IS IMPORTANT (August 4, 2016) An Arabian proverb says: “Every day of your life is a page of your history.” That is really the way it is. Therefore, make every single day of your life a historical one. Leave an imprint on this world, so your descendants and other people will know and appreciate the legacy that you left. CADA DÍA ES IMPORTANTE (4 de Agosto 2016) Un refrán árabe dice: “Cada día de tu vida es una página de tu historia.” Así es. Que cada día de tu vida sea histórico. Deja tu huella en la humanidad para que tus descendientes y otras personas sepan y aprecien el legado que dejaste. DROP BY DROP (July 28, 2016) There is an Italian proverb that says: “Drop by drop you break the rock.” This saying is based on absolute truth. Water that is dripping drop by drop can make a hole in a boulder. By the same token little by little we can accomplish much. Normally in order to accomplish anything worthwhile it takes lots of perseverance. As the Chinese would say, “The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.” GOTA POR GOTA (28 de Julio 2016) Hay un refrán italiano que dice: “Gota por gota se rompe una roca.” Este dicho es absolutamente verdadero. Una gotera cayendo sobre una roca gota por gota puede hacer un hueco en un peñasco. Igualmente si uno persevera poco a poco puede lograr mucho. El autor Quevedo diría: “Piano piano se va lontano.” Un refrán chino dice: “La jornada de mil millas comienza con el primer paso.” BETTER ALONE (July 21, 2016) There is a proverb in Spanish that says: “Mejor solo que mal acompañado,” which of course means, “Better alone than in bad company.” Bad company does corrupt. We have to be very careful who we hang around with. After all, we are judged and influenced by the company we keep. MEJOR SOLO (21 de Julio 2016) Hay un proverbio en español que dice: “Mejor solo que mal acompañado.” Hay mucha sabiduría en este refrán. Hay otro refrán que dice: “Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.” Tenemos que tener mucho cuidado a quien dejamos entrar a nuestras vidas. READ AND LEARN (July 14, 2016) There’s a Belgian proverb that says: “Books fertilize the gardens of the mind.” There is much to be learned by reading good books, and, of course, the best book of all for learning is the Bible. Using the same reasoning, the Bible can fertilize your soul. Let it teach you how to live, how to do God’s will, and how to receive eternal life with Him. LEE Y APRENDE (14 de Julio 2016) Hay un proverbio belga que dice: “Los libros fertilizan los jardines de la mente.” Uno puede aprender muchísimo al leer libros, y, claro, el mejor libro para aprender es la biblia. Utilizando el mismo razonamiento del proverbio – la biblia puede fertilizarte el alma. Permítele que te enseñe como vivir, como cumplir con la voluntad de Dios, y como clamar tu vida eterna con Dios. THE GREEDY ARE NEVER HAPPY (July 7, 2016) There is a saying in Spanish that says: “El avariento, ni pobre ni rico está contento,” which means, “The greedy is not happy being poor or being rich.” Unfortunately there are many people who never seem to be happy. Instead of looking at the positive sides of things, they always look at the negative ones. If you are one of those, learn to be happy. EL AVARIENTO NUNCA ESTÁ CONTENTO (7 de Julio 2016) Hay un dicho que dice: “El avariento, ni pobre ni rico está contento.” Desgraciadamente ese dicho es una realidad para mucha gente. En vez de ver el lado positivo en las cosas, siempre miran lo negativo. Si eres una de esas personas, aprende a estar contento. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES There is a Spanish proverb that says: “Errando se aprende,” which means: “Your learn from your mistakes.” A not too bright person is one who does not learn from his or her mistakes. The person who keeps on doing the same things and expects different results cannot be too sharp. It’s OK to make mistakes, but it’s not OK to keep on repeating them. APRENDE DE TUS ERRORES Uno de nuestros proverbios dice: “Errando se aprende.” Está cien por ciento correcto, porque todo se aprende por experiencia. Desde niños comenzamos a aprender. Hacemos muchos errores, pero poco a poco vamos aprendiendo. Es tonto el que no aprende de sus errores. El colmo de ser tonto es cuando una persona continúa haciendo lo mismo y espera diferentes resultados. ¡Ojalá no seas uno de ellos! GOD HELPS THE EARLY RISER (June 23, 2016) There is a Spanish proverb that says: “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda,” which means, “God helps the early riser.” It is very similar to our saying: “The early bird gets the worm.” What it really means is that if we do our part, God will help us. Unfortunately many people expect God or other people to do everything for them. Life does not work that way. Let’s hope you’re an early bird or an early riser. DIOS LE AYUDA AL MADRUGADOR (23 de Junio 2016) Hay un proverbio en inglés que dice: “The early bird gets the worm,” que significa en español, “El pájaro madrugador coge el gusano.” En español tenemos un proverbio muy parecido, el que dice: “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.” Lo que significa, en realidad, es que si nosotros hacemos nuestra parte, Dios nos ayuda. Desgraciadamente, mucha gente espera que Dios o que otra gente le haga todo. La vida no funciona así. ¡Ojalá seas un pájaro madrugador! PAY NO ATTENTION TO IT (June 16, 2016) There’s a Spanish proverb that says: “A palabras locas, orejas sordas,” which basically means, “Deaf ears to crazy words.” In other words, we should not pay attention or argue with people who speak for the sake of speaking. There are many know-it-all people who like to argue about anything. Ignore them! NO LES PRESTES ATENCIÓN (16 de Junio 2016) Hay un refrán que dice: “A palabras locas, orejas sordas.” Hay mucha gente que habla por hablar o que discute por discutir. Muchos de ellos son a lo que le llamamos “un sabelotodo.” Creen que saben todo, pero, en realidad, saben muy poco. Lo mejor que podemos hacer es ignorarlos. Es mejor que haya un loco y no dos. DON’T ACT HASTILY (June 9, 2016) An English proverb says: “Do not be in a hurry to tie what you cannot untie.” There’s a lot of truth to that. We should never act without thinking. There may be severe consequences later. If you act hastily, you may put your foot in your mouth. Donald Trump is an expert at that. NO ACTÚES PRECIPITADAMENTE (9 de Junio 2016) Un proverbio inglés dice: “No te precipites en atar lo que no puedas desatar.” Hay mucha verdad en eso. No debemos actuar sin pensar. Las consecuencias que resulten pueden ser severas. Si actúas precipitadamente puedes meterte la pata en la boca. El Señor Donald Trump hace eso muy bien. IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK (June 2, 2016) There’s a Chinese proverb that says: “Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.” Many people waste their entire lifetimes in mediocre living. They don’t leave a good legacy, let alone do God’s will. Not only do they fail in this life, but they also fail in the next one going up in hell and later on winding up in the lake of fire. It’s much later than you think. Enjoy the now, plan for tomorrow, and if you are not reading the Bible and attending a born-again Christian church, start this week. God will provide salvation for you and bless you, but only if you do your part. ES MÁS TARDE DE LO QUE PIENSAS (2 de Junio 2016) Un proverbio chino dice: “Disfruta tu vida. Es más tarde de lo que piensas.” Muchas personas viven vidas mediocres, y dejan un legado negativo. No hacen la voluntad de Dios, sino las suyas totalmente opuestas a lo que requiere Nuestro Señor. No solamente fracasan en esta vida, sino también en la otra. Primeramente ingresan al infierno, y más tarde son trasladadas al lago de fuego para que sufran eternamente. Es mucho más tarde de lo que piensas. Disfruta este día, haz planes para mañana, y si no lees la biblia y no asistes a una iglesia cristiana, comienza esta semana. Dios te proveerá salvación, y te mandará bendiciones, pero tú tienes que contribuir. WHEN YOU ARE DOWN (May 26, 2016) There is a Spanish proverb that says, “Del árbol caído, todos hacen leña,” which means, “From a fallen tree, everyone makes kindling.” Of course the real meaning is: When somebody is down, everyone jumps on him and nobody wants to be his friend. When somebody is on top of the world, everyone wants to uplift him and be his friend. When you are down, when you have no money, when you have problems, when nobody wants to associate with you, and when nobody wants to be your friend, that’s when you know who your real friends are. CUANDO ESTÁS EN EL SUELO (26 de Mayo 2016) Hay un proverbio en español que dice, “Del árbol caído, todos hacen leña.” El verdadero significado es que cuando uno tiene problemas, todos nos atacan, nadie quiere estar con nosotros, y mucho menos ayudarnos. Sin embargo, cuando alguien está en la cima, todos quieren ser sus amigos. Cuando estés caído, cuando no tengas dinero, cuando tengas problemas, cuando nadie quiera asociarse contigo, y cuando nadie quiera ser tu amigo, entonces sabrás quiénes son tus verdaderos amigos. HELP YOURSELF (May 19, 2016) There is an Italian proverb that says: “Aiutati che Dio t’aiuta,” which is equivalent to the Spanish proverb that says: “Ayúdate que yo te ayudaré,” or to the English one: “God helps those who help themselves.” This quote is really not found in the Bible, but it is implied. Unfortunately many people want God to help them, but they don’t do anything to help themselves. AYÚDATE A TI MISMO (19 de Mayo 2016) Hay un proverbio italiano que dice: “Aiutati che Dio t’aiuta,” que equivale al proverbio inglés que dice: “God helps those who help themselves,” que más o menos significa lo mismo que el refrán en español que dice: “Ayúdate que yo te ayudaré.” Esas palabras exactas, en realidad, no se encuentran en la biblia, pero sí se halla el concepto. Desafortunadamente sí hay muchas personas que le piden a Dios que les ayude, pero ellas no hacen nada por ayudarse. SEEK WISDOM (May 12, 2016) “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Many wealthy people lack wisdom. You can clearly see it with the movie stars, singers and even with many athletes. They have money, fame and many admirers, but they lack common sense, wisdom and in many cases salvation. Some people have what is known as “street smarts,” but what they need is wisdom from God. If you want to reach your highest potential, ask God to give you wisdom how to live your life. You may not become super wealthy, but you will have peace of mind, you will bless others, others will bless you, and you will live eternally with God. There is nothing more important than salvation. PERSIGUE SABIDURÍA (12 de Mayo 2016) “Mejor es adquirir sabiduría que oro preciado; Y adquirir inteligencia vale más que la plata.” A muchos ricos les falta sabiduría. Se puede ver fácilmente en los actores, cantantes y en los atletas famosos. Tienen dinero, fama, y muchos admiradores, pero no tienen sentido común, sabiduría y, en muchos casos, ni la salvación. Muchos viven por su picardía, pero no tienen sabiduría de Dios. Si quieres alcanzar tu potencial, pídele a Dios que te dé la sabiduría necesaria para vivir tu vida según las expectativas que él tiene para ti. Tal vez jamás seas rico financieramente, pero tendrás paz mental, bendecirás a otros, otros te bendecirán, y vivirás eternamente con Dios. No hay nada más importante que la salvación. LOVE IS DECEITFUL (May 5, 2016) There is an Italian saying that says: “L’amore è cieco,” which means, “Love is blind.” What it really means is that when a person falls in love with another one, he or she does not see the faults, the shortcomings or the flaws that the other one has. Many times everybody else sees them, except the one in love. Even when the person in love sees the other’s faults, he or she always thinks that because of how much the other one is loved that he or she will change. That normally does not happen. That person normally continues drinking, taking drugs, or doing whatever he or she was doing before. The saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” normally applies. IT TAKES SOME TIME (April 28, 2016) There’s a popular Italian saying that says: “Between saying and doing, many a pair of shoes is worn out.” In English we say, “It’s easier said than done.” Sometimes we also say, “Talk is cheap.” One thing is to say we can or are going to do something, and quite another to actually do it. Many times there is a big time gap between saying and doing. DON’T TEMPT FATE (April 21, 2016) There is an Arab proverb that says: “Do not stand in a place of danger trusting in miracles.” It’s telling us not to purposely seek dangerous situations, and then expect God to protect us. In Matthew 4:7, Jesus tells the devil: “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” In Deuteronomy 6:16, God tells the Israelites: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah.” Not tempting God also applies to us. Some people have and they have lost their lives. Don’t be one of them. God says what He means, and He means what He says. DON’T JUST TALK, DO (April 14, 2016) There’s a Jewish proverb that says: “Do not be wise in words – be wise in deeds.” In other words, don’t just talk about something as if you were an expert on the subject, but do something to solve the situation. There are way too many experts before and after the fact, but too few who actually do something to remedy or ameliorate the situation. GOD KNOWS OUR LIMITS (April 7, 2016) There’s a saying in Spain that says: “God tightens the grip, but He does not choke us.” This saying probably comes from the word of God – 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God does test us, but He does not give us any more than we can handle. The reason He does that is because we need to go through certain experiences in order to grow. It goes along with the saying, “No pain, no gain.” April 8, 2016 WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK (March 31, 2016) There’s a Chinese proverb that says: “He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.” When you do not know how to do something or what something means, it is much better to seek advice or to ask for help than to make a serious mistake. There is always help available if you seek it. If you are too proud to seek advice or to ask for help, you will remain in ignorance and in darkness. LET’S DO OUR PART (March 24,2016) There is a proverb from India that says: “Call on God, but row away from the rocks.” There are three points that we ought to learn from this saying: 1. In time of need we ought to call on God. He can help us. 2. We ought to stay away from sin. 3. We ought to do our part. We cannot expect God to find us a job while we stay in bed loafing. IT IS WHAT IT IS (March 17, 2016) There is a Romanian proverb that says: “An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.” This refers to persons who become wealthy overnight becoming asses loaded with gold. They continue being what they always were – uneducated, ignorant, without morals and with bad manners. Of course this does not apply to all of those who become wealthy overnight. Fortunately some of them are wise enough to make the most of it. Some athletes, singers or movie stars come from poor families, and once they start earning millions of dollars they become asses laden with gold. They don’t know how to handle the fame nor the wealth. They get in trouble with the law, start using drugs, and many times they die young. WE CANNOT FORCE PEOPLE (March 10, 2016) There’s a proverb that says: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” What it means is that we cannot force people to do what they don’t want to do. Dictators and Communist leaders do force people, but as soon as the people can get out from under that yoke they do. A good leader is one who people obey gladly because they like or love him or her. USE YOUR TALENTS PROPERLY (March 3, 2016) There is a Welsh proverb that says: “Without perseverance talent is a barren bed.” Of course it means that if we do not develop our talents by working, working and working to improve them, they will be of no use to us or to anyone else. If you have talent in any given area, don’t let it go to waste. God gave it to you for a purpose. KNOW THE CAUSE (February 25, 2016) There is a proverb from Spain that says: “The beginning of health is to know the disease.” That is absolutely true for almost everything. In order to solve any situation, first we have to identify the real problem. In trying to settle a dispute between two parties, we have to get to the bottom of the disagreement. Everything is cause and effect. There is no way to change the effect without knowing the cause and without taking the necessary steps to change the outcome. INTELLIGENCE WITHOUT WISDOM (February 18, 2016) There is a Welsh proverb that says: “A spoon does not know the taste of soup, nor a learned fool the taste of wisdom.” The reason is that many people are very intelligent in a certain field, but they are far removed from being pragmatic. They have no idea how to use a hammer to nail something, nor do they have any inkling how to do other practical things. Intelligence is good, but it has to be used with wisdom. Without wisdom it can be used erroneously and even be dangerous. ONLY ONE PATH IS CORRECT (February 11, 2016) There is a Polish proverb that says, “There are a thousand paths to every wrong.” This saying goes very well with Matthew 7:13, which says: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Just as normally there is only one way to do something correctly, there is only one way to get to heaven – Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Read More

Jokes February 4th, 2016 Posted in Jokes

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MY MOTHER CAN TELL THE FUTURE Two ten-year-old boys were talking and Bobby said to Johnny: “Johnny, my mother can tell the future.” “How do you know that?” Johnny asked him. “When my mother saw my report card, she said: ‘I know what your father will do to you when he gets home,’” Bobby replied. “Was she right?” asked Johnny. “Yes, my father punished me exactly as my mother said he would. That’s how I know she knows the future,” Bobby told him. MI MAMÁ SABE EL FUTURO Dos niños de diez años estaban hablando y Betito le dice a Juanito: “Juanito, mi mamá sabe el futuro.” “¿Cómo sabes eso?” le pregunta Juanito. “Betito le dice: “Cuando mi mamá vio mi boleta de calificaciones, dijo: ‘Yo sé lo que te hará tu papá cuando llegue.” “Juanito le pregunta: “¿Tuvo razón tu mamá?” “Sí, mi papá me castigó exactamente como dijo mi mamá. por eso sé que mi mamá sabe el futuro,” le responde Betito.

THE SECRET OF A LONG MARRIAGE A man and his wife, who had been married for eleven years, were giving advice to some young couples. One young lady asked the man: “What is the secret to your happy marriage?” “Traveling and going on vacation,” the man replied. The young lady’s husband asked him: “Where did you celebrate your first wedding anniversary?” ‘I took my wife to Cancun, Mexico,” the man told him. “And how did you celebrate your tenth wedding anniversary? another young lady asked him. “I went back to Cancun to pick her up,” the man responded. EL SECRETO DE UN MATRIMONIO DURADERO Un señor y su esposa, quienes habían estado casados por once años, les estaban dando consejos a unas parejas de jóvenes. Una esposa joven le pregunta al hombre: “¿Cuál es el secreto de su matrimonio?” “Viajar e ir de vacaciones,” le contesta el señor. El esposo de la jovencita le pregunta: “¿Dónde celebraron el aniversario del primer año de casados?” “En Cancún, México,” le responde el señor. “¿Y cómo celebraron su décimo aniversario?” le pregunta otra jovencita. “Regresé a Cancún para recoger a mi esposa,” le contesta el señor.

I HID HER DENTURES (December 14, 2017) Two ladies were talking at the grocery store. One said: “I don’t know what to do my grandfather lives with us and he is always biting his nails. It’s driving us crazy.” The other one tells her, “Do what I did with my grandmother who had the same problem.” “What did you do?” asked the first Lady. “I hid her dentures and no more problem,” answered the other one. LE ESCONDÍ LA DENTADURA POSTIZA (14 de Diciembre 2017) Dos damas amigas están hablando en la tienda de abarrotes. Una le dice a la otra: “No sé qué hacer con mi abuelo. Se muerde las uñas constantemente. Nos está volviendo locos.” La otra le contesta, “Haz lo que hice con mi abuela que tenía el mismo problema.” “Por favor, dime qué hiciste?” le dice la primera. “Le escondí la dentadura postiza y se acabó el problema,” le contesta la amiga.

ADAM’S UNDERWEAR (December 7, 2017) Eight-year-old Johnny had been learning about God in Sunday School and from his grandmother. One day he opened grandma’s bible and out of it fell a dried fig leaf that his grandma had kept there for years. Quickly excitedly the grandson yelled: “Grandma, I just found Adam’s underwear!” LOS CALZONCILLOS DE ADÁN (7 de Diciembre 2017) Juanito, un niño de ocho años, estaba aprendiendo sobre Dios en la escuela dominical y por parte de su abuelita. Un día abrió la biblia de su abuelita y encontró una hoja de higuera seca que su abuela había puesto allí años pasados. Inmediatamente emocionado el nieto gritó” “!Abuelita, acabo de encontrar los calzoncillos de Adán!” JOKES BY THE NUMBER (November 30, 2017) At a party there is a group of good friends. One tells the others: “28!” All of them laugh and laugh. Then another one says: “16!” All of them laugh until tears come out of their eyes. Then another one yells: “13!” They laugh so hard that one of them falls on the floor. Then a young man who had gone for the first time asked the one next to him: “What’s going on?” The other one explains to him that this group has been meeting for a very long time, that they tell the same jokes and that they know them by heart. The new member trying to fit in yells: “5!” Nobody laughs. There is a complete silence in the room. He asks the one next to him: “Why isn’t anybody laughing?” The other one replies: “You said the joke without any grace or enthusiasm.” CHISTES POR NÚMEROS (30 de Noviembre 2017) En una fiesta se encuentra reunido un grupo de unos buenos amigos. Uno les dice a los demás: “¡El 28!” Y todos ríen a carcajadas por algunos minutos. Otro grita: “¡El 16!” Y todos ríen sin cesar. Otro dice: “¡El 13!” Y a todos les duele el estómago de reírse tanto. Entonces, uno que iba por primera vez y no entendía qué estaba sucediendo, le pregunta al que estaba al lado que pasaba. El otro le explica que ese grupo de amigos cuenta los mismos chistes siempre que se reúnen, y que de tanto contarlos ya los saben de memoria y hasta pueden hacerlo por su número. El novato decide participar y dice: “¡El 5!” Pero nadie se ríe. Todos se quedan serios, en silencio. Entonces el novato le pregunta al otro: “¿Qué pasó?” “Es que lo contaste sin gracia ni entusiasmo,” le dice el otro. DO YOU KNOW JOHN JONES? A wealthy man, Robert Smith, goes to the bank often and gets to know the clerk, Jerry Oakley. One day Mr. Smith asks Jerry: “Do you know who William Shakespeare was?” “No, I don’t,” replies Jerry. “You should go to night class,” Mr. Smith tells him and he asks him: “Do you know who Plato was?” “I have no idea,” Jerry tells him. “You should go to night classes,” Mr. Smith tells him. Then Mr. Smith asks him: “Do you know how to run a business?” “I wouldn’t know where to begin,” Jerry responds. “You should go to night class,” the man tells him. Then Jerry asks Mr. Smith: “Do you know who John Jones is?” “I don’t know,” responds Mr. Smith. “You should keep an yes on your business. He’s the one who’s been stealing money from your account,” Jerry tells him. ¿SABE QUIÉN ES JUAN GONZÁLEZ? Un hombre rico, Roberto García, va al banco con frecuencia y conoce al cajero, Pedro Ramírez. Un día el Sr. García le pregunta a Pedro: “¿Sabes quién es Miguel de Cervantes?” “No, no sé,” le contesta Pedro. “Debes tomar clases de noche,” le dice el Sr. García y luego le pregunta: “¿Sabes quién era Steve Jobs?” “No tengo la menor idea,” le dice Pedro. El Sr. García le dice: “Debes tomar clases de noche.” El Sr. García le hace otra pregunta: “¿Sabes quién era Platón?” “Tal vez usted sepa, pero yo no sé,” le dice Pedro. “Debes tomar clases de noche,” le dice el señor y le pregunta: “¿Supieras correr un negocio grande?” “No, yo solamente soy cajero aquí en el banco,” le responde Pedro. “Deberías tomar clases de noche,” le dice el Sr. García.” “¿Y usted sabe quién es Juan González?” le pregunta Pedro. “No, en realidad no sé,” le contesta el Sr. García. “Debería prestarles más atención a sus negocios. Juan González es el que le ha estado robando dinero de su cuenta,” le avisa Pedro.

IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD On a Sunday morning a lady came out of a church and found herself face to face with a homeless man who was asking for money to buy food. She reached into her purse and gave him a five-dollar bill. Then she said: “I am not giving you this because you deserve it or because I feel sorry for you. I’m giving it to you because it makes me feel good and it makes me feel pretty.” Then the man said: “Then give me a hundred-dollar bill, and it will make you feel excellent and beautiful.” ME HACE SENTIR BIEN Un domingo por la mañanita una señora al salir de la iglesia se encontró cara a cara con un indigente quien pedía dinero para comprarse un desayuno. La señora abrió su boldo y le dio un billete de cinco dólares. Luego le dijo: “No le doy este dinero porque lo merezca ni porque le tenga lástima. Se lo doy porque el dárselo me hace sentir bien y bonita.” El hombre le dijo: “Entonces deme un billete de cien dólares. Eso la hará sentirse excelente y hermosa.”

THREE IN ONE TOMB A widow took her seven-year-old granddaughter to put flowers on her husband’s tomb. The little girl sees the writing on the tomb next to her grandfather’s and asks her grandmother: “Grandma, do they bury three people in the same tomb?” “No, that’s not possible,” the grandma tells her. The child asks her: “Then why does it say, “Here lies a lawyer, an excellent politician and a good man?” TRES EN UNA TUMBA Una viuda lleva a su nieta de siete años al cementerio para ponerle flores a la tumba de su esposo. La niña ve lo que está escrito en otra tumba y le pregunta a la abuela: “¿Abuelita, pueden enterrar tres personas en la misma tumba?” “Eso no es posible,” le contesta la señora. La nieta le pregunta, “¿Entonces por qué dice en esa tumba: “Aquí descansa un abogado, un excelente político y un buen hombre.?” I DON’T UNDERSTAND An Italian, an American and a German man were working as carpenters on the 15th floor when the lunch bell rang. The Italian opened his lunch and said: “If they send me pizza again, I’ll jump down from here. The American opened his lunch and said: “If they send me a hamburger again, I’ll jump from the 15th floor.” The German opened his lunch, saw what was in it and said: “If I get wiener schnitzel one more time, I’ll jump with you guys.” The next day the Italian opens his lunch, sees a pizza in it and jumps. The American opens his, sees a hamburger and jumps right behind the Italian. The German opens his lunch, sees a wiener schnitzel and follows the other two. At the funeral the three widows are talking; the Italian widows says: “If I had known Pietro did not like pizza I would have given him something else.” The American widow says: “I didn’t know Frank didn’t like hamburgers. I should have asked him.” The German widow says: “I don’t know what happened. Klaus fixed his own lunch.” NO ENTIENDO Un italiano, un americano y un vasco eran albañiles y tocan el timbre para la hora de comer y dice el italiano: - Si me vuelven a mandar pizza de comer, me aviento del último piso. Y el americano dice: - Si me vuelven a mandar hamburguesa de comer, me aviento del último piso. Y el vasco dice: - Si me vuelven a mandar tortilla de papa, me aviento del último piso. Y al otro día, al italiano le mandan pizza, y se avienta. Al americano le mandan hamburguesa, y al vasco tortilla de papa, y se avientan. Estaban sus esposas en el funeral y le dice la italiana a la americana y a la esposa del vasco: - Si hubiera sabido que a mi esposo no le gustaba la pizza le mando otra cosa. Y la americana dice: - Si hubiera sabido que a mi esposo no le gustaba la hamburguesa le mando otra cosa. Y la esposa del vasco dice: - No entiendo a Patxi, si él se preparaba su propia comida

THE DAYS OF THE ELECTRIC CHAIR (October 26, 2017) Three women were going to be executed on the same day. The brunette was first. The executioner asked her: “Is there any reason why I shouldn’t execute you?” She told him: “Yes, I am totally innocent?” The man did not believe her, so he pulled the switch, but nothing happened. He said: “You were probably telling me the truth. This must be an act of God. You can go.” She left immediately. Then came the redhead’s turn. The executioner asked her: “Is there any reason why I should not execute you?” She said: “I am more innocent than a saint.” He did not believe her, so he turned on the switch. Nothing happened, so he said: “You told me the truth, so God helped you. You can go.” She took off running without looking back. Then came the blonde’s turn. The officer asked her: “Do you have a good reason why I should not execute you?” She said: “Yes, I do. I am innocent.” The officer did not believe her, and as he was about to pull the switch she said: “The machine is unplugged.” EN LOS DÍAS DE LA SILLA ELÉCTRICA (26 de Octubre 2017) Tres damas iban a ser ejecutadas el mismo día. Le tocó ser la primera a la morena. El oficial ejecutor le preguntó” “¿Hay alguna razón por la cual no debo ejecutarla?” Ella le dijo: “Sí, soy completamente inocente.” El hombre no le creyó, y por eso oprimió el conmutador, pero no pasó nada. El oficial le dijo: “Me dijo la verdad. Se salva por obra de Dios. Puede irse.” La morena se fue rápidamente. Se le llegó el turno a la pelirroja. El oficial le preguntó: “¿Tiene buena razón para que yo no la ejecute?” Ella le contestó: “Soy más inocente que una santa.” No le creyó y oprimió el conmutador. Nada ocurrió, y el oficial le dijo: “Usted me ha dicho la verdad. Dios le ayudó. Puede retirarse.” Salió corriendo sin mirar atrás. Le tocó el turno a la rubia. El oficial le preguntó: “¿Me puede dar una buena razón por qué no debo ejecutarla?” Ella le dijo: “Sí, la tengo. Soy inocente.” El oficial no le creyó, y cuando iba a oprimir el conmutador, la rubia le dijo: “La máquina no está enchufada.” LATE TO CLASS Three girls came in late to class. The teacher asked the first one: “why are you late to class?” She tells him: “I was dreaming that I had traveled around the world and was coming back home. That’ why I overslept.” The teacher asked the second one: “And why were you late?” The girl tells him: “I was dreaming that I was traveling with her, and so I overslept.” The teacher asked the third one: “An why were you late?” She tells him: “I could not get up because I was dreaming that I had to pick them up at the airport.” TARDE A LA CLASE Tres chicas llegaron tarde a la clase. El profesor le pregunta a la primera: ¿Por qué llegas tarde a la clase?” La chica le contesta: “Soñé que había viajado por todo Europa y venía de regreso. Por eso me levanté tarde.” Luego el profesor le pregunta a la segunda: “¿Y por qué llegaste tú tarde?” La chica le informa: “Es que yo soñé que viajaba con ella, y por eso se me hizo tarde.” El profesor le pregunta a la tercera: “¿Cuál es tu excusa por llegar tarde?” Ella le dice: “Es que estaba soñando que las tenía que traer del aeropuerto en mi coche, y por eso no pude llegar aquí a tiempo.” TWO BOYS ARE TALKING (October 12, 2017) John tells his friend Bobby. “I dreamt about earning two-hundred thousand dollars a month like my father. Bobby asks: “Is your father really earning that much per month?” John tells him: “No, he is dreaming that too.” DOS CHICOS ESTÁN HABLANDO (12 de Octubre 2017) Juanito le dice a su amigo Beto: “Soñé con ganar doscientos mil dólares al mes como mi papá.” Beto le pregunta: “¿Tu papá gana todo eso?” Juanito le contesta: “No los gana, pero yo sueño igualmente como él. THREE ELDERLY LADIES LIVED TOGETHER Three elderly ladies of 100, 98 and 96 years old lived together in a two-story house. The oldest one was sitting on the bed and she yelled to the other two: “I don’t remember if I was getting in bed or getting out of it. Please tell me.” The middle one said: “I’m coming to help you. As she started up the stairs, she stopped and said: “I don’t remember if I was going up or down the stairs. Help me.” The youngest one said: “I will help both of you.” Being happy because she heard and understood what they had said, she knocked on wood. She heard her own knock and told the other two: “I’ll come and help you as soon as I find out who’s at the door.” TRES ANCIANITAS VIVÍAN JUNTAS Tres ancianitas de 100, 98 y 96 años vivían juntas en una casa de dos pisos. La mayor estaba sentada en la cama, y les gritó a las otras dos: “No me acuerdo si me iba a acostar o si me iba a levantar. Por favor, ayúdenme.” La de 98 le dijo: “Ya vengo para ayudarte.” Subió dos escalones, se detuvo y le dijo a la de 96: “No sé si iba subiendo o iba bajando.” La menor de todas se llenó de júbilo porque había oído y entendido a las otras dos y por eso tocó tres veces en la silla de madera con los nudillos. Al oír su propio ruido, les dijo a las otras: “Les ayudaré tan pronto vea quien está tocando a la puerta.” TWO FRIENDS TALKING (September 28, 2017) Two friends are talking. One says: “When my father died, he left me the whole downtown area. To my older brother he left all the outskirts and the suburbs and to my youngest brother he left all the Northern part of the city. His friends comments: “I didn’t know your father was that wealthy.” The first one tells him: “Oh no! He wasn’t wealthy. He was the mailman for the whole area.” DOS AMIGOS HABLAN Un amigo le dice al otro: “Pues mi padre cuando murió, me dejó a mi todo el centro del pueblo. Porque a mi hermano mayor le dejó la periferia y todos los arrabales, y a mi hermano menor le dejó la parte norte, pero a mí me dejó solamente todo el centro del pueblo.” El otro le dice: “No sabía que tu padre era rico.” El primero le contesta: “No era rico. Era el cartero de todo el pueblo.” INTELLIGENT DOGS (September 21, 2017) In an international meeting, three sheepherders are discussing how intelligent their dogs are. Each one tells what his dog does. The German says: “At the end of the day my dog takes the sheep to their den, closes the gate, feeds them and guards them all night. The Frenchman, feeling very proud about his dog, says: “That’s nothing. At the end of the day my dog takes the sheep to the pen, closes the gate, feeds them, takes care of them all night and washes them cleaner than clean with “OxiClean.” The Australian not to be outdone says: “your dogs are not quite as good as mine, because mine takes the sheep to their pen, locks the gate, feed the sheep, takes care of them all night and in his spare time does all my work on my computer.” LOS PERROS INTELIGENTES (21 de Septiembre 2017) En una reunión internacional de pastores de ovejas, tres de ellos discuten la inteligencia de sus perros. cada uno dice lo que sabe hacer su perro. El uruguayo dice: “Al terminar el día, mi perro encierra las ovejas, cierra el portal, les da de comer y las protege toda la noche.” El paraguayo, sintiéndose muy orgulloso de su perro, dice: “Eso no es nada. Al fin del día mi perro lleva las ovejas al corral, cierra la puerta, les da de comer, las cuida toda la noche y las lava más blancas que la nieve con “OxiClean.” El argentino, quien no se quería quedar atrás, dijo: “Sus perros no son tan inteligentes como el mío, porque el mío lleva las ovejas al corral, cierra la puerta con candado, les da de comer, las cuida toda la noche, y en su tiempo libre hace mi trabajo en la computadora.” BURR-GERR KING (September 14, 2017) A husband and wife were driving through Louisiana. As they approached Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town. They argued back and forth, then they stopped for lunch. At the counter, the husband asked the blonde waitress, “Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are very slowly?” She leaned over the counter and said, “Burrr-gerrr Kiiing.” BURR-GUERR KING (14 de Septiembre 2017) Una pareja hispana conducía por el estado de Luisiana en los Estados Unidos. Al acercarse al pueblo Natchitoches, comenzaron a discutir cómo se pronunciaba. Al llegar al pueblo pararon en un restaurante para comer algo. Antes de ordenar el esposo le preguntó a la mesera, quien por casualidad era hispana también, por favor, pronúncienos el nombre de este lugar muy despaciosamente. Ella se acercó a la mesa y les dijo, “Burr-guerr Kiiing.” THE LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY Three presidents (Trump, Putin and Peña Nieto) are in a Jacuzzi behind the White House, discussing strategies to defeat terrorism. Suddendly they hear a beeping. Trump touches his shoulder and the beeping stops. He leaves and comes back a few minutes later. Seeing that the other two are perplexed, he says: “That was my beeper. I have a microchip on my shoulder. I had to make an important phone call.” A few minutes later a phone rings. Putin touches the back of his hand and says: “Just a minute.” He leaves and comes back a few minutes later. The other two look puzzled, so he tells them: “That was my cell phone. I have a microchip on the back of my hand. I had an urgent call.” Not to be outdone, Peña Nieto leaves without saying a word and comes back with a piece of toilet paper coming out of his ear. Immediately he explains: “I’m receiving a fax from Mexico City.” LO ÚLTIMO EN TECNOLOGÍA Tres presidentes (Trump, Putin y Peña Nieto) están en un jacuzzi detrás de la Casa Blanca, discutiendo como derrotar el terrorismo. De repente se oyen unos bips. Trump se toca el hombro y los bips cesan. Se va y vuelve unos minutos más tarde. Viendo que los otros dos se ven perplejos, les explica: “Era mi bíper. Tengo un microchip en el hombro. Recibí una llamada muy importante.” Unos minutos después timbra un teléfono. Putín se toca la parte superior de la mano y dice: “Un momento, por favor.” Se aleja y vuelve unos minutos después. Los otros dos se ven confusos, por eso él les dice: “Era mi teléfono móvil. Tengo un microchip en la mano. Fue una llamada urgente.” Peña Nieto que no quería quedarse atrás, se fue sin decir nada. Volvió con un pedazo de papel higiénico colgando de la oreja. Inmediatamente les explica: “Estoy recibiendo un fax de la Ciudad de México.” THE HOT LINE An atheist reporter goes from country to country talking to pastors to see how he could discredit them as well as the Christian religion. He starts in Brazil and he sees a red phone by the pulpit with a sign that says: “$2,000 a minute.” He asks the pastor why the call is so expensive and the pastor tells him that it is a direct line to Jesus. He goes through all South America, Central America, Mexico, the United States and Canada and in every church in every country he sees a red phone with the same sign. Finally he gets to Israel and as he enters a church he sees the red phone with a sign that says: “25 cents a minute.” He asks the pastor why it’s $2,000 in other countries and only 25 cents in Israel. The pastor tells him: “It’s long distance in the other countries. Here it’s a local call.” LA LÍNEA CALIENTE Un reportero ateo va de país en país hablando con los pastores de las iglesias para tratar de descreditarlos a ellos y a la religión cristiana. Comienza en Brasil y ve que hay un teléfono rojo detrás del púlpito con un letrero que dice: “2.000 dólares por minuto.” Le pregunta al pastor por qué es tan caro, y éste le contesta que cuesta tanto porque es una línea directa a Jesucristo. El reportero sigue su trayectoria pasando por todo Sur América, Centroamérica, México, los Estados Unidos y el Canadá y dondequiera ve un teléfono rojo con el mismo letrero. Finalmente llega a Israel y ve el teléfono royo con un letrero que dice: “25 centavos por minuto.” Le pregunta al pastor por qué en otros países cuesta $2.000 por minuto y aquí sólo cuesta 25 centavos. El pastor le responde: “Es larga distancia en otros países. Aquí es llamada local.” THE ANGEL GOT CONFUSED During the American depression, an extremely poor man was shining the shoes of a billionaire. Suddenly a bewildered angel appeared to them. The poor man didn’t waste any time and he asked the angel: “Can you bring me a wife who will make me a millionaire?” The angel said: “No trouble at all.” The billionaire asked the angel: “Can you bring me a woman who would love me even if I were penniless in the jungle?” The angel answered him: “Consider it done!” The angel confused the requests and the next moment the billionaire found himself with a wife who was spending his money so fast that he quickly descended to being a millionaire. The poor man found himself penniless in the Amazon jungle with a native wife who loved him. EL ANGEL SE CONFUNDIO Durante la depresión de los Estados Unidos un señor, quien era extremadamente pobre, les daba lustre a los zapatos de un billonario. De repente se les apareció un ángel quien estaba muy confuso El hombre pobre no perdió nada de tiempo y le pidió al ángel que le trajera una esposa millonaria. El ángel le dijo: “No es nada de problema.” Entonces el billonario le pidió que le trajera una esposa que lo quisiera aunque fuera muy pobre. El ángel le dijo: “Ya es un hecho.” El ángel confundió las peticiones, y al billonario le llegó una esposa muy gastadora y en muy poco tiempo ya no era billonario sino millonario. El señor pobre se encontraba sin ningún centavo en la selva amazónica con una esposa indígena que no se despegaba de él para nada. VERY FEW LAWYERS IN HEAVEN A young Catholic couple was on its way to church to get married when both of them died in a horrible automobile accident. They got to heaven and asked St. Peter if a priest could marry them there. St. Peter told them to wait in the waiting room and that he would have a response for them. They waited seven months and finally St. Peter came. They asked him why he had taken so long, and he told them that he had to look all over heaven to finally find a priest. In the process of waiting seven months, the young couple thought about what would happen if their marriage did not work out. They decided to ask St. Peter if a lawyer could divorce them in case the marriage did not work out. St. Peter told them: “It took me seven months to find a priest. It would take me much longer to find a lawyer here.” MUY POQUITOS ABOGADOS EN EL CIELO Una pareja joven católica iba a la iglesia para casarse cuando tuvieron un horrible accidente automovilístico y ambos murieron. Llegaron a los portales del cielo y le preguntaron a San Pedro si un cura podría casarlos. San Pedro les dijo que lo esperaran en la sala de espera y que él les traería la respuesta. Esperaron siete meses y por fin San Pedro volvió. Le preguntaron por qué había tomado tanto tiempo, y les contestó que había buscado por todo el cielo para poder encontrar un cura. En el proceso de esperar siete meses, la pareja pensó qué pasaría si el matrimonio no les funcionaba bien. Por eso decidieron preguntarle a San Pedro si un abogado podría divorciarlos en caso que el matrimonio no fuera efectivo. San Pedro les dijo: “Me tomó siete meses para encontrar un cura. Me tomaría mucho más tiempo para encontrar un abogado.” THE MAN WAS A SAINT An extremely wealthy man, who had been very mean, died and the pastor was about to say a few words during the funeral. The man’s wife called the pastor aside and told him: “Say that my husband was a saint and I will give you ten thousand dollars.” The pastor started: “Mr. Wilson was greedy, grouchy, very mean to his employees, never gave a tithe at church and even his neighbors always complained about him.” The wife called the pastor aside and whisper to him: “Say he was a saint and I will give you the ten thousand dollars.” Then the pastor told the people: “George Wilson was all those things I told you and even worse, but compared to his wife he was a saint.” EL HOMBRE ERA UN SANTO Un hombre riquísimo, quien había sido malísimo, se murió, y en el funeral el pastor estaba por decir algunas palabras. La esposa del difunto llamó al pastor a un lado y le dijo: “Señor pastor, diga que mi esposo era un santo, y le daré diez mil dólares.” El pastor comenzó: “El señor González fue muy tacaño, gruñón, malísimo con sus empleados, nunca diezmaba en la iglesia, y hasta sus vecinos se quejaban de él.” La señora llamó al pastor a su lado y le susurró: “Diga que fue un santo y le daré los diez mil dólares.” Entonces el pastor le dijo a la gente: “El Señor Pedro González fue todas esas cosas que les dije, y hasta peor, pero si lo comparamos con su esposa fue un santo.” I KNOW WHY YOU ARE GAINING WEIGHT A husband who was not too bright told his wife: “I know why you have been gaining weight.” She did not really want to gain more weight, so she asked him: “Why am I gaining weight?” He told her: “I read the label on your shampoo bottle and it says that it will give you more body and more volume.” She said: “I guess I’ll use a different shampoo.” He told her: “That may also make you gain more weight. Wash your hair with dish soap.” She asked him: “Why is that?” he told her: “I read the label on the dish soap and it says that it gets rid of all the grease instantly.” SÉ POR QUÉ ESTÁS AUMENTANDO DE PESO Un esposa, quien no era muy inteligente, le dijo a su esposa: “Sé por qué estás aumentando de peso.” Como ella no quería aumentar más de peso, le preguntó: “¿Por qué estoy aumentado de peso?” El señor le dijo: “Leí la advertencia en tu botella de champú y dice que te dará más cuerpo y más volumen.” Ella le respondió: “Entonces simplemente cambio de marca de champú.” El señor le aconsejó” “La nueva marca también puede hacer que subas de peso. Mejor lávate el pelo con el jabón de lavar platos.” “¿Pero por qué? le preguntó la esposa. EL señor le informó: “Es que yo leí en la caja que quita toda la grasa inmediatamente.” GIVE HIM THE MONEY Five young boys were outside throwing money into a baseball cap. The local pastor comes by and tells them, “It’s no good to gamble. It’s against God’s rules.” One boy tells him: “We are not gambling. We are just throwing money into the pot and whoever tells the biggest lie gets the money.” The pastor tells them: “It’s no good to lie. That also goes against God’s rules. When I was young I never gambled and I never told a lie.” One of the boys tells the others: “Let’s give him all the money. Nobody can tell a bigger lie.” HAY QUE DARLE EL DINERO Cinco chicos estaban jugando afuera poniendo dinero en una gorra. El pastor de la vecindad pasaba y les dijo: “No es bueno apostar. Eso va contra las reglas de Dios.” Un chico le dice: “No estamos apostando. Echamos dinero en la gorra, y el que diga la mentira más grande se lo lleva todo.” El pastos les dice: “No es bueno mentir. Eso también va contra la voluntad de Dios. Cuando yo era niño nunca aposté y nunca dije una mentira.” Uno de los chicos les dice a los otros: “Hay que darle el dinero. No podemos decir una mentira más grande que esa.” AM I ADOPTED? A teen-age girl comes up to her mother and says: “Mother, since I don’t look like you or my father, I have always been curious if I am adopted or not. Am I adopted?” The mother tells her: “No, you’re not adopted.” “How can I be sure?” the girl asks her mom. The mother tells her: “If we had adopted we would have chosen someone prettier, smarter and more obedient than you.” ¿SOY ADOPTADA? Una adolescente se arrima y le dice a su mamá: “Mamá, siendo que no me parezco a ti ni a mi papá, siempre he tenido la curiosidad de saber si soy adoptada o no. ¿Soy adoptada?” La mamá le dice: “No eres adoptada.” “¿Pero cómo puedo estar segura?” le pregunta la chica. La mamá le responde: “Si hubiéramos adoptado a alguien hubiéramos escogido una más bonita, más inteligente y más obediente que tú.” I AM GOING DOWNHILL In a PE class the coach tells the students: “Lie down on your back, raise your legs and move them as if you were pedaling a bicycle. All the students lie down and start pedaling, except for Mike. The coach asks him: “Mike, why aren’t you pedaling?” Mike tells him: “Coach, I don’t need to pedal, I’m going downhill.” VOY DE BAJADA En el salón de clases dice la maestra a los niños: -Niños, hagamos ejercicio dentro del salón, acuéstense de espalda al piso, levanten las piernas y muévanlas como si fueran en bicicleta. Se acostaron los niños y empezaron a mover sus piernas imaginando que iban en bicicleta. Solo Pepito tenía las piernas sin moverlas. -¡Pepito, porqué no mueves tus piernas! -¡Porque voy de bajada maestra! HE WANTED TO BE CREMATED A missionary died deep in the jungle. His friend heard about in the US and went to his funeral. During the wake he noticed that the natives had a big jar of cream next to the body. The natives kept coming up to the body and smearing it with cream. When it was the friend’s turn, he came up and smeared the body with cream. He didn’t know why they were doing that, so he asked the chief. The chief explained to him that his friend had asked to be cremated. EL CREMATORIO Un misionero se murió en una selva densa. Su amigo en los Estados Unidos recibió el mensaje y fue al funeral. Durante el velorio se dio cuenta que los nativos de un recipiente grande sacaban crema y se la untaban al cuerpo. Cuando se le llegó el turno, él hizo lo mismo. De pura curiosidad le preguntó al jefe de la tribu que porqué le untaban crema al cuerpo. El jefe le informó que antes de morir el misionero les había pedido que lo llevaran al crematorio para la cremación, y como ellos no tenían ni conocían un crematorio, decidieron cremarlo ellos mismos. HIDE AND SEEK (June 29, 2017) A hippie couple in the sixties had twins. They didn’t like common names, so they named one Trouble and the other one Mind Your Own Business. When the twins were ten years old they decided to play hide and seek. Trouble hid while the other twin counted to forty. Mind Your Own Business started looking behind cars, behind bushes and everywhere he could. A policeman saw him, thought he looked suspicious, so he stopped his car and asked the boy: “What’s your name?” The boy answered: “Mind Your Own Business.” The policeman got mad and asked him: “Are you looking for trouble?” The boy replied: “Yes, I’m looking for Trouble.” JUGANDO A LAS ESCONDIDAS (29 de Junio 2017) Una pareja hippie de los sesentas tuvo gemelos. No les gustaban los nombres normales, y por eso a un niño le llamaron Problemas y al otro Que Le Importa. Cuando los niños tenían diez años decidieron jugar a las escondidas. Mientras Que Le Importa contaba hasta cuarenta Problemas se escondió. El gemelo comenzó a buscar detrás de los carros, bajo los arbustos y por toda parte. Un policía lo vio, y pensando que se veía sospechoso, paró su coche y le preguntó: “¿Cómo te llamas?” El chico le respondió: “Que Le Importa.” Enojado el policía le dijo: “Estás buscando problemas?” El gemelo le contestó: “Si, estoy buscando a Problemas.” MAN DOES NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE A man who was caught stealing went before the judge. The judge asked him: “Why did you steal the bread?” The man answered him: “Because I was hungry, your honor.” “And why did you steal the money from the cash register?” the judge asked him. “Because man does not live by bread alone,” the man told him. NO SÓLO DEL PAN VIVE EL HOMBRE Un ladrón se encuentra enfrente de un juez. El juez le pregunta: “¿Por qué se robó el pan?” “Por que tenía hambre,” le contesta el ladrón. “?Y por qué se robó el dinero de la caja?” le pregunta el juez. “Porque no sólo del pan vive el hombre,” le contesta el hombre. THE FROG PRINCESS A circus owner went walking in the woods when a frog started talking to him. The frog said: “I am really human and if you kiss me I can turn into a beautiful and wealthy young princess.” The man picked up the frog and put it in a bag. The frog told him: “If you kiss me you will become a prince and be my husband.” The man didn’t say anything. Then the frog said: “My father the king is about to die, if you kiss me, you will become the king.” The circus owner told her: “Since I don’t want to be a king, I would rather have a talking frog in my circus.” LA RANA PRINCESA Un señor dueño de un circo salió a caminar en el bosque. De repente una rana comenzó a hablarle. Le dijo: “En realidad, soy mujer, y si me besa me volveré en lo que soy – una princesa hermosa y rica.” El caballero recogió la rana y la puso en un costal. La rana le dijo: “Si me besa se convertirá en príncipe y será mi esposo.” El hombre no dijo nada. Entonces la rana le dijo: “Mi padre es rey y está por morir. Si me besa será rey casi inmediatamente.” El dueño del circo le contestó: “Siendo que no deseo ser rey, me gustaría mucho más tener una rana parlante en el circo.” I HAVE TENURE A high school principal is telling jokes and all the new teachers are laughing heartily. One teacher is not laughing, so the principal asks him: “Why aren’t you laughing? Don’t you find my jokes funny? Don’t you like my jokes anymore? You were laughing at them last year.” The teacher tells him: “This year I have tenure.” ME RENOVARON EL CONTRATO Una supervisora estaba contando chistes y todos los empleados nuevos se reían con muchas ganas, pero había una empleada que no se reía. Por fin la supervisora le pregunta: “¿Por qué no te ríes? ¿Ya no te gustan mis chistes? ¿No los encuentras chistosos? El mes pasado te estabas riendo de ellos.” La empleada le contesta: “El mes pasado no me habían renovado el contrato todavía.” WHAT ARE YOU DOING? “John, what are you doing,” asks Bob. “I am killing flies with the flyswatter,” answers John. “How many have you killed so far,” asks Bob. “I’ve killed five male flies and seven female ones,” John tells him. Very curious Bob asks, “How do you know they were male or female?” “Five flies were on the beer can and seven were on the phone,” John replies. ¿QUÉ ESTÁS HACIENDO? “¿Juan, que estás haciendo?” le pregunta Beto. “Estoy matando moscas con el matamoscas,” le responde Juan. “¿Cuántas has matado?” le pregunta Beto. Juan le dice, “He matado cinco machos y siete hembras.” De pura curiosidad Beto le pregunta, “¿Cómo sabes si eran machos o hembras?” Juan le contesta, “Cinco moscas estaban en la lata de cerveza, y siete estaban en el teléfono.” A CATHOLIC GETS TO HEAVEN (May 25, 2017) A Catholic man gets to heaven and St. Peter stops him at the gate and tells him: “You need one-thousand points to get in.” The man said: “I prayed to the Virgin Mary for over seventy years.” “You get 5 points for that,” Peter told him. “I was married to a nagging woman for fifty years,” the man said. “You get 50 points for that,” he was told. “I paid for hundreds of masses,” the man added. “You get fifteen points for that,” Peter advised him. The man said: “At this rate, I can only get to heaven by God’s grace and mercy.” “You get a thousand points for that,” peter told him as he opened the gate. UN CATÓLICO LLEGA AL CIELO (25 de Mayo 2017) Un señor católico llega a los portales del cielo. San Pedro lo detiene y le dice: “Necesita mil puntos para entrar.” El hombre le dice: “Le oré a la virgen María por más de setenta años.” “Le damos 5 puntos por eso,” le dijo Pedro. “Estuve casado con una mujer regañona y fastidiosa por 50 años,” le dijo el hombre. “Le damos 50 puntos,” le explicó Pedro. El hombre añadió, “Pagué por centenares de misas.” “Eso le da 15 puntos,” le avisó Pedro. El hombre dijo: “A ese paso solamente puedo entrar al cielo por la misericordia y gracia de Dios.” “Le damos mil puntos por eso,” le declaró San Pedro al abrir los portales. THE DIRTY LAUNDRY (May 18, 2017) A little after the dinosaurs and before electric washers and dryers a lady was having breakfast with her husband when she looked out the window and saw her neighbor hanging clothes on the line. She told her husband: “Our neighbor does not know how to wash. Her clothes look dirty.” The following weeks the same conversation took place. Finally one week, the lady told her husband: “I guess our neighbor learned how to wash because her clothes look clean this morning. I wonder what she’s doing differently?” The husband told her: “Early this morning I got up and washed that window.” LA ROPA SUCIA (18 de Mayo 2017) Poquito después de los dinosaurios y antes de las lavadoras y secadoras eléctricas una dama desayunaba con su esposo cuando vio que la vecina colgaba ropa en el tendedero. La ropa se veía sucia y la dama le dijo a su esposo: “Nuestra vecina no sabe lavar. Su ropa se ve sucia.” Pasaron varias semanas y la misma conversación ocurría. Por fin un día la dama vio por la ventana que la vecina estaba colgando ropa muy limpia y le dijo a su esposo: “Me parece que la vecina aprendió a lavar ropa. ¿Qué estará haciendo diferente?” El esposo le dijo: “Esta mañana me levanté tempranito y lavé esa ventana GLORY TO GOD An unbelieving undocumented man was deported back to his village in Mexico. When he got there the whole village had become born again Christian. As he wanted to visit his old friends his father lent him the family mule. The father told him: “When you want the mule to go forward, say, “Glory to God,” and when you want her to stop, say: “Hallelujah.” Everything was going fine, but then the mule got spooked and it started to run. As it got close to a ravine, the man had forgotten what to say. He finally remembered and said: “Hallelujah.” The mule stopped 2 feet from the ravine. The man was so relieved that he said: “Glory to God.” You know the rest. GLORIA A DIOS Un muchacho mexicano e incrédulo fue deportado y volvió a su aldea. Cuando llegó toda la aldea se había convertido al cristianismo. Como quería visitar a sus amigos, su papá le prestó la mula de la familia. El papá le dijo: “Cuando quieres que la mula camine le dices: “Gloria a Dios,” y cuando quieres que se detenga le dices, “Aleluya.” Todo iba bien, pero de repente la mula se espantó y comenzó a correr desbocada. Al muchacho se le había olvidado que decir, pero al estar cerca de un barranco se acordó y dijo: “Aleluya.” La mula se detuvo menos de un metro de la orilla. El muchacho estaba tan contento que dijo: “Gloria a Dios.” Ya sabes lo que sucedió. GO AND SIN NO MORE In a much traveled highway, a highway patrol officer stopped a pastor who was speeding. He tells the driver: “According to the radar, you were doing about 110 mph.” As the officer began to write the ticket, the pastor said: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall attain mercy.” The officer finished writing the ticket and told him: “Go and sin no more!” VÁYASE Y NO PEQUE MÁS En una carretera muy transitada un policía patrullero detuvo a un pastor. El policía le dijo: “Según el radar, usted iba como a 160 kmh.” Cuando el oficial comenzó a escribir la infracción, el pastor le dijo: “Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, porque ellos alcanzarán misericordia.” El policía le dio el papel de la multa y le dijo: “¡Váyase, y no peque más!” WE USED TO HAVE Twenty years ago we had Steve Jobs, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Cash, and Bob Hope. Now days we have no job, no paycheck, no cash, but fortunately we have a trump card, which gives us some hope. A 911 CALL A young man calls 911 – the emergency number. “Sir, what is the emergency,” the lady attending the call asks him. He tells her: “Two young ladies are fighting over me.” “You should be happy. I don’t understand why you are calling us” the lady tells him. He answers: “You don’t know the situation I am in. The ugly one is winning.” UNA LLAMADA AL NÚMERO DE EMERGENCIA Un hombre joven llama al número 911- el número de emergencia. “Caballero, ¿Por qué nos llama? ¿Cuál es la emergencia? le pregunta la dama del servicio público. “Dos mujeres jóvenes están peleándose por mí,” le contesta el joven. “No entiendo. Debería estar contento. ¿Por qué nos está llamando a nosotros?” le pregunta la dama. “Es que usted no entiende,” le contesta el hombre, “la fea está ganando.” WILL I HAVE LOTS OF MONEY? (April 13, 2017) Trying to learn about life, a baby crocodile was talking to his father. The baby asks the father: “Daddy, will I have lots of money someday?” Without hesitation the father crocodile tells him: “Yes, you will when you become a wallet for a wealthy man.” ¿TENDRÉ MUCHO DINERO? (13 de Abril 2017) Un cocodrilo adolescente que quería saber de la vida le pregunta a su papá: “¿Papá, algún día tendré mucho dinero?” Sin pensarlo dos veces, el papá cocodrilo le dice: “Sí, lo tendrás cuando seas billetera de hombre rico.” THE MANGY DOG A wife had an ugly mangy dog she loved, but her husband hated it. One night the man took the dog to the other side of town and dropped it. When he got back home the dog was waiting for him. The next night he blindfolded the dog and drop it off farther than the first night. When he got home the dog was waiting for him. The following night the man blindfolded the dog again and just started driving zigzagging and doing everything possible to confuse the dog. He dropped the dog of, but then he realized he was lost. He did the obvious; he called his wife and told her: “Put the dog on the phone, so he can tell me how to get back home. (April 6, 2017) EL PERRO SARNOSO Una señora adoraba un perro sarnoso que tenía, pero su esposo lo odiaba. Ocurrió una noche que el esposo se llevó el perro al otro lado del pueblo y lo soltó. Cuando volvió a la casa el perro estaba esperándolo. La siguiente noche le vendó los ojos al perro, lo llevó al monte y lo soltó. Al volver a casa, encontró al perro moviendo la cola como dándole la bienvenida. La tercera noche el señor le vendó los ojos al perro y se fue zigzagueando en el coche hasta llegar a la próxima ciudad grande y lo soltó. El hombre zigzagueó tanto y como no conocía la ciudad se perdió. hizo lo obvio; llamó a su esposa y le dijo: “Pon el perro en el teléfono para que me diga cómo volver.” (6 de Abril 2017) MY BEST FRIEND Sam went to visit his best friend Mark and found him in a festive mood drinking and celebrating. Sam finally asked him: “Mark, what are you celebrating?” Mark responded: “My nagging and complaining wife of 25 year ran away with my best friend.” “I thought I was your best friend,” Sam told him. Mark answered: “You were until today. Now he is.” MI MEJOR AMIGO Samuel fue a visitar a su mejor amigo Marcos y lo encontró feliz y celebrando con licores finos. Por fin le preguntó: “¿Marcos, qué estás celebrando?” Marcos le respondió: “Mi esposa quejona y regañona de 25 años se huyó con mi mejor amigo.” “Yo creía ser tu mejor amigo,” le dijo Samuel. “Lo eras hasta hoy. Ahora ese señor es mi mejor amigo,” le declaró Marcos. I’M JESUS CHRIST (March 23, 2017) Two pastor friends are taking a leisurely walk in the park. A drunk comes up to the first one and tells him: “I am Jesus Christ.” The pastor tells him: “Son, when you sober up you will know you’re not Jesus Christ.” The drunk goes up to the second pastor and tells him: “You know, I’m Jesus Christ.” The pastor tells him: “May God forgive you, but you are not Jesus Christ.” The drunk tells them: “Follow me and I will prove it to you.” They follow him and he enters into a bar. As soon as he comes in, the bartender says: “Jesus Christ! You’re here again.” YO SOY DIOS (23 de Marzo 2017) Dos pastores buenos amigos caminan por el parque. Un borracho le dice al primero: “Yo soy Dios.” El pastor le dice: “Hermano, cuando se te pase la borrachera sabrás que no eres Dios.” Entonces el borracho le dice al segundo: “Sepa que yo soy Dios.” El pastor le dice: “Que Dios te perdone, pero no eres Dios.” El borracho les dice: “Síganme y se lo compruebo.” Lo siguen y el borracho entra a una cantina. Tan pronto entra, el cantinero dice: “¡Dios mío! Es usted otra vez.” THE FUNERAL (March 16, 2017) At a multimillionaire’s funeral a lady kept on crying uncontrollably. She was crying so much and so loud that she was disrupting the proceedings. Finally the pastor went over to her and asked her: “Are you a close relative of the deceased?” She answered: “I don’t even know him and that’s why I’m not on his will. EL FUNERAL (16 de Marzo 2017) En el funeral de un señor multimillonaria una señora lloraba y lloraba a grito abierto inconsolablemente. Lloraba tan fuerte que estaba interrumpiendo con el procedimiento. Por fin el pastor se arrimó a ella y le preguntó: “¿Es usted pariente cercana del difunto?” Ella le contestó: “Ni siquiera lo conozco y por eso no recibiré parte de su herencia.” THE BICYCLE A ten-year-old boy was seating on a bench outside a store. A man parked in front of him and seeing a beautiful bicycle next to him told him: “I’ll give you one hundred dollars for the bicycle.” The boy said: “You’ve got a deal.” The man gave him a one-hundred-dollar bill and the boy left immediately whistling happily. As the man was going to put the bicycle in his pickup a man and his son came out of the store and the father asked him: “What are you doing with my son’s bicycle?” LA BICICLETA Un niño de diez años estaba sentado en una banca fuera de una tienda. Un hombre estacionó su camión al lado, vio una bicicleta cerca del niño y le dijo: “Te doy cien dólares por la bicicleta.” El niño le contestó: “Tenemos trato.” El señor le dio un billete de cien dólares y el niño se fue rápidamente silbando de felicidad. Cuando el hombre estaba por subir la bicicleta a su camión, salió un señor con su niño y le dijo: “¿Por qué tiene usted la bicicleta de mi hijo?” HE LEFT A CHECK (March 2, 2017) At the funeral of a man 3 of his closest friends are there. The Chinese friend tells the others: “It is a Chinese custom to give a departed friend some money for the journey.” He places two hundred dollars in the coffin. The native-American friend says: “We have that custom too.” He puts three hundred dollars in the coffin. The Mexican friend says: “We don’t have that custom, but I do want him to have a good trip.” He writes a check for a thousand dollars, puts it in the coffin and takes out the five hundred dollars. THE DECOY (February 23, 2017) The city policemen were alerted that there was going to be a lot of drinking at a party close to the police station. They sent a police wagon with many policemen to keep an eye, so they could arrest as many of the drunk drivers as possible. When the party was over the people started coming out. They kept their eyes on a man who came out staggering and fell down by the door. He got up trying to find his keys, but had trouble finding them. When he found them, he tried his car key on many car doors but they wouldn’t open. Finally when most of the cars had gone he found his car, opened the door, and tried to start his car many, many times before it actually started. As he was driving off the police stopped him immediately. They made him get out of the car and take a breathalyzer test. He had zero alcohol in his blood and he showed no signs of being intoxicated. The policeman told him: “I don’t understand why you have no alcohol in your blood and you look so normal now.” The man replied: “I didn’t drink at all. We knew the police were coming, so I was appointed to be the decoy.” THE TWENTY-YEAR CELEBRATION (February 16, 2017) A couple who had been unhappily married for fifteen years went to the wife’s twenty-year high school reunion. She kept looking at a drunk who kept on drinking and drinking. Finally the husband asked her: “Do you know that man?” She answered: “He was my high school sweetheart.” He told her: “This is remarkable. I never knew somebody could celebrate for twenty years.” SHOTS AT THE UNIVERSITY (February 9, 2017) Many years ago a peasant couple, who did not know how to read or write, had been waiting for years to have a child and finally had one. They decided to name him Shots. The child grew up and since there was no future for him with his parents he moved to the city. A few months later a neighbor who knew how to barely read told his parents” “I have good news for you. The newspaper says that shots have been heard at the university. That means he’s working at the university.” They celebrated. A few months later the neighbor comes and says: “I have some bad news for you. The newspaper says that shots were fired at the university. That means your son lost his job.” They were sad and drank a couple of six packs of beer. About a year later the neighbor comes again and tells the father: “I have some bad news for you. The newspaper says that shots killed a man. That means the police is looking for your son.” The next morning Shots comes to visit his parents and the father tells him: “Son, go hide in the barn. The police is looking for you.” TIROS EN LA (9 de Febrero 2017) Hace muchos años una pareja de campesinos, quienes no sabían ni leer ni escribir, habían tratado de tener hijos, pero no habían podido finalmente tuvieron un hijo. Le llamaron Tiros. El niño creció y como no veía futuro quedándose en el campo se fue a la ciudad. Pasaron algunos meses, y un vecino quien casi no sabía leer vino y les dijo: “Les tengo buenas noticias. El periódico dice que se oyeron tiros en la universidad. Eso significa que a su hijo le está yendo muy bien.” Los dos hombres celebraron. Unas pocas semanas después el vecino volvió y les dijo: “Les traigo malas noticias. Su hijo hizo muy mal, porque el periódico dice que por tiros la universidad tuvo muchos daños.” De pura tristeza los dos campesinos se embriagaron. Un mes más tarde vuelve el vecino y les dice: “Esta vez sí les tengo malísimas noticias. El periódico dice que por tiros fue asesinado un doctor.” El día siguiente llega el hijo a visitar, y el papá le dice: “Escóndete en la caballeriza que te anda buscando la policía.” THE MATH BOOK (February 2, 2017) A man and his wife who had been married for a long time were talking. The wife asked him: “Now that we have been married for ten years can you describe what I am to you?” The man thought for a few moments and then he said: “You remind me of my math book.” She didn’t know what he meant, so she asked him: “Why is that?” He replied: “Well, my math book gives me many problems and so do you.” EL LIBRO DE MATEMÁTICAS (2 de Febrero 2017) Un hombre y su mujer quienes habían estado casados por mucho tiempo estaban hablando. La esposa le preguntó: “¿Ya que hemos estado casados por diez años puedes describir lo que significo para ti.” El hombre pensó por un momento y luego le dijo: “Eres como mi libro de matemáticas.” Ella no sabía lo que eso significaba, y por eso le preguntó: “¿Por qué?” El esposo se lo explicó: “El libro de matemáticas me da muchos problemas y tú también.” WHO ARE YOU? (January 26, 2017) A young boy, who was not a very good student, told his father: “Dad, tomorrow I have a test.” The father told him: “If you fail that test, I don’t even know you.” The next day the boy comes home from school and the father asks him: “Son, how did you do on your test?” The boy replied: “I don’t know you. Who are you?” ¿QUIÉN ES USTED? (26 de Enero 2017) Un chico, que no era buen estudiante, le dijo a su padre: “Papá, mañana voy a tener un examen.” El papá le dijo: “Si no lo pasas ni te conozco.” El día siguiente el chico regresa de la escuela y el padre le pregunta: “¿Cómo te fue en el examen?” El hijo le responde: “No lo conozco. ¿Quién es usted?” YOU CAUSED IT (January 19, 2016) A fat man and a skinny one started working together on the same day. From day one the fat man would tell the skinny one: “There must be a famine in the land.” The skinny man, being a prudent person, would never answer anything. One morning after the skinny man was fed up hearing the same thing over and over, he decided to answer back. When the fat man told him: “There must be a famine in the land,” he answered, “Yes, and you caused it.” USTED LA CAUSÓ (19 Enero 2017) Un hombre gordo y uno flaco comenzaron a trabajar juntos el mismo día. Desde el primer día el gordo le decía al flaco: “Ha de haber hambruna en el mundo.” El flaco, siendo una persona prudente, no le decía nada. Después de varios días el hombre flaco estaba cansado y aburrido de oír lo mismo, y por eso cuando el gordo le dijo: “Ha de haber hambruna en el mundo,” él le contestó: “Sí, la hay, y usted la causó.” WILL I BE ABLE TO PLAY THE GUITAR? A patient asks his doctor: “Doctor, after the operation will I be able to play the guitar?” The doctor answers him: “Yes, of course, you will.” The patient tells him: “That’s great because I don’t know how to play it.” ¿PODRÉ TOCAR LA GUITARRA? Un paciente le pregunta a su doctor: “¿Doctor, después de la operación, podré tocar la guitarra?” El doctor le responde: “Claro que podrás tocarla.” El paciente le dice: “Eso es magnífico, porque no sé tocarla.” I KILLED SEVEN FLIES Two maids were talking and one told the other: “Mary, you know, I killed 7 flies this morning. Four were male and three were female.” Mary asked the other maid: “Jane, how do you know they were male and female?” “Three were on the mirror and the other four were on an opened can of beer,” answered Jane. MATÉ SIETE MOSCAS Dos criadas estaban hablando y una le dijo a la otra: “María, sabes que maté siete moscas esta mañana – cuatro machos y tres hembras.” María le preguntó a la otra criada: “¿Juanita, cómo sabías que eran machos y hembras?” “Tres estaban en el espejo, y las otras cuatro estaban en una lata de cerveza que estaba abierta,” le contestó Juanita. ONCE FED ALWAYS FED (December 29, 2017) A pastor who taught once saved by grace always saved was driving his car in Montana when a terrible snow storm closed all the roads for days. He found shelter with an older couple who had seen him on television. The first day the lady gave him a very good meal. The next two days went by and he was not given anything to eat. He asked the lady why and she told him: “Once fed always fed.” UNA VEZ ALIMENTADO SIEMPRE ALIMENTADO (29 de Diciembre 2016) Un pastor quien enseñaba una vez salvo por gracia siempre salvo conducía su coche por el estado de Montana cuando llegó una nevada horrible y se cerraron todos los caminos por muchos días. Encontró refugio con una pareja anciana quienes lo habían visto por la televisión. El primer día la señora le dio una buena comida, pero luego por los próximos dos días no le dio nada. El pastor le preguntó por qué no le daba de comer y la señora le contestó: “Una vez alimentado siempre alimentado.” DOES THE FISH COME BY ITSELF? (December 22, 2016) A man went to a restaurant and ordered fish. A few minutes later the waitress brought him a plate with a fish on it and nothing else. The customer asks: “Does the fish come alone?” The waitress answered him: “No. I came with it. I brought it.” ¿EL PESCADO VIENE SOLO? (22 de Diciembre 2016) Un señor fue a un restaurante y ordenó pescado. Unos minutos más tarde la mesera le trae un plato con un pescado y nada más. El cliente le pregunta: “El pescado viene solo?” La mesera le contesta: “No. Yo vine con el pescado. Yo lo traje.” USE BETTER SOAP A man takes his dirty clothes to be washed at a laundry. He writes a note that says: “Please, use better soap on my underwear.” When he picks up his clothes there’s a note that reads: “Please use better toilet paper.” USEN MEJOR JABÓN Un señor lleva su ropa sucia a la lavandería para que se la laven. Le pone una nota que dice: “Por favor, usen mejor jabón en mi ropa interior.” Cuando va por su ropa encuentra una nota que dice: “Por favor, use mejor papel higiénico.” HE SWAM FAST (December 8, 2016) A very wealthy man who had a gigantic swimming pool full of sharks and crocodiles told his guests: “I will give one million dollars to the person who swims across this 60-foot pool.” Suddenly they saw an obese man swimming as fast as he could dodging crocodiles and sharks. He came at the other side with his clothes ripped to shreds. The wealthy man wrote a check for a million dollars, gave it to the man and told him: “Please tell me why you were so courageous and how you swam so fast.” The man answered: “Don’t mind that. I just want to know who pushed me into the pool.” NADÓ MUY RÁPIDO (8 de Diciembre 2016) Un hombre riquísimo quien tenía una piscina gigantesca llena de tiburones y cocodrilos les dijo a sus invitados: “Le doy un millón de dólares a la persona que nade de punta a punta esta piscina de veinte metros.” De repente vieron que un hombre obeso nadaba rapidísimo esquivando cocodrilos y tiburones. Salió en el otro lado con la ropa hecha pedazos. El hombre rico inmediatamente le dio un cheque por un millón de dólares, y le dijo: “Por favor, dígame por qué tuvo tanto valor, y cómo nadó tan rápido.” El hombre le contestó: “Yo solamente quiero saber, ¿quién fue el que me empujó? GIRLFRIEND AT A FOOTBALL GAME (December 1, 2016) A football player took his new girlfriend to her first football game. After the game the young man asked her: “How did you like the game?” She told him: “I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t figure out why they were trying to kill each other for a quarter.” Dumbfounded he asked her: “What do you mean?” She replied: “At the beginning of the game they flipped a quarter. One team got it and then for the rest of the game they kept on shouting: ‘Get the quarterback.’ I couldn’t understand why they were fighting for twenty-five cents.” THE CHRISTIAN PUPPIES Johnny, a Christian boy, has three newborn puppies in a box with a blanket. His atheist uncle comes over and asks him: “Can they see yet?” Johnny tells him: “No, they cannot see.” Three days later the uncle comes to visit again and asks his nephew: “Can the puppies see now?” “Yes, they can see,” the boy informs him. The uncle asks: “Why couldn’t they see before?” The boy replies: “Before they were atheists. Now they are Christians.” LOS PERRITOS CRISTIANOS Juanito, un niño cristiano, tenía tres perritos recién nacidos en una caja con una cobija. Su tío ateo llegó y le preguntó: “¿Ya pueden ver?” El niño le contestó: “No pueden ver.” Tres días después volvió el tío y le preguntó: “Ahora sí pueden ver?” Juanito le respondió: “Sí, ya pueden ver.” El tío le preguntó: “¿Por qué no podían ver antes?” El sobrino le informó: “Es que antes eran ateos, pero ahora son cristianos.” ADDITION Teacher: “If I give you 2 puppies, 2 more puppies and another 2, how many puppies will you have? “Bobby: “Eight.” Teacher: “Maybe you did not understand the question. If I give you two puppies, two more puppies and another two, how many puppies will you have? “Bobby: “Eight.” Teacher: “Let me explain it to you in another way. If I give you two oranges, two more oranges and another two, how many oranges will you have? “Bobby: “Six, of course.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I were to give you two puppies, two more puppies and another two, how many puppies would you have?” Bobby: “Eight!” Teacher: “Bobby, how on earth do you get eight? “Bobby: “Because I already have two puppies at home!” LA SUMA La Profesora: “Betito, si te doy 2 perritos, dos perritos más y otros dos, ¿cuántos perritos tendrás?” “Ocho,” contesta Betito. Profesora: “Escucha muy bien. Si te doy dos perritos, dos perritos más, y otros dos, ¿cuántos perritos tendrás? “Ocho,” responde Betito. Profesora: “Permíteme explicártelo de otra manera. Si te doy dos naranjas, dos naranjas más y otras dos, ¿cuántas naranjas tendrás?” “Seis, desde luego,” le dice Betito. Profesora: “Te haré la primera pregunta de nuevo. ¿Si te doy dos perritos, dos perritos más y otros dos, ¿cuántos perritos tendras?” “Ocho,” le contesta el alumno. “¿Betido, cómo puedes sumar así?” “Es que ya tengo dos perritos en casa,” le contesta el niño. THE SMART BLONDE A college professor and a blonde were in an elevator when the door malfunctioned and it would not open. After thirty minutes the professor told the blonde: “Let’s play a game to pass the time away.” She agreed. He said: “I’ll ask you a question and if you cannot answer it, you give me one dollar. You ask me a question and if I cannot answer it, I’ll give you one hundred dollars.” He asked her: “What’s the distance between the sun and the moon?” She did not say a word and gave him one dollar. Then she asked him: “What animal has three eyes and cannot see?” He thought for five minutes and then gave her one hundred dollars. Out of curiosity he asked her: “What animal has three eyes and cannot see?” She gave him one dollar. He didn’t want to play anymore. LA RUBIA INTELIGENTE Un profesor universitario y una rubia estaban en un ascensor cuando la puerta tuvo una falla electrónica – no se abría. Después de treinta minutos el profesor le dijo a la rubia: “Juguemos un juego para pasar el tiempo.” Ella consintió. Él le dijo: “Le hago una pregunta y si no sabe la respuesta me da un dólar. Usted me hace una pregunta y si no sé la respuesta le doy cien dólares.” Entonces él le preguntó: “¿Cuál es la distancia entre el sol y la luna?” La rubia no dijo nada, y le dio un dólar. Entonces ella le preguntó: “¿Qué animal tiene tres ojos y no puede ver?” Él pensó por cinco minutos y luego le dio cien dólares. De curiosidad el profesor le preguntó: “¿Qué animal tiene tres ojos y no puede ver?” Ella le dio un dólar. El profesor ya no quiso jugar. JESUS COULD NOT PAY A man wants to cross the Jordan River, and so he asks the captain of the ferry: “How much will you charge me to take me across the river?” “Fifty dollars,” the captain told him. “That’s way too expensive,” the man told him and then he asked, “Why so much?” The captain declared, “This is where Jesus walked on water.” The man told him, “He walked across because He probably couldn’t afford the fifty dollars.” JESUCRISTO NO PUDO PAGAR Un hombre quería cruzar el Río Jordán, y le preguntó al capitán de la barca de pasaje: “¿Cuánto me cobra por cruzarme el río?” “Cincuenta dólares,” le respondió el capitán. “Eso es demasiado caro,” le dijo el hombre, y luego le preguntó: “¿Por qué tanto?” El capitán le declaró: “ Aquí es donde Jesús anduvo sobre el agua.” El hombre le dijo: “Tuvo que andar sobre el agua, porque no tenía los cincuenta dólares.” SHE HONORED HER HUSBAND’S REQUEST A wealthy old man, who had been married several times, married a thirty-year-old model. He knew he would probably die before her and since money was the most important thing to him, he told her: “When my time comes, please bury me with a million dollars.” He also told his lawyer about his request. When the man did die, he was buried and next to him was a small box with a lock on it. The lawyer commented and asked the widow: “I am glad you honored his request. Did you put gold, silver, diamonds or money in that small box?” She replied: “I put a check for a million dollars. If it’s not cashed within three months, it will become null and void.” ELLA HONRÓ LA PETICIÓN DE SU ESPOSO Un hombre riquísimo, quien había sido casado varias veces, se casó con una modelo de treinta años. Sabiendo que lo más probable era que él se moriría antes que ella, y siendo que el dinero era lo más importante para él, le dijo: “Cuando se llegue mi tiempo, por favor entiérrame con un millón de dólares.” Para asegurarse que se cumpliera se lo dijo a su abogado también. Cuando se murió el señor, lo enterraron y junto a su cuerpo estaba una cajita cerrada con candado. El abogado le comentó y le preguntó a la viuda: “Me alegro que haya honrado su petición. ¿Le puso oro, plata, diamantes o dinero en la cajita?” Ella le contestó: “Le puse un cheque por un millón de dólares. Si no lo reclama en tres meses, caducará.” THE WIDOW FULFILLS HER HUSBAND’S PROMISES A man died who had made his wife many promises, but had never kept them. She had him cremated and as she was dumping his ashes on the living room rug, she was talking to him. She said: “That brand new car in the garage that’s the one you promised me and never bought. I paid for it with your life’s insurance money. I also bought this ring that you promised me when we were married. And that new fur coat in the closet is the one you promised me ten years ago. I bought it yesterday. By the way, you never bought me the vacuum cleaner you promised me two years ago, but I bought this nice one this morning, and I am going to use on the rug right now.” LA VIUDA CUMPLE LAS PROMESAS DE SU ESPOSO Un hombre quien le había hecho muchas promesas a su esposa y jamás las había cumplido se murió. Ella trajo las cenizas del crematorio, y al desparramarlas sobre la alfombra de la sala le hablaba al difunto. Le decía: “Ese carro nuevo que me prometiste y nunca lo compraste está afuera. Lo pagué con el dinero de tu seguro de vida. También compré este anillo que me prometiste cuando nos casamos. El chaquetón de piel que está en el ropero es el que me prometiste vez tras vez, pero nunca me lo diste. A propósito, esta aspiradora nueva es la que me prometiste hace dos años. La compré esta mañana, y la voy a utilizar para aspirar la alfombra.” THE DEMONS SAID: “THANK YOU.” A famous evangelist, who was famous for healing the sick and casting out demons, came to a small town. A lady and her son-in-law came to the service. The evangelist cast out two demons out of the son-in-law. The man got down on his knees and thanked the evangelist for setting him free. Next the evangelist cast three demons out of the mother-in-law. The demons got on their knees and thanked the evangelist for freeing them. LOS DEMONIOS DIJERON: “GRACIAS.” Un evangelista, quien era famoso por sanar a los enfermos y expulsar demonios de las personas, vino a un pueblo pequeño. Una señora y su yerno fueron al servicio. El evangelista expulsó dos demonios del yerno. El hombre se arrodilló, le daba y le daba gracias al evangelista por haberle hecho el milagro. Luego el evangelista echó fuera tres demonios de la suegra. Los demonios se arrodillaron y no terminaban de darle gracias al evangelista por GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY Barack Obama was on Pennsylvania Avenue admiring the rainbow of lights he had shining on the White House when a black homosexual who had lost all his money to the Obamacare put a gun on his back and told him: “This is a holdup. Give me all your money.” Obama responded: “You can’t do that. I am a Democrat and your President.” The robber told him: “In that case, give me back my money.” DEME SU DINERO Barack Obama estaba en la calle frente a la Casa Blanca admirando el arco iris de luces que brillaban en las paredes. Un negro homosexual quien le había pagado todo su dinero al programa de salud “Obamacare,” le puso la pistola en la espalda y le dijo: “Es un atraco. Deme todo su dinero.” Obama respondió: “Señor, no puede hacer eso. Soy demócrata y soy su Presidente.” El ladrón le dijo: “En ese caso, devuélvame mi dinero.” I TOOK THE WRONG BUS A drunk gets on a bus cursing God. He sits next to a Mormon because that’s the only sit available. Quickly the Mormon tells him: “You are going straight to hell.” The drunk says: “Let me get off. I must have gotten on the wrong bus.” ME EQUIVOQUÉ DE AUTOBÚS Un borracho se sube a un autobús renegando contra Dios. Se sienta junto a un mormón porque es el único asiento disponible. El mormón le dice: “Usted va derechito al infierno.” El borracho le grita al chofer: “Pare. Me subí al autobús equivocado.” GO AND SEE At a funeral a pastor was praying over the deceased. He was saying: “God, John was a wonderful Christian. He was a good father, an excellent husband and a good community leader. Open the gates of heaven for him.” The widow told her son: “That can’t be your father. Go look in the casket and see who’s there.” VE A MIRAR En un funeral un pastor oraba por el muerto. Decía: “Padre Dios, Juan fue un gran cristiano. Fue buen padre y excelente esposo. Era un líder de nuestra comunidad. Por favor, ábrele los portales del cielo.” La viuda le dijo a su hijo: “Ese no puede ser tu padre. Ve a ver quien está en ese ataúd.” THREE ON A MOTORCYCLE Two nuns on a motorcycle have just crossed a very dangerous curve, where they had to dodge many dangers and obstacles due to a mudslide. When they made it safely across, a policeman stops them and asks them: “How did you manage to cross?” The nuns respond: “Jesus is with us!” The policeman, who is an unbeliever, informs them: “The fine is three hundred dollars for having three people on a motorcycle.” TRES EN UNA MOTOCICLETA Dos monjas van en una motocicleta y acaban de pasar una curva muy peligrosa donde tuvieron que esquivar muchos peligros y obstáculos a causa de un derrumbe. Al terminar de cruzar lo peligroso las detiene un policía y les pregunta: “¿Cómo lograron cruzar?” Las monjas le contestan: “¡Jesús está con nosotras!” El policía, quien es un incrédulo, les informa: “La multa es de trescientos dólares por tener tres personas en la moto.” YOU GOT AN F A seven-year-old boy was very inquisitive and was always asking his mother personal questions. She would never answer them. One day the little boy saw his mother’s driver’s license and when they were at the dinner table, the son told his mother: “I know how old you are.” The mother asked him, “How old am I?” The little boy said: “Twenty-nine.” “And I know how tall you are,” her son told her. “How tall am I,” the mother asked him. “Five feet, five inches,” he replied. The mother was somewhat perplexed, but then the boy told her: “I know why you and daddy got a divorce?” She did not know what to do, but out of curiosity she asked him, “Why did we get a divorce?” The little boy sad: “Because you got an F in Sex.” NO IMPORTA QUIEN TE LA HAYA DEJADO Un joven quien estaba por casarse comenzó a tener dudas de su futura esposa. Le preguntó a su prometida: “¿Te vas a casar conmigo porque mis padres murieron y me dejaron una fortuna?” La prometida le contestó: “Me casaría contigo sin importar quién te hubiera dejado la fortuna.” DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU WOULD GO? A few years ago an atheist barber went to a Billy Graham crusade. He received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became spirit filled. He promised God that he would bring many people to salvation. The next day while the barber was in the backroom praying the first customer came in. The barber came out with the Bible in one hand and a big razor blade in the other. He asked the client: “Do you know where you would go if you were to die now?” As he took off running as fast as he could, the man shouted: “I know I’m getting out of here as fast as I can.” ¿SABE USTED ADÓNDE IRÍA? Hace poco tiempo un barbero ateo asistió a un culto del evangelista Cash Luna. Recibió a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador, y se llenó del Espíritu Santo. Le prometió a Dios traerle tantas almas como fuera posible. El día siguiente mientras el barbero estaba orando en un cuarto trasero, entró el primer cliente. El barbero salió con la biblia en una mano y una navaja grande de afeitar en la otra. Le preguntó al cliente: “¿Sabe adónde iría si muriera en este momento?” Al salir corriendo de la barbería, el hombre le gritó: “Sé que me alejaré de aquí lo más pronto que pueda.” AT THE SHOE STORE (August 25, 2016) A well-dressed lady walks into a very expensive shoe store in New York City and asks the clerk: “Do you have any crocodile shoes?” The clerk answer: “Yes, Madame. We have all kinds of shoes in stock.” She tells him: “Would you be so kind as to show me some.” He tells her: “First you need to tell me what size shoe your crocodile wears.” EN LA ZAPATERÍA (25 de Agosto 2016) Una señora vestida elegantemente entra a una zapatería exclusiva de Nueva York, y le pregunta al dependiente: “¿Tienen zapatos de cocodrilo?” el dependiente le contesta: “Claro que sí, señora. Surtimos de todas clases.” Ella le dice: “Enséñeme algunos, por favor.” Él le dice: “Primeramente dígame qué talla de zapato calza su cocodrilo?” I LOVE YOU – August 18, 2016 A wife and her husband had a romantic dinner at home and continued celebrating enjoying some very expensive wine. After the fourth glass of wine, out of the blue the wife said: “I love you, I love you, I love you!” The husband all excited asked her: “Sweetie, are you talking to me?” “I am talking to the wine,” she replied. ME ENCANTAS – 18 de Agosto 2016 Un señor de unos cuarenta años y su esposa al terminar de disfrutar una cena romántica en casa continuaron celebrando tomando un vino muy exquisito. De repente sin ninguna razón la señora dijo: “¡Me encantas, me encantas, me encantas!” El esposo todo emocionado le preguntó: “¿Amor, te refieres a mí?” Ella le contestó: “Le estaba hablando al vino.” HE MINDED HIS OWN BUSINESS (August 11, 2016) A young body builder was sitting on a park bench eating a hamburger and he had three more next to him. A sixty-year-old man stopped and told him: “Hamburgers are really bad for your health.” The young man told him: “You’re only in your sixties, but my grandfather lived to be 110 years old.” The old man asked him: “Did he eat a lot of hamburgers?” The young man told him: “He never ate them, but he minded his own business.” NO SE METÍA EN LO QUE NO LE IMPORTABA (11 de Agosto 2016) Un joven culturista estaba sentado en una banca en el parque comiendo una hamburguesa y tenía tres más a su lado. Un anciano de unos sesenta años se detuvo y le dijo: “Las hamburguesas son malísimas para su salud.” El joven le contestó: “Usted anda en los sesentas, pero mi abuelo murió de 110 años.” El anciano le preguntó: “¿Comía muchas hamburguesas?” El joven culturista le dijo: “Nunca las comía, pero no se metía en lo que no le importaba.” THE ANTIQUE COLLECTOR An antique collector is walking through a rundown neighborhood and he sees an old dog eating his food from an old antique dog dish that is worth a lot of money. He knocks on the door of the house and tells the owner: “I live out on the country. I need a dog like yours to protect me. I’ll give you three hundred dollars for your dog.” The man gladly sells him the dog. Then the collector says: “By the way since the dog is used to eating from that old dish, can you throw that in for free?” The owner tells him: “The dish is not for sale. I just use it to sell old dogs.” EL COLECCIONISTA DE ANTIGÜEDADES Un coleccionista de antigüedades se paseaba por una aldea muy pobre de México. De repente vio un perro viejo comiendo de cacerola antigua y muy valiosa. Tocó a la puerta y le dijo al dueño: “Tengo una hacienda y necesito un perro como el suyo para que me proteja. Le doy trescientos dólares por el perro.” El señor se lo vendió inmediatamente. Luego el coleccionista le dijo: “Yo sé que el perro está acostumbrado a comer de esa cacerola. ¿Me la puede regalar siendo que le compré el perro?” El dueño le contestó: “La cacerola no está de venta. Solamente la uso para vender perros viejos.” I WILL GUESS YOUR NAMES (July 28, 2016) An Italian, a German and a Mexican-American had been friends for years. One night they went out drinking and all three of them get killed in an automobile accident. They get to hell and the devil meets them at the gate. He tells them: “We are very overcrowded, so if you tell me the first letter of your name, and if I don’t guess your name, you get to go to heaven, but if I guess your name, you stay here.” The Italian told him: “My first letter is an F.” The devil said: “your name is Francesco.” The Italian agreed, so he stayed there. The German said: “My first letter is a W.” The devil said: “Your name is Wolf.” The German had to agree, so he stayed there. The Mexican-American told the devil: “My name starts with an A.” “Your name is Antonio,” the devil told him. “No,” said the man, “my name is Anthony.” So he went to heaven. ADIVINARÉ SUS NOMBRES (28 de Julio 2016) Un italiano, un alemán y un méxico-americano habían sido amigos por años. Una noche salieron a tomar, y desgraciadamente murieron en un accidente automovilístico. Llegaron al infierno, y el diablo los recibió en la puerta, y les dijo: “Casi no tenemos espacio. Si me dicen la primera letra de su nombre, y si yo no adivino su nombre, se pueden ir al cielo.” El italiano le dijo: “Mi primera letra es una F.” El diablo le dijo: “Te llamas Francesco.” El italiano consintió y se quedó. El alemán dijo mi letra es la W.” El diablo le dijo: “Te llamas Wolf.” El señor consintió y también se quedó. El méxico-americano le dijo: “Mi primera letra es una M.” “Te llamas Miguel,” le dijo el diablo. “No,” contestó el hombre, “ me llamo Mike.” Tomó el ascensor y se fue al cielo. THE PROTESTANT For some strange reason a born-again Christian man lived for years in a completely Catholic neighborhood. Every year during Lent all the Catholics would only eat fish, but he would barbecue some steaks in his backyard. The wind would carry the odor and all his neighbors would smell it. They hated it. After about twenty years, they convinced him to be baptized as a Catholic. As a few drops of holy water were sprinkled on his head, the priest said: “Before you were Protestant, now you are Catholic.” The following year during lent, the neighbors smelled the steaks again. The neighbors went over and asked him: “Why are you eating beef? You should be eating fish.” The man responded: “I sprinkled holy water over it. Before it was beef, now it’s fish.” EL PROTESTANTE Por alguna extraña razón un protestante cristiano vivía en una vecindad donde todos los demás eran católicos. Cada año durante la cuaresma todos solamente comían pescado, pero el señor cocinaba su carne de res en el patio trasero. El olor les llegaba a todos los vecinos, porque el viento se los llevaba. Eso les disgustaba mucho. Por fin, después de veinte años, lo convencieron que se bautizara en la religión católica. Al bautizarlo el cura le roció unas gotitas de agua bendita en la cabeza y dijo: “Antes eras protestante, ahora eres católico.” El año siguiente durante la cuaresma, los vecinos volvieron a oler carne asada. Los vecinos fueron y le preguntaron: “¿Por qué estás comiendo carne de res? Debes comer pescado.” El señor les contestó: “Le rocié agua bendita y le dije, ‘Antes eras res, ahora eres pescado.’ “ THE TWENTY-DOLLAR BILL AND THE OLD QUARTER (July 7, 2016) A worn out twenty-dollar bill and an old quarter arrived together at the Federal Reserve Bank to be put out of circulation. As they traveled together to be destroyed, the twenty-dollar bill told the quarter: “I had a wonderful life. I have been in the best restaurants, the most luxurious homes, the best resorts, synagogues and with the wealthiest people.” “Where have you been?” the bill asked the quarter. The old quarter responded: “I’ve been to the Catholic church, the Lutheran Church, the Anglican Church and to many hot dog stands.” EL BILLETE DE MIL PESOS Y LA MONEDA DE CINCUENTA CENTAVOS Para ser retirados del servicio público, un billete de mil pesos viejo y desteñido y una moneda de cincuenta centavos a la cual ya no se le podían leer ni las letras ni los números llegaron a la casa donde fabrican billetes y acuñan monedas. Al estar juntos, el billete de mil pesos le dijo a la moneda: “Yo tuve una vida estupenda y maravillosa. Estuve en los mejores restaurantes, los hogares más lujosos, las áreas de recreación más hermosas, en las sinagogas más ricas, y con la gente más pudiente del planeta.” Luego preguntó: “¿Dónde has estado tú?” La moneda le contestó: “Yo he estado en la iglesia católica, la iglesia luterana, la iglesia adventista, y en los puestos en las calles.” LIFETIME FRIENDS (July 7, 2016) Two elderly men had been friends since childhood. Now in their eighties they got together once a week in a coffee shop to share a cup of coffee and a couple of doughnuts. One day, one of them told the other one, “I know we’ve been friends for years, but I can’t remember your name or mine. Can you tell me our names?” The other one answered him: “I know I’ve seen you before and I’ve seen myself in the mirror, but I don’t know our names. Maybe the waitress can tell us.” AMIGOS DE POR VIDA (7 de Julio 2016) Dos ancianos habían sido amigos todas sus vidas. Ya estaban en los ochentas, y se reunían una vez por semana en una cafetería para tomar una taza de café y comerse algunas golosinas. Un día unos de ellos le dijo al otro: “Yo sé que hemos sido amigos por muchos años, pero no recuerdo tu nombre, y ni sé el mío. ¿Puedes decirme nuestros nombres?” El otro le contestó: “Sé que te he visto antes, y que he visto mi cara en el espejo, pero no sé cómo nos llamamos. ¿Crees que la mesera sepa?” WE LOST FAITH (June 30, 2016) One Sunday morning a drunk came into church and sat on the back. The pastor was giving a sermon on faith, so he said: “We have a big problem in this community because all of us have lost faith and hope.” The drunk stood up and said: “Don’t worry! If you give me a drink, I’ll go find both of those girls – Faith and Hope.” PERDIMOS LA ESPERANZA (30 de Junio 2016) Un domingo de mañanita entró un borracho a la iglesia y se sentó atrás. El pastor estaba dando un sermón sobre la fe y la esperanza. De repente el pastor dijo: “Tenemos grandes problemas en esta comunidad, porque todos hemos perdido la esperanza.” El borracho se levantó y dijo: “Si me dan un trago yo voy y les encuentro a esa muchacha Esperanza.” HER SIDE OF THE FAMILY A child asked his Christian grandmother: “Grandma, how did people began?” “God made Adam and Eve and they had children. Then their children had children and those children had more children. In a few years the world was full of people,” she told him. Then he went over and asked his atheist grandfather the same question. The grandfather told him: “First we were in the ocean, but we kept changing. We came out of the ocean and became small animals. Then we became monkeys and later became people.” The boy went to his grandma and told her: “Grandma, you lied to me. We came from monkeys. My grandpa told me.” The grandmother told him: “Your grandpa’s side of the family came from monkeys. My side came from God and people.” SU LADO DE LA FAMILIA Un niño le preguntó a su abuela cristiana: “Abuelita, cómo comenzó la gente?” Ella le dijo, “Dios creó a Adán y a Eva. Ellos tuvieron hijos, sus hijos tuvieron hijos, y así continuó hasta que el mundo se llenó de gente.” Luego el niño buscó a su abuelo y le preguntó la misma pregunta. El abuelo, quien era ateo, le dijo: “Primeramente estábamos en el océano, pero comenzamos a cambiar. Nos salimos y nos convertimos en pequeños animales. Luego fuimos monos y por fin nos convertimos en gente.” El niño poco enfadado corrió hacia su abuela y le dijo: “Abuelita, tú me mentiste. Nosotros venimos de los monos. Mi abuelito me dijo.” La abuela le dijo: “Los parientes de tu abuelo vinieron de los monos, los míos vinieron de Dios y de gente.” LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT The husband asks his wife: “Do you believe in love at first sight?” “Of course I do,” she answers him. “How do you know you believe in it?” he asks her. “If I had given you a second look, I wouldn’t have married you,” she tells him. June 23, 2016 AMOR A PRIMERA VISTA El esposo le pregunta a su esposa: “¿Crees en amor a primera vista?” “Claro que sí,” le contesta ella. “¿Cómo estás tan segura que lo crees?” le pregunta él. “Si te hubiera visto la segunda vez no me hubiera casado contigo,” le contesta ella. 23 de Junio 2016 THE DAM FISH (June 9, 2016) A young boy was selling fish on the street. He was yelling, “Three dam fish for twenty dollars.” A pastor, upon hearing it got upset, stopped and told him, “You cannot say that. Fish cannot be damned.” The boy said, “Yes, I can. I caught them by the dam.” The pastor understood, paid him twenty dollars for three of them and even gave him a five-dollar tip.” The pastor got home and told his wife, “Honey, cook these dam fish.” The wife said: “Honey, you’re a pastor. You can’t talk that way.” The pastor explained to her about the dam, so she cooked them. At dinner time the wife told their dinner guests, an atheist couple who they were trying to convert: “Let’s enjoy the dam fish.” The man said: “They are not damned to us because we don’t believe in your damnator.” LOS PESCADOS CONDENADOS (9 de Junio 2016) Un chico estaba vendiendo pescados en la calle. Gritaba, “Tres pescados condenados por veinte dólares.” Un pastor quien iba pasando, oyó, se fastidió y le dijo al chico: “No puedes decir eso. Los pescados no pueden ser condenados.” El chico le contestó: “Sí, puedo. Los condenados me dieron mucha lata para pescarlos.” El pastor comprendió, le pagó veinte dólares por tres, y hasta le dio una propina de cinco dólares. El pastor llego a su casa y le dijo a su esposa: “Cocina estos tres condenados pescados, por favor.” La señora le dijo: “Eres pastor, pero no puedes condenar peces ni pescados.” El pastor le explicó por qué les llamaba “condenados,” y ella los cocinó. Al comenzar la cena, la señora les dijo a sus invitados – una pareja de ateos a quienes querían convertir – “Disfrutemos los condenados pescados.” El invitado le dijo: “Para nosotros no son condenados, porque no creemos en su condenador.” THE CAR IS LOCKED (June 2, 2016) Two blondes came out of the shopping center and find out that the doors of their car are locked and the keys are inside. One of them has tried to open the door for twenty minutes, but hasn’t had any luck. Finally the other one tells her, “Let’s hope you open it in the next five minutes because it’s going to rain, and the top of the convertible is down.” LAS LLAVES ESTÁN ADENTRO (2 de Junio 2016) Dos gallegas salen de un centro de compras y se dan cuento que cerraron las puertas del coche con llave y que se les quedaron las llaves adentro. Por veinte minutos una de ellas trata de abrir la puerta, pero no se abre. Por fin, la otra le dice: “Ojalá que la abras en los próximos cinco minutos porque va a llover y dejamos la tapa del coche abajo.” KISSING IN THE PARK (May 26, 2016) A man and his wife, who have been married for forty years, decide to go and feed the ducks at a nearby park. When they get there, they seat down on a bench. Nearby on another bench are two young lovers kissing and kissing. The wife asks her husband: “Why aren’t you doing the same?” He tells her: “Why should I kiss her? I don’t even know her.” BESÁNDOSE EN EL PARQUE (26 de Mayo 2016) Un señor y su esposa, quienes habían estado casados por más de cuarenta años, decidieron ir al parque para darles de comer a los patos. Cuando llegaron se sentaron en una banca. En otra banca estaban un jovencito y una jovencita quienes se besaban y se besaban. La esposa le dijo al señor: “¿ Por qué no haces lo mismo?” El esposo le contestó: “Ni siquiera la conozco.” TAKING THE PENGUINS FOR A RIDE “A man is driving down the road with a bunch of penguins in the back seat of his car. The police stop him and tell the man that he cannot drive down the road with that many penguins in his car, it’s illegal. They inform him that he needs to take the penguins to the zoo right away. He is pulled over again the following day by the same police officer when the officer notices all the penguins still in the man’s car. He says to the man, “I thought I told you to take those penguins to the zoo!” to which the man replies, “I did. Today I’m taking them to the movies.” LLEVAR A LOS PINGÜINOS DE PASEO “Un hombre va en su coche y lleva muchos pingüinos en el asiento trasero. Un patrullero lo detiene y le dice que es contra la ley llevar tantos pingüinos en el coche. Le dice que los lleve al parque zoológico. El día siguiente el mismo policía lo ve con los pingüinos y lo detiene nuevamente, y le dice: “Le dije ayer que llevara esos pingüinos al parque zoológico.” El hombre le contestó: “Sí, lo hice y se divirtieron. Hoy los llevo al cine a mirar una película de Walt Disney.” THE UGLY MIRROR Three centuries ago when our country was young, a native American man, who had low self-esteem, found a mirror. He looked at it and said: “That man is so ugly that every time I see him from now on, I will feel better about myself.” He took the mirror home and put it in his hunting bag where his wife found it. The wife, who had good self-esteem, looked at it and said: “That lady is so ugly that every time I look at it, it’s going to make me feel bad about myself because my husband is cheating on me with such an ugly woman.” She threw the mirror in the fire. EL ESPEJO FEO Hace cuatro siglos un indígena nativo de México, quien tenía bajo autoestima, se encontró un espejo. Lo miró y dijo: “Ese hombre es tan feo que cada vez que lo mire me voy a sentir mejor de mí mismo.” Se lo llevó a su casa y lo puso en el saco de sus flechas. Su esposa, quien tenía buen autoestima lo encontró, lo vio y dijo: “Esa señora es tan fea que cada vez que la vea me hará sentir mal simplemente al pensar que mi esposo me está engañando con una mujer tan fea.” Echó el espejo al fuego y allí terminó todo. HE IS THE FIRST ONE TO GET HERE The pastor of the biggest church and a lawyer died at the same instant, so consequently they arrived at the pearly gates together. Saint Peter met them there. He took both of them to their permanent lodging. First, he took the lawyer to his new residence. It was a two-story mansion with a gigantic swimming pool, a spacious Jacuzzi, a sauna for several people, a beautiful garden with beautiful bright-colored flowers that both men had never ever seen before and with a beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains. Then he took the pastor to a one-room shack with holes on the walls and weeds all around it. The pastor asked Saint Peter: “Why did you give the lawyer such a luxurious place and gave me this dilapidated shack?” Saint Peter told him: “We have thousands of Christian pastors here, but this is the first lawyer that has come through those gates.” May 5, 2016 BY HIS LAST NAME (April 28, 2016) A lady from Oklahoma went to get a passport. The official behind the desk asked her: Madam, how many children do you have? “Ten from different fathers,” she told him. “What are their names,” he asked. “John, John, John, John, John, John, John, John, John and John,” she answered. The man asked her, “If all of them are named John, how do you call them to dinner?” “I just yell, ‘John’, and all of them come,” she told him. The official inquired, “What about when you want them to go to bed?” “I just say, ‘John’, go to bed,’ and all of them go to bed,” she informed him. The man asked, “But what do you do when you only want to see one of them?” “That’s simple. I call him by his last name,” she answered. DO YOU HAVE ANY DUCT TAPE? (April 21, 2016) A duck walks into McDonald’s and tells the attendant: “Do you have a duck meal?” The attendant tells him: “we don’t have any duck meals.” The duck asks the same question again. The attendant tells him: “If you ask me one more time I am going to seal your beak with duct tape.” The duck asks him: “Do you have any duct tape?” The employee tell him: “No.” Then the duck tells him: “In that case, serve me a hamburger for ducks.” YOU SENT A PROFESSIONAL An eighty-three-year-old widow locked herself out of the house. She tried opening the door and the windows, but nothing would work. She prayed to God to help her. A man was walking by, saw her and found a way to open the door. The lady prayed: “God, thank You for sending an angel to help me.” The man said: “Lady, I am not an angel. I’ve just spent five years in prison for breaking into houses.” The widow prayed: “God, thank You for sending a professional to open my door.” COFFEE BREAK IS OVER (April 8, 2016) A man gets to hell and the devil tells him: “You must choose one of the three rooms that I am going to show you where you will spend eternity.” The first room was filled with people with fire up to their waist. In the second room the fire was up to their neck, but in the third room the flames only went up to their knees. The man said: “I prefer the third room.” At that time the devil said: “Coffee break is over in the third room. All of you stand on your head again.” WATCH OUT FOR THE WALL! A funeral service is being held in a church for a woman who has just passed away. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carrying the casket accidentally bump into a wall jarring the casket. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the women is actually alive. She lives for 10 more years and then dies. A ceremony is again held at the same church and at the end the pallbearers are again carrying the casket out. As they are walking, the husband calls out, “Watch out for the wall!” March 31, 2016 I’VE NEVER BEEN THERE A homeless man who had accepted Jesus Christ at his campsite by the river went to church for the first time. It was a church in the wealthy section of the city. Several people complained to the pastor, so the latter asked the man to pray to God and ask Him how he should dress to come to church. The next Sunday the man came dressed exactly the same. The pastor asked him: “Did you ask God how you should dress to come to this church?” The man responded: “I did, but He told me He did not know because He has never been here.” March 27, 2016 THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG One day a farmer went to feed the chickens and he saw that one of them was reading two books; the Bible and Darwin’s “Theory of Evolution.” He asked her: “Why are you reading those two books?” The chicken answered: “I want to know if I came first, or if the egg came first.” March 17, 2016 THE FROG(March 10, 2016) A frog telephones the Psychic Hotline and his Personal Psychic Advisor tells him: “You are going to meet a very beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.” The frog is thrilled, “This is great! Will I meet her at a party? Will she kiss me and I will become a charming prince?” “No,” says his Advisor, “You will meet her in her biology class.” SO SHE WOULD LOVE YOU (March 3, 2016) Upon waking up from a deep slumber and seeing Eve so beautiful, Adam asked: “God, why did you make Eve so beautiful?” “As a gift for you, my son,” God answered. “Why did you give her such beautiful blue eyes, and such beautiful blonde hair?” he asked God. “As a gift for you, my son,” God repeated. “And why did you give her such a seductive body,” Adam asked. “So you would enjoy it, my son,” God told him. “But why did you make her so dumb?” Adam asked. “So she would love you, my son,” God declared to him. SO SHE WOULD LOVE YOU (February 25, 2016) Upon waking up from a deep slumber and seeing Eve so beautiful, Adam asked: “God, why did you make Eve so beautiful?” “As a gift for you, my son,” God answered. “Why did you give her such beautiful blue eyes, and such beautiful blonde hair?” he asked God. “As a gift for you, my son,” God repeated. “And why did you give her such a seductive body,” Adam asked. “So you would enjoy it, my son,” God told him. “But why did you make her so dumb?” Adam asked. “So she would love you, my son,” God declared to him. TWO DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW (February 18, 2016) A university professor wrote on the board: “a woman without her man is nothing.” He asked his students to punctuate the sentence. The male students punctuated it like this: “A woman, without her man, is nothing.” But the female students wrote it like this: “A woman – without her, man is nothing.” THE CAT WAS CATHOLIC A wealthy lady came in to the Catholic church and asked the priest to come to her home and say the last rights for her cat. The priest told her, “Lady, don’t bother me with that nonsense.” The lady told him, “That’s too bad! I was going to donate $10,000 to the church.” The priest reacted and said, “I didn’t know the cat was Catholic. I am coming right over.” WAKE THEM UP A pastor saw three people asleep and snoring in the front row, so he called an usher and told him to wake them up. The usher told him, “Since you were the one who put them to sleep you should be the one to wake them up.” Read More

Famous Quotes December 10th, 2015 Posted in FAMOUS QUOTATIONS

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DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (1890-1969) – American Army General, Statesman and the 34th President of the United States. “Never let yourself be persuaded that any Great Man, any one leader, is necessary to the salvation of America. When America consists of one leader and 158 million followers, it will no longer be America.” We are a democratic republic, which means the power rests with us the people through our right to vote. If we get to the point where the power will rest with one person or just with one political party, we will no longer be a democracy, but a dictatorship. Somebody should tell that to the Democrats and the Republicans. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (1890-1969) – General Estadounidense y Presidente Numero 34 de los Estados Unidos. “Jamás permitas ser persuadido que un Gran Hombre, cualquier líder, sea necesario para salvar América. Cuando América consista de un líder y 158 millones de seguidores, ya no será América.” Somos una república democrática, lo que significa que el poder lo tenemos la gente por medio de nuestro derecho de votar. Si llegamos a tal punto que el poder lo tenga una persona o un partido político, ya no seremos democracia, sino dictadura. Alguien debe decirles eso a los demócratas y a los republicanos.

MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Leader of the Indian Independence Movement “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” We can wish, want and desire change in our lives and in the world, but unless we take action nothing will happen. Change starts with us. MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Líder del Movimiento Para La Independencia India “Debes ser el cambio que deseas ver en el mundo.” Podemos querer y desear cambio en nuestras vidas y en el mundo, pero a menos que tomemos acción nada pasará. El cambio comienzo en y con nosotros.

MARIE CURIE (1867-1934) – Polish naturalized-French Physicist and Chemist She said: “Dans la vie, rien n’est à craindre, tout est à comprendre,” which, of course, means: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” Most of the time we fear what we do not understand. It is a natural reaction to fear the unknown. Once we understand it, we don’t fear it anymore. Many times we are prejudiced against other people or things simply because we have not had any contact with them, and therefore we do not understand them. Once we have contact with them, we begin to understand them and the fear goes away. MARIE CURIE (1867-1934) – Física y Química Polaca Residente de Francia Ella dijo: “Dans la vie, rien n’est à craindre, tout est à comprendre,” que significa, “A nada en la vida se le debe temer, todo es para comprenderse.” La mayoría del tiempo le tememos a lo que no comprendemos. Es una reacción natural de temerle a lo desconocido. Al comprenderlo ya no le tememos. Muchas veces participamos en prejuicio racial o contra otras cosas simplemente porque no hemos tenido contacto con esas personas o con esas cosas. Cuando comenzamos a tener contacto con esas personas o cosas comenzamos a comprenderlas y perdemos el miedo.

BHIMRAO RAMJI AMBEDKAR (1891-1956) – Indian Jurist, Economist, Politician and Social Reformer “If I find a constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it.” I wish there were billions of people with that same thought. If that were to happen, countries such as China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea, Venezuela and many others would truly have a democracy and not a dictatorship. BHIMRAO RAMJI AMBEDKAR (1891-1956) – Jurista, Economista, Político y Reformador Social de la India. “Si encuentro una constitución mal usada, yo seré el primero en quemarla.” Fuera bueno que billones de personas pensaran igual que él. Si eso sucediera, países como China, Rusia, Cuba, Corea del Norte, Venezuela y muchos otros vivirían bajo una democracia y no bajo una dictadura.

NICOLAUS COPERNICUS (1473-1543) – Polish Renaissance Mathematician & Astronomer “To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” What a true statement! It’s good to know that we really know what we know well and to acknowledge that we really do not know what we do not know. It goes hand in hand with knowing that we have a problem and knowing what the real problem is. If we know that, we can begin to solve it. NICOLAUS COPERNICUS (1473-1543)- Matemático y Astrónomo Polaco del Renacimiento “Saber que sabemos lo que sabemos, y saber que no sabemos lo que no sabemos, eso es conocimiento verdadero.” ¡Excelente declaración! Es bueno saber que en realidad sabemos bien lo que sabemos, y de reconocer que de verdad no sabemos lo que no sabemos. Va mano a mano con el saber que tenemos un problema y saber en realidad lo que es. Si con seguridad sabemos cuál es el problema podemos solucionarlo. BILLY GRAHAM (1918 to Present) – American Evangelist “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” We receive salvation when we repent, ask God to forgive us and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, but being a Christian or a Christ follower is a life-long process. We should be constantly learning, getting closer to God and should be becoming more like Jesus every single day. BILLY GRAHAM (1918 al Presente) – Evangelista Estadounidense “El ser cristiano es más que simplemente una conversión instantánea – es un proceso cotidiano donde uno crece más y más para ser como Jesucristo.” Recibimos la salvación cuando nos arrepentimos, le pedimos perdón a Dios, y le pedimos a Jesucristo que sea nuestro Señor y Salvador, pero el ser cristiano o seguidor de Jesucristo es un proceso de toda la vida. Constantemente debemos continuar aprendiendo, acercándonos a Dios, y día tras día tratar de ser más como Jesucristo y menos

JORGE LUIS BORGES (1899-1986) – Argentine Author “I think that it is better to think that God does not accept bribes.” He is right on target, unlike many of the TV evangelists who say: “If you send me $1,000 God is going to do your miracle.” Some of them are selling miracle water, miracle handkerchiefs or miracle something else. Miracles cannot be bought and God cannot be bribed. Do not fall prey to any of those shenanigans on television or letters you may get through the mail. If you pray to God in faith in the name of Jesus Christ, and if it’s His will, He will do the miracle for you. JORGE LUIS BORGES (1899-1986) – Escritor Argentino “Yo creo que es mejor pensar que Dios no acepta sobornos.” Le dio al blanco, pero hay muchos evangelistas que erradamente dicen por la televisión: “Si usted nos manda mil dólares, Dios le hará su milagro.” Algunos de ellos venden agua milagrosa, pañuelos milagrosos o cualquier otro objeto que dicen que es milagroso. Los milagros de Dios ni se pueden comprar ni Dios puede ser sobornado. No seas presa de esos charlatanes y no te dejes engañar. Se le oras a Dios en fe en el nombre de Jesucristo, y si es su voluntad, Dios te hará el milagro MARGARET MEAD (1901-1978) – American Anthropologist and Author “Children must be taught to think, not what to think.” Unfortunately our kids are taught what to think by the news media, radical teachers, uninformed parents and by a liberal society. They should be taught to think rationally, being influenced by the facts, God’s principles, not by emotions, fads or by the latest trend. Many young people are growing up to be puppets or robots at best. MARGARET MEAD (1901-1978) – Antropóloga y Autora Norteamericana “A los niños se les tiene que enseñar a pensar, no cómo pensar.” Desgraciadamente nuestros niños aprenden qué pensar no cómo pensar por los medios de información, profesores radicales, padres mal informados, y por una sociedad liberal. Deberíamos enseñarles a pensar racionalmente, que sean influidos por los datos y los hechos, por principios bíblicos, y no por sus emociones, ni por las últimas modas o tendencias mundanas. Muchos niños crecen como marionetas o robots. CHARLES SCHWAB (1937-Present) – American Investor, Financial Executive and Philanthropist “Don’t limit investing to the financial world. Invest something of yourself, and you will be richly rewarded.” He is an excellent investor and guides many people in investing. What he is really saying is that we should invest in ourselves and of ourselves. We invest in ourselves by getting a good education and preparing for life. We invest of ourselves by giving back to society. In other words, by helping others. CHARLES SCHWAB (1937-Presente) – Inversionista, Ejecutivo Financiero y Filántropo Americano “No te limites invirtiendo en el mundo financiero. Invierte algo de ti mismo, y serás ricamente recompensado.” Él es un inversionista excelente y aconseja a muchas personas cómo invertir su dinero. Lo que nos dice es que invertamos en nosotros. Eso lo hacemos al prepararnos para la vida. También nos dice que invertamos de nosotros. En otras palabras, que les ayudemos al prójimo. JONATHAN LOCKWOOD HUIE “I am the master of my emotions – I transform fear to love, anger to compassion, pain to comfort, scarcity to abundance, expectation to gratitude, and jealousy to generosity.” In other words, he decides how his day is going to go and how his life will transpire. He is not at the mercy of his feelings or emotions. Each and every one of us should learn to do exactly that. If we were to do that, life would be so much better for all of us. JONATHAN LOCKWOOD HUIE “Soy el patrón de mis emociones – Transformo el temor en amor, la rabia en compasión, el dolor en consuelo, la escasez en abundancia, esperanza en gratitud, y celos en generosidad.” En otras palabras, él decide cómo será su día y cómo transpirará el resto de su vida. No está a la misericordia de sus sentimientos ni de sus emociones. Cada uno de nosotros debería hacer lo mismo. Si, en realidad, lo hiciéramos, este mundo sería mucho mejor para todos nosotros ANONYMOUS AUTHOR (October 12, 2017) “A good lawyer knows the law; a clever one takes the judge to lunch.” This is very true and it goes with the saying that says: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Making contact with the correct person makes the whole difference in the world. If you haven’t learned that by now, learn it right here. It will help you tremendously the rest of your life. AUTOR ANÓNIMO (12 de Octubre 2017) “Un buen abogado sabe la ley; uno listo lleva al juez a almorzar.” Este principio es muy verdadero y concuerda con el dicho que dice: “No se trata de lo que sabes, se trata de a quien conoces.” El hacer el contacto con la persona correcta hace una gran diferencia. Si todavía no has aprendido eso, apréndelo ahorita. Te ayudará tremendamente el resto de tu vida. CHARLIE CHAPLIN (1889-1977) – English Comic Actor, Filmmaker and Composer “My pain may be the reason for somebody’s laugh, but my laugh must never be the reason for somebody’s pain.” He was an English comedian who through his misfortunes on the wide screen made people laugh by the millions, but he did not want to laugh at somebody else’s misfortunes or expense. That statement tells us a lot about him. More people should have that attitude. CHARLIE CHAPLIN (1889-1977) – Actor Cómico, Cineasta y Compositor Inglés “Mi dolor puede ser la razón para que alguien se ría, pero mi risa jamás debe ser la razón para causarle dolor a alguien.” Fue un actor comediante inglés quien por medio de sus desgracias en la pantalla grande hacía reír a millones de personas, pero no quería reírse de las desgracias del prójimo. Esa declaración nos dice mucho de su persona. Muchos más deberían tomar esa actitud. HENRY FORD (1863-1947) – Captain of Industry, Business Magnate and Founder of Ford Motor Company “Failure is only the opportunity to began again, only this time more wisely.” It does not matter how many times we fail, if we don’t give up and keep trying, sooner or later, we will succeed. The ones who fail are the ones who quit. Do you see things through or are you a quitter? HENRY FORD (1863-1947) – Capitán de la Industria, Empresario Magnate y Fundador de la Compañía Automotriz Ford “El fracaso es sólo la oportunidad de comenzar de nuevo, pero esta vez más sabiamente.” No importa cuántas veces fracasemos, si no cedemos, y continuamos esforzándonos, tarde o temprano, seremos exitosos. Los que fracasan son los que renuncian por completo. ¿Miras las cosas hasta su fin o las dejas sin terminarlas? RALPH WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882) – American Essayist, Lecturer and Poet “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” All of us need people in our lives who believe in us, who will motivate us and who will inspire us to do the very best we can. We do not need negative people or discouragers who cannot see beyond their nose. RALPH WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882) – Ensayista, Lector y Poeta Estadounidense “Nuestro deseo primordial es tener a alguien quien nos inspire a ser lo que sabemos que podríamos ser.” Todos necesitamos personas en nuestras vidas quienes crean en nosotros, quienes nos motiven, y quienes nos inspiren para que hagamos lo mejor que podamos. No necesitamos personas negativas ni unas que nos desanimen, porque no pueden ver más allá de su WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD (1921-1994) – American Writer of Inspirational Maxims “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” The great teacher inspires by example of the way he lives, the way he acts, the way he treats people and the way he succeeds. Every parent should try to be a great teacher because the first and the most important teachers to a child are his parents. Are you inspiring your children and your grandchildren if you have any? Are you inspiring other people? Are people seeing a Christian behavior in you? WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD (1921-1994) – Escritor Estadounidense de Principios Inspiradores “El profesor mediocre dice. El buen profesor explica. El profesor superior demuestra. El gran profesor inspira.” El gran instructor inspira por su manera de vivir, actuar, tratar a la gente y por su éxito. Todo padre debía tratar de ser un gran instructor, porque los primeros y más importantes instructores que tiene un niño en la vida son sus padres. ¿Estás inspirando a tus hijos y a tus nietos si es que los tienes? ¿Estás inspirando a otras personas? ¿Te estás comportando como un buen cristiano? MAE WEST (1893-1980) – American Actress “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” She was 100% correct. We only live once in this world, but we can live eternally with God if we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The most important thing is to live a godly life, to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to do God’s will not ours and to enjoy life to the fullest. MAE WEST (1893-1980) – Actriz Famosa Estadounidense ”Solamente vives una vez, pero si lo haces bien, una vez es suficiente.” Tenía toda la razón. Solamente vivimos una vez en este mundo, pero podemos vivir eternamente con Dios si recibimos a Jesucristo en nuestros corazones como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Lo más importante es que vivamos una vida consagrada a Dios, ser seguidores de Jesucristo, hacer la voluntad de Dios Padre no la nuestra SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL (8/31/17) “Success is working from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” Many successful people failed many times, but instead of giving up they kept trying and trying until they succeeded. There’s a lot to be said for determination, persistence, perseverance, endurance and steadfastness. When one loses enthusiasm the battle is lost. SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL (31 de Agosto 2017) “Tener éxito es ir de fracaso en fracaso sin perder nada del entusiasmo.” Mucha gente exitosa ha fracasado muchas veces, pero en vez de rendirse continuaron luchando y luchando hasta que lograron tener éxito. No se habla bastante de la determinación, la persistencia, la perseverancia, la capacidad de aguantar, y de la firmeza. WARREN BUFFETT(1930 – Present) – American Business Magnate, Inventor, Philanthropist. “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” This is a statement that covers much ground. We are free because our forefathers and our soldiers fought for it. We have automobiles because someone invented them. Just think of all the comforts we enjoy because someone invented them. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of people we enjoy parks, movies, music, rivers, oceans, medicine, foods and many, many other things. You can make a difference by leaving a good legacy. WARREN BUFFETT (1930 – Presente) – Negociante Magnate, Inventor y Filántropo Estadounidense. “Alguien está sentado en la sombra hoy, porque alguien plantó un árbol hace mucho tiempo.” Esta declaración cubre mucho terreno. Tenemos un país libre en los Estados Unidos porque nuestros padres fundadores y nuestros soldados lucharon para que lo tuviéramos. Disfrutamos de los automóviles porque alguien los inventó. Piensa en todas las comodidades que tenemos – alguien las inventó. Gracias a los esfuerzos de miles de personas podemos disfrutar los parques, las películas, la música, los ríos, los mares, la medicina, la comida, y muchas otras cosas. Tú puedes hacer la diferencia si dejas un buen legado. RAUL LEDESMA (August 10, 2017) “Success begins at the end of your comfort zone.” If you want to succeed, you have to get out of your comfort zone. There you will find hard work, challenges, discouragement at times, criticism sometimes, but if you persevere, you will succeed. Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone? RAÚL LEDESMA (10 de Agosto 2017) “El éxito comienza al final de tu zona de comodidad.” Si quieres tener éxito, tienes que salirte de tu zona de comodidad. Encontrarás trabajo duro, retos, desilusiones a veces, crítica de vez en cuando, pero si perseveras, llegarás a tener éxito. ¿Te animas a salir de tu zona de comodidad? SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” Failure is when we quit, when we stay down, when we stay defeated and do not do anything to keep on going. There is a saying that says: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Are you a quitter or a doer? Do you fight until the end or do you quit when it gets rough? SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL “El éxito no es final, el fracaso no es fatal, lo que cuenta es el valor de continuar.” Uno solamente fracasa cuando deja de luchar, cuando se rinde y cuando pierde todo ánimo y esperanza. Cuando la situación se pone difícil los valientes siguen adelante luchando hasta triunfar, mientras que los débiles se rinden, se dan por vencidos o dejan el proyecto sea lo que sea. ¿Te das por vencido fácilmente o luchas hasta el final? THEMA DAVIS - American poet, Psychologist, Dancer, Motivational Speaker, Minister, and Life Empowerment Coach. “Some people don’t like you because your strength reminds them of their weakness. Don’t let their hate slow you down.” Any time you are officially or unofficially in a leadership position, some people will criticize you. It is because they are jealous, envious and want to bring you down to their level or lower. Your stability, wisdom, intelligence, strength, abilities or skills remind them of their weaknesses, failures or faults. They are not making a difference and they feel threatened by those who are. THEMA DAVIS – Poeta, Sicóloga, Bailarina, Oradora Motivadora, Ministro y Entrenadora de Vida. “Algunos no te quieren, porque tu fuerza les recuerda de sus debilidades. No permitas que su odio te haga disminuir tu rendimiento.” Siempre y cuando estés oficial u ociosamente en posición de liderazgo, algunas personas van a criticarte. La razón es que te tienen celos, envidia, y quieren bajarte a su nivel o más bajo. Tu estabilidad, sabiduría, inteligencia, fuerza y habilidades les recuerda de sus flaquezas, debilidades, fracasos, faltas o fallas. No están haciendo la diferencia, y se sienten amenazados por los que sí la están haciendo. ANONYMOUS (July 27, 2017) “Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.” There is a lot of wisdom on this anonymous quote. Know your audience, be conscientious when you speak and be a good listener. If you do people will pay attention to you, you will be respected and you will have more friends. ANÓNIMO (27 de Julio 2017) “Habla de tal manera que a los otros les encante escucharte. Escucha de tal manera que a los otros les encante hablarte.” Hay mucha sabiduría en esta cita anónima. Conoce a tu público, ten conciencia de lo que dices, y escucha atentamente. Si lo haces, la gente te prestará atención, te respetará, y tendrás más amigos. NELSON MANDELA “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” Education and obedience can transform the world into a much better place immediately. Ignorance and disobedience can turn the world into a living hell. Not just about, but probably everything that is bad in this world comes from ignorance and disobedience to God’s commandments. 7/20/17 NELSON MANDELA “La educación es el arma más poderosa que puedes usar para cambiar el mundo.” La educación y la obediencia pueden transformar al mundo inmediatamente en un lugar mucho mejor de lo que es. La ignorancia y la desobediencia pueden convertir al mundo en un infierno. No sólo algunas cosas, pero es muy probable y seguro que todo lo malo en este mundo provenga de la ignorancia y desobediencia de la gente hacia los mandamientos de Dios. 20 de Julio 2017 VICTOR HUGO (1802-1885) – French Novelist and Poet “The ones who suffer because they love: love more still; dying because of love is to live.” – “Vous qui souffrez parce que vous aimez, aimez plus encore. Mourir d’amour, c’est en vivre.” He is telling us to love more because without love we are not really living – we are just existing and that is truly sad. If you are afraid of loving because you may get hurt, let your love be stronger than your doubts and your fears and then you will really start to live. VÍCTOR HUGO (1802-1885) – Novelista y Poeta Francés “Los que padecen porque aman: amen más todavía; morir de amor es vivir.” – “Vous qui souffrez parce que vous aimez, aimez plus encoré. Mourir d’amour, c’est en vivre.” Nos dice que amemos más, porque sin amor no estamos viviendo – simplemente estamos existiendo, y eso es muy triste. Si tienes miedo amar, porque puedes salir lastimado, permite que tu amor sea más fuerte que tus dudas y tus temores y entonces comenzarás a vivir de verdad ALBERT SCHWEITZER (1875-1965) - French-German Theologian, Author, Organist, Philosopher, and Physician. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Happiness comes from within. It does not come from what we do or even from what we have or what we accomplish. One can accomplish many things and still be miserable. That’s why many movie stars, singers, athletes and other wealthy people commit suicide. The money, their fame and their possessions do not bring them happiness. ALBERT SCHWEITZER (1875-1965) – Teólogo, Autor, Organista, Filósofo y Médico Francia-Alemán “El éxito no es la clave para la felicidad. La felicidad es la clave para el éxito. Si te encanta lo que haces, tendrás éxito.” La felicidad nos sale de adentro. No nos llega por lo que hacemos, ni siquiera por lo que tenemos o lo que logremos. Uno puede lograr muchas cosas y sentirse miserable. Por eso muchos estrellas de cine, cantantes, atletas, y otras personas famosas se suicidan. El dinero, la fama y sus posesiones nos les trae felicidad. HANNIBAL BARCA (247 B.C. – 183 B.C.) – Carthaginian General. “We will find a way, but if not, we will make one.” What he was really saying was that we will do it one way or another. In other words, we will not give up or not finish the project at hand, no matter what. That is a good attitude to have. Winners have it, quitters do not. What they have are excuses. What attitude do you have? ANÍBAL BARCA (247 a.C – 183 a.C.) – General Cartaginés “Encontraremos un camino, y si no, lo haremos.” Lo que dijo, en realidad, es que lo haremos de un modo o del otro. En otras palabras, no dejaremos el proyecto sin terminar pase lo que pase. Esa es una buena actitud para todos nosotros. Los exitosos la tienen, los perdedores no. Lo que tienen son excusas. ¿Qué actitud tienes tú? SAADI (1184-1283) – Persian Poet “To believe that a week enemy cannot harm us is to believe that a spark cannot cause a fire.” This statement or principle can be applied to many areas of our lives. I will just mention a couple. We cannot underestimate the power of an enemy no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time. By the same token we should not minimize the power an addiction may have on us. It may start as just tasting it, but then it becomes a bad habit that may take us to our death. Sin comes in slowly, but soon it becomes a monster we cannot control. SAADI (1184-1283) – Poeta Persiano “Creer que un enemigo débil no puede dañarnos es creer que una chispa no puede causar un incendio.” Esta declaración o principio se puede aplicar a muchas áreas de nuestras vidas. Sólo mencionaré unas cuantas. No podemos subestimar el poder de un enemigo no importa que tan insignificante nos parezca. Igualmente no podemos minimizar el poder que una adicción pueda tener en nosotros. Puede comenzar con simplemente probándola y luego se convierte en adicción de hábito la cual nos puede llevar hasta la muerte. El pecado entra despaciosamente, pero rápidamente se convierte en un monstruo que nos controla. AMADO NERVO (1870-1919) - Mexican Poet, Journalist and Educator “There is something as necessary as our daily bread, and it’s the daily peace; the peace without which even the bread tastes bitter.” Without peace nothing is right. Most normal people desire to have inner peace and also to have it all around them. If you are a parent, do all you can to maintain peace in your family. Lack of it affects the children in many ways. AMADO NERVO (1870-1919) – Poeta, Periodista y Educador Mexicano “Hay algo tan necesario como el pan de cada día, y es la paz de cada día; la paz sin la cual el mismo pan es amargo.” Sin la paz nada está bien. La mayoría de la gente normal desea tener paz interna y paz a sus alrededores. Si usted es padre, haga todo lo posible para mantener paz en su familia. La falta de ella afecta a los niños de muchas maneras SENECA (4 AC to 65 AD) – Latin Philosopher, Politician, Speaker and Roman Author “Death is punishment for some, to others a gift, and for many a favor.” It all depends how we look at death and how we are when it arrives. To the people who go to hell it is punishment, to the ones who go to heaven it is a gift and to the ones who are suffering because of illnesses or for any other reason it is a favor. Hopefully you are one of the ones who are going to heaven. The only way you will get there is by making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. SENECA (4 a.C. – 65 d.C.) – Filósofo, Político, Orador y Escritor Romano “La muerte es un castigo para algunos, para otros un regalo, y para muchos un favor.” Todo depende cómo miremos la muerte y cómo estemos cuando nos llega ese momento. Para los que van al infierno es un castigo, para los que van al cielo es un regalo, y para los que padecen de serias enfermedades o de cualquier otra cosa es un favor. Espero que usted sea uno de los que van al cielo. La única manera que puede llegar al cielo es si recibe a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. ANTONIO MACHADO (1875-1939) –Spanish Poet “Death is something we should not fear because, while we are, death is not and when death is, we are not.” While we are alive, death is not in us, and when we are dead, we do not exist. It’s an interesting way of looking at it. The apostle Paul said that if we are absent from this body we are present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Of course, that only applies to people who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is not a blanket statement for every single human being on this planet. ANTONIO MACHADO (1875-1939) – Poeta Español “La muerte es algo que no debemos temer porque, mientras somos, la muerte no es y cuando la muerte es, nosotros no somos.” Mientras estemos vivos, la muerte no está en nosotros, y cuando estamos muertos, no existimos. Es un modo interesante de ver la existencia. El apóstol Pablo dijo que al estar ausentes de este cuerpo es estar presentes con Dios (2 Corintios 5:8). Claro, eso solamente les aplica a los que han recibido a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. No es una declaración que cubre a todo ser humano en este planeta. VERONICA ROTH (1988 – Present) – American Novelist and Short Story Writer “A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.” Not only that, but he may acknowledge the wisdom, the intelligence, the skills, the success and the good fortune of others. Because of envy, jealousy, greed or ignorance he weak and the cowards criticize others. VERÓNICA ROTH (1988 – Presente) – Escritora Americana de Novelas y Cuentos Cortos “El valiente reconoce la fortaleza de los otros.” No solamente eso, sino que reconoce la sabiduría, la inteligencia, las habilidades, los éxitos, y la buena suerte de los otros. Por envidia, celos, avaricia o ignorancia los débiles y los cobardes critican a los demás MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Leader of Indian Independence Movement “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” The low-self-image people, the selfish ones and the weak cannot forgive because they see everyone as their enemy, in competition with them and as a threat. MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Líder del Movimiento de Independencia de la India “Los débiles no pueden perdonar. El perdón es un atributo de los fuertes.” Las personas quienes tienen bajo autoestima, los que son egoístas, y los débiles no pueden perdonar, porque ven a todos como enemigos, como que están en competencia con ellos, y como si fueran una amenaza. HELEN KELLER (1880-1968) – American Author, Political Activist and Blind Lecturer “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” If you don’t have faith and confidence in yourself and hope, you will accomplish very little. Of course, having faith in God and praying to Him will help you tremendously in accomplishing any goal you may have. HELEN KELLER (1880-1968) – Autora, Activista Política y Lectora Invidente “El optimismo es la fe que nos lleva al logro. Nada se puede hacer sin esperanza y sin confianza.” Si no tienes fe y confianza en ti mismo y esperanza, lograrás muy poco. Claro, si tienes fe en Dios y le estás orando, eso te ayudará muchísimo para lograr tus propósitos. ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955) – German-born Theoretical Physicist “Never consider studying as an obligation, but rather as an opportunity to penetrate the beautiful and marvelous world of knowledge.” Knowledge can give us power, strength, wisdom, victory and success. It can open up opportunities that otherwise would not be available to us. Therefore instead of seeing studying as a chore, see it as a privilege and as an opportunity to make your dreams become a reality. ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955) – Científico Americano Nacido en Alemania “Nunca consideres el estudio como una obligación, sino como una oportunidad para penetrar en el bello y maravilloso mundo del saber.” El conocimiento nos puede dar poder, fuerza, sabiduría, victoria y llevarnos al éxito. Nos puede presentar oportunidades que de otra manera no estarían disponibles para nosotros. Por eso, en vez de ver el estudio como una tarea aburrida, considéralo como un privilegio y como una oportunidad para que tus sueños se conviertan en realidades. JAY LENO (April 27, 2017) “Barack Obama’s daughters are very smart. They told him they will take the same responsibility for the dog that he is taking for the economy. That way if the dog leaves a mess in the White House, it’ll be cleaned up by future generations.” The national debt went up to almost twenty trillion dollars during his administration. That’s a two with thirteen zeroes behind it. The American people will be paying that for many generations. He also allowed North Korea and Iran to develop nuclear weapons and with those they can try to destroy us. I am sorry if he is your hero, but the truth is the truth. JAY LENO (27 de Abril 2017) Comediante, Actor, Filántropo y Anfitrión de televisión Norteamericano. “Las hijas de Barack Obama son muy inteligentes. Le dijeron que tomarían la misma responsabilidad por el perro que él toma por la economía. De esa manera si el perro deja su suciedad en la Casa Blanca, la limpiarán las futuras generaciones.” La deuda nacional llegó a casi veinte trillones de dólares bajo su gobierno. Eso es un dos seguido por trece ceros. Los ciudadanos estadounidenses estarán pagando esa deuda por muchas generaciones. Obama también permitió que Corea del Norte e Irán desarrollaran armas nucleares y con ellas pueden tratar de destruirnos. Lo siento si él es su héroe, pero la verdad es la verdad. MARK MANSON (1984-Present) - American self-help author, blogger and entrepreneur “Bravery is not the absence of fear, bravery is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity, and deciding that something else is more important.” In other words, bravery is knowing that the odds against us, but because of being righteous we do the whatever it takes to do the what is right. MARK MANSON (1984 – al Presente) – Autor de autoayuda, Blogger y Empresario “La valentía no es la ausencia del miedo, la valentía es sentir el miedo, la duda, la inseguridad, y decidir que algo es más importante.” En otras palabras, la valentía es el saber que todo está contra nosotros, pero porque somos justos hacemos lo que sea necesario para hacer lo que es correcto. ERNEST HEMINGWAY (1899-1961) American Novelist “Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try.” Every single human being could use this advice. We need to do all those things he mentioned. Unfortunately he did not follow his own advice. Although he was a very successful writer, he committed suicide in 1961. Before he reacted he should have thought. April 13, 2017 ERNEST HEMINGWAY (13 de Abril 2017) -1899-1961 – Escritor Norteamericano “Antes de actuar, escucha. Antes de reaccionar, piensa. Antes de gastar dinero, gánalo. Antes de criticar, espera. Antes de orar, perdona. Antes de darte por vencido, haz el esfuerzo.” Todo ser humano puede beneficiarse de estos consejos. Necesitamos hacer todo lo que menciona. Desgraciadamente él no siguió sus propios consejos. Aunque era famoso, rico y parecía tenerlo todo, se suicidó el 1961. Antes de reaccionar debía haber pensado. THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826) – American Founding Father, Principal Author of Declaration of Independence, Third President of the United States “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” If you are not honest with yourself, with God or with other people, there is no way you can be wise. The reason is simple; you would not accept reality. You would blame something or somebody else for your troubles. You cannot solve any problem by not seeing it for what it is. You will not solve anything by hiding your head in the sand. THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826) – Padre Fundador de EEUU, Autor Principal de la Declaración de Independencia Americana, Tercer Presidente de EEUU. “La honestidad es el primer capítulo en el libro de la sabiduría.” Si no eres honesto contigo mismo, con Dios y con otras personas, no hay posibilidad de que seas sabio. La razón es simple; no aceptarías la realidad. Le echarías la culpa a cualquier otra persona o circunstancia por tus problemas. No podrás resolver ningún problema si no lo aceptas por lo que es. No eres avestruz. No puedes esconder la cabeza en la arena. STEHPHEN COVEY (1932 – 2012) American Educator, Author, Businessman & keynote Speaker. “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” This is very well stated. Most people make poor decisions and then when the negative circumstances come they blame it on life, destiny or on somebody else. Every decision has consequences, whether positive or negative. (March 23, 2017) STEPHEN COVEY (1932 – 2012) Educador, Autor, Negociante, y Conferenciante Principal “No soy producto de mis circunstancias. Soy producto de mis decisiones.” Es buena declaración. La mayoría de nosotros hacemos malas decisiones, y luego cuando llegan las circunstancias negativas, culpamos la vida, el destino o a otras personas. Toda decisión tiene consecuencias, ya sean positivas o negativas. (23 de Marzo 2017) I AM SURPRISED (March 16, 2017) There is an anonymous saying that says: “Two things surprise me, the intelligence of the beasts and the bestiality of men.” That saying is right on target. It hits the bulls eye. It is surprising to see how intelligent some animals really are. We normally can see this in pets, such as dogs, cats and horses. Yet we have never seen an animal get high on drugs or liquor. Have you ever seen a homosexual horse or a lesbian cat? I haven’t and I probably never will. Have you seen any animal deny the existence of God? I don’t think I need to say anything else. ESTOY SORPRENDIDO (16 de Marzo 2017) Existe un dicho anónimo que dice: “Dos cosas me sorprenden, las inteligencia de las bestias y la bestialidad de los hombres.” El dicho le pega al blanco en el puro centro. Nos sorprende ver que tan inteligentes son algunos animales. Lo vemos en las mascotas, tales como los gatos, los perros y los caballos. Sin embargo, jamás hemos visto que un animal toma drogas o que se embriague con licor. Tampoco hemos visto un caballo que sea homosexual o una gata que sea lesbiana. Yo, por mi cuenta, nunca lo he visto y jamás lo veré. ¿En alguna ocasión has visto que un animal niegue la existencia de Dios? No necesito decir nada más. THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) – 26th President of USA, Statesman, Author, Explorer, Soldier, Naturalist and Reformer. “The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on the level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife.” That is exactly what is going on in our country today. The Democrats love the refugees as much or more than they do our own citizens. How do I know? Look at the demonstrations led by the Democrats all across our nation. They are demonstrating because President Trump does not want to open the doors for Islamic refugees and others to come into our country illegally or with benefits that our own citizens do not have. (March 9, 2017) BILL GATES (March 2, 2017) “We all need people who give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” We need real feedback, so we can know what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong. Without it we may keep on making the same mistakes over and over NASER YOUNES (February 23, 2017) “Never stop believing in what you are capable of being. It’s not miracles; it’s attitudes. You change your attitude, you change your life. If you believe you can; then you will.” I love the last part where he says: “If you believe you can; then you will.” Many people believe they can’t, and that’s why they don’t accomplish much. Don’t be one of them MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Preeminent leader of the Indian Independence Movement in British-ruled India. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” Strength comes from the will to succeed, not giving up, being patient and from endurance. If you want to succeed, have a goal, set objectives and don’t stop until you have reached your goal. Guess what? You will succeed. (February 16, 2017) ARISTOTLE (384 B.C. – 322 B.C.) – Classical Greek Philosopher Suppose, then, that all men were sick or deranged, save one or two of them who were healthy and of right mind. It would then be the latter two who would be thought to be sick and deranged and the former not! That is exactly what is going on in the United States and maybe in the world today. We, who have a sound mind and try to follow godly principles, are treated as if we were crazy, out of touch with reality, mad and the enemies of society. In reality, society is the one who keeps moving farther and farther from God to the point where our founding fathers would not recognize this country as being the one they founded close to three hundred years ago. ARISTÓTOLES (384 A.C. – 322 A.C.) – Filósofo Griego Clásico “Supongamos, entonces, que todos los hombres estuvieran enfermos o trastornados, menos uno o dos quienes estuvieran saludables y en sus cinco sentidos. ¡Entonces serian éstos a los que pensarían que estuvieran enfermos y trastornados y a aquellos no! Eso es exactamente lo que sucede actualmente en los Estados Unidos y tal vez en el mundo. A nosotros, los que estamos en nuestros cinco sentidos y tratamos de vivir por principios bíblicos, nos tratan como si estuviéramos locos, fuera de la realidad, fuera de lo normal y como si fuéramos los enemigos de la sociedad. En realidad, la sociedad es la que continúa alejándose más y más de Dios hasta el punto que los patriarcas quienes fundaron nuestra nación hace casi trescientos años no la reconocerían. HARRIET TUBMAN (1820-1913) – American Abolitionist, Humanitarian, an Armed Scout and Spy for the US Army during the American Civil War. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” You have to do more than dream. You have to put action to that dream; otherwise it will never ever materialize. It’s not necessarily the most intelligent people the ones who succeed, but rather the ones who patiently persevere and do what is required of them at the proper time. Let’s hope you are one of them! HARRIET TUBMAN (1820-1913) – Abolicionista, Humanitaria, Centinela Avanzada y Espía Americana para el Ejercito Estadounidense durante la Guerra Civil. “Todo gran sueño comienza con un gran soñador. Siempre recuerda, internamente tienes la fuerza, la paciencia, y la pasión para llegar a las estrellas para cambiar al mundo.” Tienes que ir más allá de soñar. Tienes que ponerle acción a ese sueño; de otra manera jamás se hará realidad. No son necesariamente los más inteligentes los que encuentran el éxito, sino los que perseveran pacientemente, y hacen lo requerido al tiempo apropiado. Ojalá seas uno de ellos. ERNEST HEMINGWAY (1899-1961) – American Novelist, Short Story Writer and Journalist. “We need two years to learn to talk, and sixty to learn to shut up.” He was right. If more people would learn not to talk when it’s not appropriate, this world would be so much better. Let’s hope you don’t have that problem, but if you have it, learn to control your mouth. It’s called D I S C I P L I N E. ERNEST HEMINGWAY (1899-1961) – Novelista, Escritor de Cuentos y Periodista ‘Se necesitan dos años para aprender a hablar y sesenta para aprender a callarse.” Tenía razón. Si más personas aprendieran a no hablar cuando no es apropiado, este mundo sería mucho mejor. Ojalá no tengas ese problema, pero si lo tienes, aprende a controlar la boca. Necesitas disciplinarla. ENNIO MORRICONE (1928-Present) – Italian Music Film Composer “A sure friend is known in an uncertain situation.” In other words, regardless of what the situation may be, a true friend sticks by us. We may be accused of something, but a true friend who really knows us, knows we are innocent and sticks by us. Even if we have made a mistake and everybody is coming at us, a true friend stands by our side. ENNIO MORRICONE (1928-Presente) – Compositor de Música Italiano. “El amigo seguro se conoce en la situación insegura.” En otras palabras, no importa lo que sea la situación, el amigo verdadero nos apoya. Nos pueden acusar de algo, pero un amigo verdadero quien en realidad nos conoce, sabe que somos inocentes y se mantiene fiel a nuestro lado. Si hemos errado y todo el mundo se viene contra nosotros, un amigo fiel se mantiene a nuestro lado. PLUTARCH (45 A.D. – 120 AD) – Greek Philosopher and Essayist “I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” In other words, he does not want “a yes man.” Some leaders want exactly that, but in reality that is no good. That’s how dictators wind up being dictators. It is much better for the other person to tell us the truth, even though it may hurt. PLUTARCO (45 D.C – 120 D.C. ) – Filósofo y Ensayista Griego “No necesito amigos que cambien cuando yo cambio y asientan cuando yo asiento; mi sombra lo hace mucho mejor.” En otras palabras, no quiere personas que siempre estén de acuerdo con él. Algunos líderes es exactamente a los que buscan. Así terminan siendo dictadores. Es mucho mejor que la otra persona nos diga la verdad aunque nos duela. ARISTOTLE (384 BC – 322 BC) – Classical Greek Philosopher “Everyone’s friend is not a friend.” The main meaning of this is that we cannot please everyone and if we try to do that, we will be miserable because we will not really be ourselves. We will be what the world wants us to be and that will not allow us to be a true friend to anyone. Instead of having real friends we will alienate the ones who would really want to be our true friends. ARISTÓTELES (384 AC – 322 AC) – Filósofo Clásico Griego “El amigo de todo el mundo no es un amigo.” El significado principal es que no podemos agradar o complacer a todo el mundo. Si tratamos de hacerlo, terminamos sintiéndonos miserables porque, en realidad, eso no es quienes somos. Seremos lo que el mundo quiere que seamos, y así no podremos tener verdaderos amigos. En vez de tenerlos, vamos a alejar y a desterrar a los que, en realidad, quisieran ser buenos amigos EDMUND BURKE (1729-1797) – Irish Statesman, Author, Orator, Philosopher and Political Theorist. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Unfortunately this happens all over the world. Dictators come to power because the good people do nothing. Society decays for the same reason. In the United States since just about all sin is politically-correct and if a person opposes it he is politically-incorrect. That’s why most good people do nothing. As a result the country is becoming more and more corrupt and sinful in every sense of the word. EDMUND BURKE (1729-1797) – Político, Autor, Orador, Filósofo y Teorista Político Irlandés. “La única cosa necesario para que triunfe el mal es que la gente Buena no haga nada.” Desgraciadamente eso es lo que ocurre por todo el mundo. Los dictadores llegan al poder, porque la gente buena no hace nada. La sociedad va empeorándose porque la gente no se queja y no hace nada. En los Estados Unidos siendo que casi todo el pecado es políticamente correcto si una persona se opone la critican por estar políticamente incorrecta, y por eso es que la mayoría de la gente buena no dice nada. Las consecuencias ya se están sintiendo diariamente. La corrupción y el pecado se van extendiendo por todo el país. (VOLTAIRE): FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET (1694-1778) – French Enlightenment Writer, Historian and Philosopher. “Those who think that money can do everything, wind up doing everything for money.” The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is something we need to live, but it should not be the most important thing in our lives. Unfortunately many people make it a priority to amass as much money as possible by whatever means. (VOLTAIRE): FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET (1694-1778) – Escritor, Historiador y Filósofo Francés. “Quienes creen que el dinero lo puede todo, terminan haciendo todo por el dinero.” La biblia nos dice que el amor al dinero es la raíz de todo mal (1 Timoteo 6:10). El dinero es algo que necesitamos para vivir, pero no debe ser lo más importante para nosotros. Desafortunadamente, la prioridad de mucha gente es de acumular todo el dinero que sea posible bajo las circunstancias que sean. FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET (Voltaire) – French Enlightenment Writer, Historian and Philosopher (1694-1778). “The only one who is immensely wealthy is the one who knows how to limit his desires.” Of course, he is correct. The happiest person is the one who knows how to be happy with what he has, whatever may be happening, wherever he may be and with whomever he may be. That, by the way, does not mean you should not have plans for even a better future. My advice for you is to be happy all the time, regardless of the circumstances. FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET (Voltaire) – Escritor, Historiador y Filosofo Francés (1694-1778). “Sólo es inmensamente rico aquel que sabe limitar sus deseos.” Claro que tiene razón. La persona más feliz es el que sabe estar contento con lo que tiene, con lo que esté pasando, en dondequiera que se encuentre, y con la persona o personas quienes estén con él. Desde luego que eso no impide que haga o tenga mejores planes para su futuro. El consejo para ti es que trates de estar contento sin importar las circunstancias. MARY LOU COOK (1908-1944) – American Actress “Don’t look outside of you, heaven is inside of you.” Sometimes people spend their whole lifetime looking for God and all the while He is inside of them. The apostle Paul explains it very well in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “ Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” MARY LOU COOK (1908-1944) – Actriz Norteamericana “No busques fuera de ti, el cielo está dentro de ti.” Muchas veces la gente pasa toda su vida buscando a Dios, y todo el tiempo Dios ha estado dentro de ellos. El apóstol Pablo lo explica muy bien en 1 Corintios 3:16-17 – “¿No saben que son templo de Dios, y que el Espíritu de Dios mora en ustedes? Si alguno destruyere el templo de Dios, Dios le destruirá a él; porque el templo de Dios, el cual son ustedes, santo es.” STEPHEN KING (1947 – Present) – Novelist, Screenwriter and Film Director. “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” Talent, ability, knowledge, intelligence, wisdom and money do not do you any good unless you put work behind them. That’s why the Bible in James 2:17 tells us: “Faith without works is dead.” STEPHEN KING (1947 al Presente) – Novelista, dramaturgo y Director de Películas. “El talento es más barato que la sal de cocinar. Lo que separa al individuo talentoso del exitoso es mucho trabajo duro.” El talento, la habilidad, el conocimiento, la inteligencia, la sabiduría, y el dinero no te sirven de nada a menos que los pongas a obrar. Por eso la biblia nos dice en Santiago 2:17 – “La fe sin obras está muerta.” ARISTOTLE ONASSIS (1906-1975) – Greek-Argentine Shipping Magnate “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” He was correct in saying that, because many of us have come out of the darkness of sin to seek the light of God during the worst times in our lives. All we have to do is seek Him, and He allows us to find Him. ARISTOTLE ONASSIS (1906-1975) – Magnate de Transporte Marítimo Griego-Argentino. “Es durante nuestros momentos más oscuros que debemos enfocarnos para ver la luz.” Tenía toda la razón en decirlo, porque durante nuestros momentos más oscuros muchos de nosotros hemos salido de la oscuridad del pecado para buscar la luz de Dios. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es buscarlo, y Dios se hace NORMAN VINCENT PEALE (1898-1993) – American Minister and Author “Change your thoughts and you change the world.” He was right on target with this. By changing your way of thinking, you change your thoughts, which change you, and you in turn will change the things around you. When you change yourself for the better, you get out of the rut and start moving forward in a positive direction affecting whatever needs changing. Is this biblical? Yes, it is! Read Romans 12:2 NORMAN VINCENT PEALE (1898 – 1993) – Ministro y Autor Norteamericano “Cambia tus pensamientos y cambias al mundo.” Tenía toda la razón. Cuando cambias tu modo de pensar, cambias tus pensamientos y cuando cambias tus pensamientos te cambias a ti mismo. Al cambiarte a ti mismo, cambias a lo que está a tu alrededor. La razón es que cuando tú cambias, dejas el pasado negativo por detrás y comienzas a tomar acciones positivas. ¿Esto es bíblico? ¡Sí, lo es! En la biblia lee Romanos 12:2 OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900) – Irish Playwright, Novelist, Essayist and Poet “Never love anyone who treats you like you are ordinary.” Sometimes we take the people we love for granted, and sometimes they take us for granted. That should not happen. We should treat the people we love with respect, love and compassion. We should always extend mercy and grace to them. The people we love should not be ordinary to us, but very, very special. OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900) – Dramaturgo, Novelista, Ensayista y Poeta Irlandés “Jamás ames a alguien quien te trata como si fueras ordinario.” Muchas veces tratamos a los seres queridos como si fueran ordinarios en vez de tratarlos con amor, respeto, y compasión. Debemos extenderles la misma misericordia y gracia que Dios nos extiende a nosotros. A la gente a quien amamos no debemos tratarla como si fuera s ordinaria para nosotros, sino de una manera muy especial. CHARLES BARKLEY (1963 – Present) – American Retired Basketball Player & TV Analyst “If you are afraid of failure you don’t deserve to be successful.” People who are successful normally fail many times, but they persevere by working hard until success comes. Sometimes it takes years, but the person who is a winner, a risk taker and a no quitter will keep at it until he achieves his goal. Are you one of those? CHARLES BARKLEY (1963 – Presente) – Jugador Americano Retirado del Basquetbol y Actual Analista Televisivo “Si le temes al fracaso no mereces ser exitoso.” La persona exitosa normalmente fracasa muchas veces, pero persevera trabajando duro hasta llegar al éxito. A veces le toma años y años, pero la persona triunfadora se arriesga, y jamás se desconsuela. Por esa misma razón no para hasta conseguir su meta. ¿Eres una de esas personas? PELÉ (1940 – Present) – Retired Brazilian Professional Footballer (Soccer Player) “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Some people expect success to come looking for them and for that reason they are never successful, because it does take investigating, planning, focusing, hard work and perseverance. If we pray and do all that, God will help us, but He will not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. PELÉ (1940 – Presente) – Jugador Profesional Brasileño Jubilado del Futbol. “El éxito no es accidente. Es trabajo duro, perseverancia, aprendizaje, estudio, sacrificio y sobre todo, amor por lo que haces o por lo que estás aprendiendo a hacer.” Algunos esperan que el éxito los busque y los persiga, y por esa razón jamás tendrán éxito, porque para tener éxito, uno tiene que investigar, planear, enfocarse, trabajar duro y perseverar. Si hacemos todo eso y le oramos a Dios, él nos ayudará, pero él no hará por nosotros lo que nosotros podemos DESMOND TUTU (1931 – Present) – South African Activist & Retired Anglican Bishop “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” If we remain neutral, instead of being part of the solution we are part of the problem. Many people remained neutral during Hitler’s rise to power. He killed millions and millions of Jews and people from other countries, including American soldiers. The neutrality of those who were indifferent was the main cause of those horrible murders DESMOND TUTU (1931 – Presente) – Activista Sur Africano y Obispo Anglicano Jubilado “Si te mantienes neutral en situaciones de injusticia, has escogido el lado del opresor. Si un elefante tiene la pata sobre la cola de un ratón y dices que eres neutral, el ratón no apreciará tu neutralidad. “ Si permanecemos neutrales, en vez de ser parte de la solución, somos parte del problema. Mucha gente permaneció neutral cuando Hitler iba creciendo en poder. Mató millones y millones de judíos y gente de otros países, incluyendo soldados estadounidenses. La neutralidad de los que fueron indiferentes fue la causa principal de esas horribles muertes. BALTASAR GRACIÁN (1601-1658) – Spanish Author “The first step to ignorance is to boast you know.” A person who is really intelligent realizes that the more he learns the more he knows that there is so much more he does not know. An ignorant person learns a little and he thinks he knows everything there is to learn. The little he knows makes him dangerous because he thinks he is more intelligent than the rest. BALTASAR GRACIÁN (1601-1658) – Escritor Español “El primer paso a la ignorancia es presumir de saber.” Una persona, quien en realidad es inteligente, se da cuenta que entre más aprenda hay mucho más por saber. Una persona ignorante aprende poco y piensa que sabe todo lo que hay por saber. Por lo poquito que sabe piensa que es más inteligente que los demás, y eso lo convierte en una persona peligrosa para él mismo y para la sociedad. SIMON BOLIVAR (1783-1830) – Venezuelan General and Politician “The art of winning is learned in the defeats.” Yes, it is true. We should learn from our mistakes. If we don’t we will keep making them over and over. The best school is “The School of Hard Knocks.” If we don’t learn in that school, we will not learn it anywhere else. SIMÓN BOLÍVAR (1783-1830) – General y Político Venezolano. “El arte de vencer se aprende en las derrotas.” Es muy verídico. Debemos aprender de nuestros errores. Si no aprendemos continuamos cometiendo los mismos errores vez tras vez. La mejor educación es “La Escuela de la Experiencia.” Si no aprendemos en esa escuela, jamás aprenderemos. JACINTO BENAVENTE (1866-1954) – Spanish Author “The worse thing that bad people do is to obligate us to doubt good people.” Dictators and Communist leaders always do that. Case in point: Fidel Castro, Nicolás Maduro, Hitler and so on. We could probably include some of our modern day politicians. They are always blaming somebody else. JACINTO BENAVENTE (1866-1954) – Escritor Español “Lo peor que hacen los malos es obligarnos a dudar de los buenos.” Los dictadores y los líderes comunistas siempre hacen eso. Ejemplos: Fidel Castro, Nicolás Maduro, Hitler y muchos más. Tal vez podamos incluir a varios de nuestros políticos. Siempre culpan al otro partido. MARVIN J. ASHTON (1915 – 1994) – September 22, 2016 “Be one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” There is really not much I can add to his statement. It is the way all of us should live. If we were like that, this would be a wonderful world. MARVIN J. ASHTON (1915 – 1994) – 22 de Septiembre 2016 “Seas el que nutricia y edifica. Seas el que tiene entendimiento y un corazón que perdona, el que busca lo mejor en la gente. Deja la gente mejor de lo que la encontraste.” En realidad no le puedo agregar mucho a esta declaración. Así deberíamos vivir todos. Si todos lo hiciéramos este mundo sería magnifico LUCIO ANNEO SENECA (4 B.C. – 65 A.D) - Roman/Spanish Philosopher “What you think of yourself is much more important than what the others think of you.” This is absolutely true. Unfortunate many people go by public opinion and by what others think of them. You will never ever please everyone so you may as well please yourself. Of course you have to have a Christian code of ethics, otherwise you may offend others. LUCIO ANNEO SÉNECA (4 a.C – 65 d.C,) – Filósofo Romano y Español “Lo que opinas de ti mismo es mucho más importante que lo que los demás opinan de ti.” Es la pura verdad. Desgraciadamente mucha gente vive por la opinión pública y por lo que piensan y dicen los demás. Jamás agradarás o complacerás a todo el mundo, entonces satisfácete a ti mismo. Claro, tienes que tener un código de ética cristiano, porque de otra manera pudieras ofender a muchas personas. WILLIAM SHENSTONE (1714-1763) – English Poet “The proper means of increasing the love we bear our native country is to reside some time in a foreign one.” The reason many Americans do not really appreciate our country – the United States of America – is simply because they have not traveled nor lived abroad for a few years. By the way, that includes Colin Kaepernick. If we were to lose our freedom and all the rights and privileges we have, then the complainers would know. It is probably the same in a few other countries where their residents don’t really appreciate what they have. If you are one of those people, start appreciating what you have in your own country. Don’t think that the grass is greener in other countries, because many times it is not. WILLIAM SHENSTONE (1714-1763) – Poeta Inglés “La manera apropiada para incrementar el amor que le mantenemos a nuestro país nativo es de vivir algún tiempo en uno extranjero.” La razón que muchos norteamericanos no aprecian a nuestro país – Los Estados Unidos de América – es simplemente porque no han viajado o no han vivido algunos años en el extranjero. A propósito, eso incluye a Colin Kaepernich, el mariscal de campo de los “San Francisco 49ers. Si perdiéramos nuestra libertad igualmente que los derechos y privilegios que tenemos, los inconformes entenderían. Los más probable es que lo mismo sucede en otros países. La gente no aprecia lo que tiene. Si tú eres uno de ellos, comienza a apreciar lo que tienes en tu país. No pienses que el zacate está más verde en otros lugares, porque no lo está. THEODORE ISAAC RUBIN (1923 – Present) – American Psychiatrist and Author “The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.” As long as we are alive, we will have problems. What we should do is expect them and be ready to handle them. No problem has ever been solved by worrying, being frustrated, getting mad, losing sleep over it or by ignoring it. The best thing to do when the problem arises is to think about it, make a plan to solve it and carry out the plan. THEODORE ISAAC RUBIN (1923 – Presente) – Siquiatra y Autor Norteamericano “El problema no es que hay problemas. El problema es esperar lo opuesto, y pensar que el tener problemas es un problema.” Mientras vivamos, tendremos problemas. Lo que debemos hacer es esperar que lleguen los problemas, prepararnos y solucionarlos. Nadie ha resuelto un problema mortificándose, frustrándose, enojándose o ignorándolo. Lo mejor que se puede hacer cuando se presenta un problema es pensar cómo resolverlo, hacer un plan, y tomar acción. VINCE LOMBARDI (1913-1970) – American Football Player, Coach, Executive in the NFL “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” Other than Jesus Christ nobody is perfect, but if we try to be perfect, in whatever it is we do, we can achieve excellence. We can see people who excel in almost every field. They are not perfect, but they achieve excellence because they seek perfection. You should try seeking it. VINCE LOMBARDI (1913-1970) – Jugador/Entrenador de Futbol Americano y Ejecutivo en la NFL (La Liga Nacional de Futbol Americano) “La perfección es inalcanzable, pero si perseguimos la perfección podemos alcanzar la excelencia.” Aparte de Jesucristo nadie es perfecto, pero si tratamos de ser perfectos, en cualquier cosa que hagamos, podemos lograr llegar a la excelencia. Muchas personas sobresalen en varios ramos. No son perfectas, pero logran llegar a la excelencia, porque buscan la perfección. trata de hacer lo mismo. SAI BABA (1926-2011) – Indian Guru and Philanthropist. “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it.” Although I believe in what he said here, I don’t believe in reincarnation as he did. We only live once and then we either spend time in hell or with God. It’s up to us. If we want to be with God we have to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and live a Christian way of life. SAI BABA (1926-2011) – Gurú y Filántropo de la India. “La vida es una canción – cántala. La vida es un juego – juégalo. La vida es un reto – enfréntalo. La vida es un sueño – hazlo realidad. La vida es un sacrificio – ofrécelo. La vida es amor – disfrútalo.” Aunque concuerdo con lo que dijo aquí, no creo en la reencarnación como él creía. Solamente vivimos una vez, y luego pasamos la eternidad con Dios o en el lago de fuego. Depende de nosotros. Si deseamos pasar la eternidad con Dios, tenemos que recibir a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador y vivir la vida bajo los principios cristianos que encontramos en la biblia. BOB PROCTOR (American Author, Lecturer, Counselor, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur). “The only limits in our life are the ones we impose on ourselves.” That is almost 100% true. There, of course, are some exceptions. In most cases we achieve what we think we can if we dedicate enough time, effort and resources to it. Of course, if we make excuses why we cannot do it, we will not be able to do it. Where’s there’s a will, there’s a way. BOB PROCTOR (Autor, Consejero, Asesor de Negocios, Empresario e Instructor Estadounidense). “Los únicos límites en nuestra vida son los que nosotros nos colocamos.” Eso es casi 100% correcto. Claro, hay algunas excepciones. En la mayoría de los casos logramos lo que pensamos que podemos lograr si le dedicamos el tiempo suficiente, el esfuerzo necesario, y los recursos que requiere. Desde luego que si hacemos excusas porqué no podemos hacerlo, entonces no podremos hacerlo. Querer es poder. THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) – 26th President of the United States of America. “The only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.” He was right by all means. One learns by making mistakes and by watching the mistakes others make. Learning comes by doing and in doing we will make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; be afraid of not doing anything worthwhile. THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) – Presidente No. 26 de Los Estados Unidos “El único hombre que no comete errores es el que nunca hace nada.” Desde luego que tiene toda la razón. Uno aprende de sus errores, y de los errores que otros cometen. Se aprende al hacer, y al hacer cometemos errores. No temas hacer errores; teme de no hacer nada que valga la pena. MAE WEST (1893-1980) – American Mega-Star, Singer, Playwright, and Screenwriter “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” There is no question whatsoever that she was correct in saying that. We are only going to live once on this earth, so it we should make the most of it. The most important thing, of course, is salvation. We should make sure of it. How do we do that? By repenting, asking God to forgive us, receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and by trying to live by Godly principles. If we do that, we will enjoy eternity with our God. MAE WEST (1893-1980) – Estadounidense Estrella de Cine, Cantante, Dramaturga y Escritora de Películas. “Solamente vives una vez, pero si lo haces correctamente, una vez es suficiente.” Tenía toda la razón en absoluto. Solamente vamos a vivir esta vida una vez. Lo más importante es la otra vida, porque esa es eterna. Por eso debemos arrepentirnos, pedirle a Dios que nos perdone, aceptar a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador, y tratar de vivir una vida buena siguiendo los principios bíblicos. Si hacemos eso, disfrutaremos la eternidad con nuestro Dios. VICTOR HUGO (1802-1885) – French Poet, Novelist and Dramatist Victor Hugo said: “L’avenir a plusieurs noms. Pour les faibles il est inaccessible. Pour la peur il est inconnu. Pour les courageux il s’agit d’une opportunité.” That, of course, means: “The successful future has many names. For the weak it is unreachable. For the fearful it is unknown. Four the courageous it is an opportunity.” The future and obstacles will come to all of us. The only difference is how we react to them. Do we see an obstacle as a problem, or do we see it as an opportunity? VÍCTOR HUGO (1802-1885) – Poeta, Novelista y Dramaturgo Francés Víctor Hugo dijo: “L’avenir a plusieurs noms. Pour les faibles il est inaccesible. Pour la peur il es inconnu. Pour les courageux il s’agit d’une opportunité.” Eso, desde luego, se dice en español: “El porvenir tiene muchos nombres. Para los débiles es lo inalcanzable. Para los temerosos, lo desconocido. Para los valientes es la oportunidad.” El futuro y los obstáculos nos llegarán tarde o temprano. La única diferencia es cómo reaccionaremos. ¿Veremos el obstáculo como un problema sin solución, o lo veremos como una oportunidad? BALTASAR GUARDIAN (1601-1658) – Spanish Jesuit, Philosopher and Baroque Prose Writer. “Be content to act, and leave the talking to others.” What he is really telling us is for us not to brag about what we do. We should just do the best we can, and let the others brag about themselves. July 7, 2016 BALTASAR GUARDIÁN (1601-1658) – Filosofo Español Jesuita, y Escritor de Prosa Barroca. “Conténtate con actuar, y deja que los otros hablen.” Lo que nos dice es que demos lo mejor de nosotros y que no nos jactemos. Que los otros se jacten, pero que nosotros simplemente actuemos en la mejor manera posible. 7 de Julio 2016 JOHN ADAMS (1735-1826) First Vice-President Of The US And Second American President “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” He knew exactly what he was saying. I am not too sure that we have made good use of our freedom. Presently everything has to be politically-correct, regardless of how sinful, illicit, immoral or incorrect it might be. Tolerance has given way to permissiveness, permissiveness to sin, and sin to spiritual death. Absolutes have given way to political-correctness. JOHN ADAMS (1735-1826) – Primer Vice Presidente de Los Estados Unidos y Segundo Presidente. ¡Posteridad! ¡Jamás sabrán lo que le costó a la generación actual para preservar su libertad! Espero que hagan buen uso de ella.” Sabía exactamente lo que decía. No estoy muy seguro de que hagamos aprovechado o hecho buen uso de nuestra libertad. Actualmente todo tiene que ser políticamente correcto, a pesar de que tan pecaminoso, inmoral, ilícito o incorrecto sea. La tolerancia nos ha llevado a la permisividad, la permisividad al pecado, y el pecado a la muerte espiritual. Ya no existen los absolutos, porque no son políticamente correctos. EDWARD R. MURROW (1908-1965) – American Broadcast Journalist “We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.” Our President and Congress should read this quote and then adhere to it. We are spending millions of dollars and losing American lives abroad, while our country and its citizens are being neglected. EDWARD R. MURROW (1908-1965) – Radiodifusor y Periodista Estadounidense. “No podemos defender la libertad en el extranjero al desertarla en casa.” Nuestro presidente y el congreso deben leer esta cita y cumplirla. Gastamos millones de dólares y perdemos vidas americanas luchando en el extranjero, mientras descuidamos a nuestro país y a nuestros ciudadanos. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1451-1506) – Italian Explorer, Navigator and Colonizer “Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.” Since the sun goes down on the West, they were coming West following its light. Eventually they got to the New World. By the same token, if we are not Christians yet, we should leave the darkness behind, follow the light of Jesus, and join a new world – the world of the people who are saved. In the new world of God’s light we become a new creation. CRISTÓBAL COLÓN (1451-1506) – Explorador, Navegador y Colonizador Italiano. “Siguiendo la luz del sol, dejamos el Viejo Mundo.” Siendo que el sol se oculta en el oeste, venían hacia el oeste siguiendo su luz. Por fin llegaron al Nuevo Mundo. Igualmente si nosotros no somos cristianos todavía, podemos dejar la oscuridad del pecado atrás, seguir la luz de Jesucristo, e ingresar a un nuevo mundo – el mundo de la gente quien ha recibido a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. En ese nuevo mundo nos convertimos en una nueva persona. WAYNE GRETZKY (1961 – Present) – American Canadian Professional Hockey Player “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” That not only happens in hockey, but in every other sport as well. We also fail on 100% of the opportunities we don’t take. When an opportunity arises, we should take advantage of it. It may never present itself again. Many people lose opportunities early in life, and then they spend the rest of their lives thinking of how it could have been. Don’t let that happen to you. WAYNE GRETZKY (1961 – Presente) – Jugador Profesional (Canadiense-Americano) de Hockey Sobre Hielo. “Siempre fallarás 100% de los tiros que no tomes.” Eso no solamente sucede en el hockey, pero también en todos los otros deportes. Nosotros también fracasamos 100% de las veces que no aprovechamos las oportunidades. Cuando se nos presenta una oportunidad debemos aprovecharla. Muchas veces sólo se presenta una vez. Muchas personas pierden buenas oportunidades al comienzo de sus vidas, y luego pasan el resto de ellas pensando cómo les hubiera ido si hubieran aprovechado la oportunidad. ¡Que no te pase eso a ti! AGATHA CHRISTIE (1890-1976) – English Writer of Crime Novels, Short Stories and Playwright. “There’s too much tendency to attribute to God the evils that man does of his own free will.” Especially people who don’t read the Bible, don’t attend a Christian church and don’t live a Christian life have a tendency of blaming God when something bad happens to them or to somebody they know. Some common statements are: Why did God let my child die? Why did God allow the earthquake to happen and kill so many people? Why did God send me this cancer? Why did God punish me? Why would a good God let good people suffer? I am sure you can think of many more examples. Yes, people have a tendency to blame God, but they don’t blame themselves, other people, the devil or his demons. Behind every calamity there is always a reason, but regardless of what it may be, it is not God’s fault. (June 2, 2016) AGATHA CHRISTIE (1890-1976) – Escritora Inglesa de Novelas policiacas, Cuentos y Dramaturga. “Hay mucha tendencia de atribuirle a Dios las maldades que el hombre hace por su propia voluntad.” Las personas quienes no leen la biblia, que no asisten a una iglesia cristiana, y que no viven según los principios de Dios tienen la tendencia de acusar a Dios cuando algo malo les ocurre a ellos o a alguien a quien conocen. Algunas declaraciones comunes son: ¿Por qué permitió Dios que muriera mi niño? ¿Por qué deja Dios que sufra la gente inocente? ¿Por qué me castigó Dios? ¿Qué hizo la gente para que Dios les mandara un terremoto? ¿Por qué me dio cáncer? Estoy seguro que puedes pensar de muchos más ejemplos. Sí, es verdad, la gente tiene la tendencia de culpar a Dios cuando algo negativo les sucede, pero no se culpan ellos mismos, no culpan a otras personas, y ni culpan al diablo ni a sus demonios. Detrás de cada catástrofe hay una razón, pero sin importar la que sea, no es culpa de Dios. (2 de junio 2016 ARISTOTLE (May 26, 2016) “There’s only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” He was correct in saying that. Most people that achieve success have been criticized many times by many people, but because they paid no attention to the criticism, they were able to succeed and fulfill their dreams. If you want to do something worthwhile, you will be criticized. If you pay attention to them, that’s as far as you will go. Disregard what the naysayers say and go forward full steam. You will succeed if you don’t listen to them, and if you don’t quit. Quitting should not be an option. ARISTÓTOLES (26 de Mayo 2016) “Solamente hay una manera de evitar ser criticado: hacer nada, decir nada, y ser nada.” Desde luego que el filósofo tiene razón. La mayoría de las personas quienes han tenido gran éxito han sido criticadas miles de veces, pero porque no les prestaron atención a las críticas, pudieron tener éxito y cumplir sus sueños. Si quieres hacer algo que valga la pena, te van a criticar. Si les prestas atención, fracasarás. Descarta las críticas negativas, y continúa con entusiasmo. Si no los escuchas, tendrás éxito. El abandonar el proyecto no debe ser opción. H. JACKSON BROWN, JR. – American Author “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing our best today.” Many people fail in life because they don’t prepare for the tomorrows that will get here a lot sooner than they think. There is no substitute for planning, preparing and working hard to achieve our goals. No matter what we do, we cannot stop time from moving on. H. JACKSON BROWN, JR – Autor Estadounidense “La mejor preparación para el mañana es hacer nuestro mejor hoy.” Muchas personas fracasan, porque no se preparan para los mañanas que les van a llegar mucho más pronto de lo que piensan. No hay substituto por planear, prepararse y trabajar duro para lograr nuestras metas. No importa lo que hagamos, no podemos detener el tiempo. SWAMI SIVANANDA (1887-1963) – Hindu Spiritual Teacher “Put your heart, mind and soul into even the smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” Yes, he is correct. The reason many people fail is because they don’t really do their best. They don’t persevere. When the going gets tough, they quit. There’s a saying that says: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s what brings them success. SWAMI SIVANANDA (1887-1963) – Profesor Espiritual Hinduista “Pon tu corazón, la mente y el alma hasta en los hechos más pequeños. Este es el secreto del éxito.” Tiene razón. La razón que muchas personas fracasan es porque no hacen lo mejor que pueden. No perseveran. Cuando el proyecto se pone difícil, lo abandonan. La perseverancia es la que normalmente trae la victoria. EDITH WHARTON (1862-1937) – American Novelist, Short-Story Writer and Designer “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” I truly like what she said, but I would say it this way: “There are two ways of shining God’s light: to be the light itself (Jesus Christ) or for people to see it in us as we spread it wherever we go.” That’s what every single one of us should be doing. Are you doing it? May 5, 2016 AUTHOR UNKNOWN (April 28, 2016) “I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday.” How true this is! It does not matter what your plans, dreams or aspirations are, you are closer today than you were yesterday. The most important aspect of life for any Christian is salvation. If you are a born-again Christian, today you are closer to spending eternity with God than you were yesterday, but tomorrow you will be even closer. HENRY FORD (1863-1947) – American Industrialist and Founder of Ford Motor Company “Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.” Another way of saying this is: “Don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the solution.” It is easy to complain, criticize, grumble, be discontent and to demean something, but it is much more fruitful to work at remedying the problem. The politicians running for office are very good at telling us what our problems are as a nation, but unfortunately they haven’t done anything to ameliorate the situation. If anything they have made it worse. WALTER ANDERSON (1903-1965) – American Painter, Writer and Naturalist “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” People who have nothing to do or who choose not to do anything normally have problems or cause problems for others. There is a saying that says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” We can keep a healthy body and mind by staying busy with work, hobbies, exercise, helping others, doing community work, being involved at church, spending time with the family and so on. ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879-1955) – German-born Scientist and Theoretical Physicist “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” These words are absolutely true. The only way to win honestly is to learn the rules, play by them, practice more than anybody else, and play better than all your opponents. He who does not play by the rules will eventually forfeit and lose the game, whatever it may be. In the game of eternal life the only ones who actually win are the ones who know the rules and live by them. What are the rules? The rules are: 1. To realize that all of us are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23-24). 2. To understand that we need a Savior (Ephesians 2:1-5). 3. To become aware that we have to be born again (John 3:3). 4. To receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9 and John 3:15-17). 5. To repent and leave sin behind (2 Chronicles 7:14). 6. To live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). April 8, 2016 LORD CHESTERFIELD (1694-1773) – English Statesman and Author “In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it – thou art a fool.” There are many areas in which a person will really never ever get there. You can never be overly loving, wise, intelligent, healthy, strong, or pious. If you think you are, you are just simply fooling yourself. March 31, 2016 HENRY VAN DYKE (1852-1933) – American Author, Educator and Clergyman “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” He could have added life is too short for all of us, too antagonizing for those who are seriously ill and eternity will be too long for those who will spend it in the lake of fire because they do not believe in Jesus Christ. EDGAR ALLAN POE ( 1809-1849) – American Writer, Editor and Literary Critic “Years of love have been forgotten, in the hatred of a minute.” One moment of hatred has ruined many lives. When people lose control of themselves, for whatever the reason, they can destroy a lifetime of good works. That’s why it is so important to think before we act. Many couples have been happily married for many years, but in one careless moment they have destroyed everything they had between them. Don’t let that happen to you! Value your friendships and personal relationships because there are not too many things more important than those. ALEXANDER POPE(1688-1744) – English Poet “To err is human, to forgive divine.” It is obvious that he knew the word of God. Because all of us are human, we will keep on making mistakes. If we are Christians or, at least, wise, we will forgive. Even in “The Lord’s Prayer” God asks us to forgive. If we don’t forgive others, God cannot forgive us. TERRY MARK “A great man or woman may not be found in the pages of history, but they are always found in the hearts of the people they have touched.” That is absolutely true. The best legacy you can leave behind is the love and the loving memories that people have of you. If, for one reason or another, you would not leave a good legacy, it is not too late. Start repairing broken relationships, building bridges of love, leaving good memories of you in people’s hearts, and doing God’s will each and every day of your remaining days on this earth. BILL GATES (February 25, 2016) – American Business Magnate, Philanthropist, Investor and Computer Programmer. “If you born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake.” This may not be true in every country in the world, but in the United States it is. This is the land of opportunity and if a person makes a real effort, he or she can succeed. The only three things that hold people back are imagination, human effort and the lack of perseverance. JIMI HENDRIX (1942-1970) – American Guitarist, Songwriter and Singer “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” Unfortunately everyone wants power. That includes nations, businesses, families and individuals. The world will not really improve until we learn to give and receive love. That will only happen in eternity to the Christians who will be with God. It will not happen in this world because people are selfish, egoistic, envious and self-centered. PAUL DAVID TRIPP (1950-Present) – American Pastor, Author, Conference Speaker “We forget that God’s primary goal is not changing our situations or relationships so that we can be happy, but changing us through our situations and relationships so that we will be holy.” Yes, he is correct in saying that because God’s goal for our lives is for us to change from being less like ourselves and more like Jesus. Are you trying to change for the better? MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) – Preeminent Leader of the Indian Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Independence Movement in British-Ruled India. “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” That is very true. Because of world hunger, some poor people are simply foraging for food. They cannot think or see beyond that. Unfortunately there are many people in the world from different social classes who are just simply living for today, seeking enjoyment, pleasure, possessions, fame, status and whatever else the world has to offer. They think this world is all there is, that there is no afterlife, that their soul will die with them and that everything will be over for them. HENRY VAN DYKE (1852-1933) – American Author, Educator and Clergyman “What you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else. But what you are will be yours forever.” As the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Everything you have, when you die, will belong to somebody else. Who you are and what you are will live eternally, whether in heaven or in the lake of fire. If you are a true bornagain Christian, you will be with God, but if you are not, you will be in the lake of fire. The choice is yours. JOHN F. KENNEDY (1917 – 1963) 35th American President “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” He was absolutely correct. Without purpose and direction we labor in vain. Unfortunately many people live their lives like that. Let’s hope you are not one of them. MICHELANGELO (1475-1564) – Italian Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet, Engineer. “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” If we aim for the sun and hit the moon, we haven’t failed, but if we aim for the moon and miss, we have failed. Don’t set your sights too low because even if you succeed you really have not accomplished much. SENECA (4 BC – 65 AD) – A Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist and Humorist “While we are postponing, life goes by.” Many people keep putting things off until tomorrow and normally they don’t get done. If you are one of those people, start doing instead of postponing. You will never get anywhere if you keep postponing the inevitable or what you should do. If you don’t change that habit, you will have a mediocre life. Is that what you want? RICHARD BACH (1936 – Present) – American Author “Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” What he is saying is that you can only go as far as the limits you set for yourself. You can only go as far as you think you can go. For some people the sky is the limit, but for others it is the limits they set for themselves. RITA ZAHARA (1975 – Present) – Celebrity Chef, Author, Entrepreneur “Examine your surroundings. If there is a weak link, do something about it. If you can’t improve it, get rid of it.” It’s good advice. The weak link could be a physical object, wrong advice, negative thoughts, erroneous way of thinking or even other people. Remember, “You cannot soar with the eagles if you are hanging around with turkeys.” WILL DURANT (1885-1981)- American Author, Historian and Philosopher “Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” He hit the nail right on the head. Education is learning what we need to learn because we don’t know it. If we do not know it, we are ignorant in that area. No matter how much we know there are areas in our lives in which we have no knowledge or very little. Sometimes we need that knowledge and sometimes we don’t. One area in which many of us are ignorant is in knowing the word of God. If we knew the word of God and lived according to it, our lives would be so much easier. In Hosea 4:6, God tells us through His prophet: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priests for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Weekly Message 3, Weekly Thought Two Read More

Weekly Prayer May 29th, 2014 Posted in Uncategorized, Weekly Prayer

No Comments GOD, HAVE MERCY! (October 26, 2017) Pray for the people to repent and that God will have mercy on this planet. The people are moving farther and farther away from God and His judgment has started. You have seen all the catastrophes that have happened lately. God will hear you and maybe He will give us another chance to get close to Him. ¡DIOS, TEN MISERICORDIA! (26 de Octubre 2017) Ore para que la gente se arrepienta y para que Dios tenga misericordia con este planeta. La gente está alejándose más y más de Dios y su juicio ya ha comenzado. Hemos visto todas las catástrofes que han ocurrido recientemente. Ore para que Dios le oiga y tal vez nos dé otra oportunidad de acercarnos a él. CONTINUE PRAYING (October 19, 2017) Continue praying for the people in Mexico City, the people in Houston, Texas, the people in Puerto Rico, the people in the State of Florida, the people in the Caribbean Islands, the people in California and the people in Las Vegas, Nevada. Just because a few weeks have passed since the catastrophes it does not mean they are completely back to normal. Many of them still don’t have a place to live, they are hurting because they lost loved ones or they are recuperating from emotional, psychological or physical injuries. CONTINÚEN ORANDO (19 de Octubre 2017) Continúen orando por la gente de México, la gente de Houston, Texas, la gente de Puerto Rico, la gente del estado de Florida, la gente de las islas caribeñas, la gente de California y la gente de Las Vegas, Nevada. Simplemente porque ya han pasado varias semanas de sus catástrofes no significa que todo está bien con ellos. Muchos de ellos todavía no tienen su propio alojamiento, están recuperándose de sus heridas, o sufren por haber perdido seres queridos. THE FIRES IN CALIFORNIA (October 12, 2017) Currently there are 17 wild fires burning throughout the state of California. Thirteen people have already died and many homes and businesses have burned to the ground. Please pray for no more homes to be destroyed and for no more people to die. Also pray for the firefighters to bring the fires under complete control. Thank you for praying. LOS INCENDIOS EN CALIFORNIA (12 de Octubre 2017) Actualmente hay 17 incendios causando destrucción por todo el estado de California. Ya han muerto 13 personas y muchos hogares y negocios han sido completamente destruidos. Por favor, oren para que no muera más gente y para que no se quemen ni más casas ni edificios. Oren también para que los bomberos puedan tomar control de esos incendios. Gracias por sus oraciones. PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING THINGS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Pray for the people in Houston, Texas to get their lives back to normal. Pray for the people in Florida, USA to be able to rebuild their lives. Pray for the people in Puerto Rico have the power restored, to have enough food and water and to have access to medication and medical care. Pray for the people in the Caribbean Islands for their islands to be refurbished. Pray for the people in Mexico City and the surrounding areas affected by the earthquakes. Pray for all the people in the previous 5 items to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

OREN POR LO SIGUIENTE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Oren por la gente de Houston, Texas para que todo se normalice. Oren por la gente de la Florida, USA para que rehagan sus vidas. Oren por la gente de Puerto Rico para que tengan electricidad, comestibles, medicina y tratamiento médico. Oren por la gente caribeña para se les restauren sus islas y sus vidas Oren por la gente en la Ciudad de México y sus alrededores quienes fueron afectadas por los terremotos. Oren por toda la gente mencionada previamente para que reciban a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador CONTINUE PRAYING (September 28, 2017)

Continue praying for the people of Mexico, Florida, Puerto Rico and the ones in Houston, Texas. They are trying to put their lives back together. Some of them lost everything they had. Some of them even lost some loved ones. CONTINÚEN EN ORACIÓN (28 de Septiembre 2017) Continúen orando por la gente de México, la Florida, Puerto Rico y de Houston, Texas. Están tratando de continuar con sus vidas, pero no es fácil. Algunos de ellos perdieron todo lo que tenían, otros hasta perdieron seres queridos THREE THINGS TO PRAY FOR (September 21, 2017) 1. Pray for the people of Houston, Texas to rebuild their homes and their lives. 2. 2. Pray for the people of the Caribbean Islands, Puerto Rico and Florida to recuperate from Hurricane Irma. 3. 3. Pray for the people of Mexico City and its surroundings not to have any more earthquakes and for them to be able to bounce back. OREN POR TRES COSAS (21 de Septiembre 2017) 1. Oren por la gente de Houston, Texas que puedan continuar con sus vidas y arreglar sus viviendas. 2. Oren por la gente de las Islas Caribeñas, de Puerto Rico y de la Florida para que se recuperen del Huracán Irma. 3. Oren por la gente de la Ciudad de México y la de sus alrededores para que no les lleguen más terremotos y para que puedan continuar con sus vidas. PRAY FOR MEXICO, HOUSTON AND FLORIDA (September 14, 2017) Pray for the people of Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico as they went through a devastating earthquake. Also pray for the people of Houston and Galveston, Texas as there is much flooding and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. Last but not least, pray for the state of Florida as Hurricane Irma caused tremendous damage. OREN POR MÉXICO, HOUSTON Y LA FLORIDA (14 de Septiembre 2017) Oren por la gente de Chiapas y Oaxaca, México quienes sufrieron un terremoto devastador. También oren por la gente de Houston y Galveston, Texas, porque hay muchas inundaciones y destrucción en ambos lugares por causa del Huracán Harvey. Por último, pero no de menos importancia, oren por el estado de la Florida. El Huracán Irma causó muchísimos daños. HOUSTON AND NORTH KOREA (August 31, 2017) Pray for no more people to die because of the Houston floods and for the ones who have lost home or personal possessions for them to be restored somehow. Pray that North Korea will not attack Japan, Guam, South Korea, Hawaii or our mainland. HOUSTON Y COREA DEL NORTE (31 de Agosto 2017) Oren que no muera más gente a causa de las inundaciones en Houston, Texas y que a las personas que hayan perdido casas o posesiones se les restauren de alguna manera. Oren que Corea del Norte no ataque a Corea del Sur, Guam, Japón, Hawaii o a los Estados Unidos PRAY FOR THE RACIAL TENSIONS IN THE USA PRAY for the racial tensions in the USA to subside completely because right now it is a lose-lose situation. Also pray for our freedom of speech to be upheld and not obstructed by biases, prejudices or anything else. (8/24/17) OREN POR LAS TENSIONES RACIALES EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS OREN para que las tensiones raciales en los Estados Unidos se calmen completamente, porque como estamos todos salimos perdiendo. También oren para que podamos continuar con el privilegio de expresarnos libremente. (24 de Agosto 2017) NORTH KOREA (August 10, 2017) Pray for North Korea not to provoke the USA to war, but if it does for us to defeat them completely in a few days. Protect South Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Guam and our mainland from a North Korean attack of any kind. COREA DEL NORTE (10 de Agosto 2017) l Oren para que Corea del Norte no provoque a los Estados Unidos a la guerra, pero si lo hace que los derrotemos completamente en cuestión de días. Oren por la protección del Japón, Corea del Sur, Hawaii, Guam y a los Estados Unidos de América de cualquier ataque de Corea del Norte. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM God wants us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem continually. The Jewish people are in continual danger because all the other countries around them want to eradicate them completely. God blesses those who bless the Jewish people. Will you be one of them? (7/20/17) PRAY FOR TRUMP AND PUTIN Pray for President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to have positive discussions that will not only lead to peace between Russia and the United States, but also to the world. July 6, 2017 OREN POR TRUMP Y PUTIN Por favor, oren por el Presidente Donald Trump y Vladimir Putín para que tengan discusiones positivas las cuales no solamente nos lleven a la paz entre los Estados Unidos y Rusia, sino paz para todo el mundo también. 6 de Julio 2017 PRAY FOR NO VIOLENCE (January 19, 2017) Pray that there will be no violence in the United States this week as a result of Donald Trump becoming President, that people will accept the fact that He is the President and that He will govern with wisdom through the Holy Spirit. Use your heads: if we oppose everything Trump tries to do, all of us are going to lose. On the other hand, if we cooperate with him, all of us stand to gain. Do not be ruled or governed by emotions. Let common sense prevail. OREN QUE NO HAYA VIOLENCIA (19 de Enero 2017) Oren que no haya violencia en los Estados Unidos, ya que Donald Trump va a ser nuestro presidente, que la gente lo acepte de presidente, y que él gobierne con sabiduría por medio del Espíritu Santo. Hispanos, usen inteligencia y sabiduría. Si se oponen al presidente, llevamos todas las de perder. Trátenlo con cortesía y sabiduría para que él trate bien a los hispanos. No sean gobernados por sus emociones, sino déjense llevar por el sentido común. PRAY FOR NO VIOLENCE (January 16, 2017) Pray that there will be no violence in the United States this week as a result of Donald Trump becoming President, that people will accept the fact that He is the President and that He will govern with wisdom through the Holy Spirit. Use your heads: if we oppose everything Trump tries to do, all of us are going to lose. On the other hand, if we cooperate with him, all of us stand to gain. Do not be ruled or governed by emotions. Let common sense prevail. OREN QUE NO HAYA VIOLENCIA (16 de Enero 2017) Oren que no haya violencia en los Estados Unidos, ya que Donald Trump va a ser nuestro presidente, que la gente lo acepte de presidente, y que él gobierne con sabiduría por medio del Espíritu Santo. Hispanos, usen inteligencia y sabiduría. Si se oponen al presidente, llevamos todas las de perder. Trátenlo con cortesía y sabiduría para que él trate bien a los hispanos. No sean gobernados por sus emociones, sino déjense llevar por el sentido común. STOP THE DEMONSTRATIONS (November 17, 2016) Pray for the demonstration against Trump in the United States to stop. We are only hurting ourselves. Jesus stated it clearly in Matthew 12:22-26 – “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?” If our country – the United States of America – remains divided against itself, it will not stand. We must come together as one people. If we stand together we will not fall, but if we stand apart, we will fall just as many other countries have fallen in the past. PAREN LAS DEMOSTRACIONES (17 de Noviembre 2016) Oren para que las demonstraciones contra Trump en los Estados Unidos dejen de existir. Nos estamos lastimando nosotros mismos. En Mateo 12:22-26, Jesucristo nos dice: “Entonces fue traído a él un endemoniado, ciego y mudo; y le sanó, de tal manera que el ciego y mudo veía y hablaba. Y toda la gente estaba atónita, y decía: ¿Será éste aquel Hijo de David? Mas los fariseos, al oírlo, decían: Este no echa fuera los demonios sino por Beelzebú, príncipe de los demonios. Sabiendo Jesús los pensamientos de ellos, les dijo: Todo reino dividido contra sí mismo, es asolado, y toda ciudad o casa dividida contra sí misma, no permanecerá. Y si Satanás echa fuera a Satanás, contra sí mismo está dividido; ¿cómo, pues, permanecerá su reino?” Si nuestro país – los Estados Unidos de América – continúa dividido, no permanecerá. Tenemos que unirnos como ciudadanos de nuestro país. Si permanecemos unidos no caeremos, pero si permanecemos divididos sí caeremos como les ha sucedido a muchos otros países. HURRICANE MATTHEW (October 6, 2016) Pray for the people where Hurricane Matthew has left destruction behind: Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Bahamas and now Florida. Speak protection and blessings for them. HURACÁN MATEO (6 de Octubre 2016) Oren por la gente donde el Huracán Mateo ha dejado destrucción: Colombia, Cuba, República Dominicana, Haití, las Bahamas y ahora en la Florida. Oren protección y bendiciones para esa gente. PRAY FOR THE RACIAL DIVIDE TO CEASE IN THE USA (September 28, 2016) Pray that our policemen will use a lot more discretion in using lethal and deadly force. It seems as if many of the police killings, whether of black men or otherwise, could have been prevented. The policemen seem to be shooting indiscriminately. A loss of life affects many people and it should not be happening. There are other ways of resolving a conflict. OREN POR LA DIVISIÓN RACIAL QUE CESE EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Oren que los policías usen discreción cuando usen armas de fuego. A mi parecer muchas de las muertes de hombres negros e hispanos que la policía ha ocasionado no debían de haber sucedido. Parece que la policía dispara y hace preguntas después. La perdida de vida afecta a muchas personas y no debía estar PRAY FOR COOLER HEADS TO PREVAIL IN CHARLOTTE, NC (Sept 22, 2016) Pray for the racial violence to stop in Charlotte, North Carolina. Property is being destroyed and people could wind up getting hurt or even dying. Pray for the police to take complete control. OREN POR LA PAZ EN CHARLOTTE, CAROLINA DEL NORTE (22/09/2016) Oren para que la violencia racial ceda en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte. Están destruyendo propiedad privada y es muy posible y probable que algunos salgan lastimados o que mueran. Oren que la policía tome completo control de la situación. PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES (July 15, 2016) Please pray for the families of the people who died needlessly in Nice, France. Some victims are still alive, but in a coma or in intensive care. Pray for them to recover. Pray that any person or persons who are planning terrorist attacks around the world be captured before they can cause any harm. God bless you! ORA POR LAS FAMILIAS (15 de Julio 2016) Por favor ora por las familias de las personas quienes murieron en Niza, Francia. No se te olvide orar por las víctimas quienes están en coma o en cuidados intensivos para que se sanen. También ora que si hay una persona o personas quienes están planeando un ataque terrorista que sean descubiertas antes que pongan su plan en marcha. ¡Dios te bendiga! VICTIMS OF TORNADOES AND FLOODS (January 1, 2016) Please pray for the victims of tornadoes and floods in such places as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico, Ireland, England and the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas in the United States. Some of them have lost their homes completely and others have lost their belongings due to water damage. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA (December 3, 2015) Fourteen people were killed in San Bernardino, California and many more were injured by two or three assailants. Please pray for the families of the ones who died and pray for a complete recovery of the ones who are wounded. FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS IN PARIS (November 19, 2015) Pray for the families who lost loved ones last Friday or whose loved ones are still in the hospital in Paris. Some of those victims are in critical condition. Pray for God to give wisdom to the doctors, so that some lives will be spared. THE POOR SYRIAN PEOPLE (October 8, 2015) Pray for the truly innocent Syrian people. They are being attacked by their own government, by Russia, by the rebels and by ISIS. As if that were not enough, the United States is furnishing arms to the rebels. No wonder they are fleeing their country and trying to find asylum in European countries. The innocent people are just caught in the middle in what seems to be a hopeless situation. PRAY FOR THE SYRIAN CRISIS TO END (September 10, 2015) I don’t know who is right and who is wrong in Syria. I just know that many innocent people are being killed, injured, and displaced from their homeland. Please pray for the will of God to be done and for there to be a solution to that problem. SYRIA AND COLOMBIA – September 4, 2015 Please pray for the violence to be over in Syria. Many people have died, others are dying, being wounded or being driven out of their home country. Pray for the Colombian people who were living or are still living in Venezuela. Many of them have already been deported. They were forced to leave behind properties, belongings, jobs, friends and relatives. Some of them are being deported as you read this. Pray for Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela, and his government to be overthrown one way or another. They are headed for communism, socialism and a dictatorship. PRAY FOR YOUR COUNTRY (July 4, 2015) If your country is moving away from God as the United States is, pray that it will come back to its first love, which is Jesus. If your country has never been close to God, pray that the Holy Spirit will move there in a mighty way. For God nothing is impossible (Mark 10:27). PRAY FOR NINE FAMILIES – June 20, 2015 Nine families in Charleston, South Carolina lost a member of their family when that crazy man walked into a church and killed nine people. Pray for those poor families. Dying a natural death is bad, dying in an accident is worse, but dying due to violence is horrible and unspeakable. May our Lord Jesus be with those families now and forever. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN TEXAS (May 28, 2015) The State of Texas is going through terrible flooding with no relief in sight. Please pray for the rains to subside, for people’s homes not to be damaged, and for people not to suffer or die as a result of the floods. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN NEPAL (May 1, 2015) Please pray for the people of Nepal. The ones that did not lose their lives, lost their homes, family members, health, businesses, and jobs. Pray that God will provide whatever help they need in every area of their lives. Please Pray For: April 16, 2015 ENOUGH OF PERSECUTION Seventy years have passed since the Holocaust – one of the darkest and worst periods in history. We haven’t learned, as the evil of anti-Semitism (hatred against the Jews) lives on and on. As Israel observes Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), let us continue to pray for the chains of ignorance, darkness and hatred to be loosened and for the persecuted Jewish people, as well as the persecuted Christians around the world to be set free from this bondage of hatred, discrimination and atrocities committed against them. December 18, 2014 NEED URGENT PRAYER! Please pray with lots of faith for God to heal Charlsie Wadley. She is a young lady in her thirties in CCU in Tomball Regional Hospital in Tomball, Texas. She has been in a coma since 12/11/14. May our Lord bless you for being obedient to His calling. PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF 11/20-26/14 Please pray all week that we are going to have evangelization and revival in Northern Nevada and parts of Northern California. May our Lord bless you! PRAY FOR REVIVAL (November 13, 2014) Pray for revival in Northern Nevada, USA and parts of California. If you want God’s blessings, pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem. God bless you!!! PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK- November 6, 2014 Please pray all week, and even after that if you are a firm believer, that there will be a spiritual revival in Northern Nevada (Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Fallon, Sun Valley, Stead, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Yerington, etc.) in the year 2015. May our God bless you for praying. DEFEAT ISIS (September 18, 2014) Pray that the United States will form a coalition of many nations, and that together they will completely defeat, dismantle and destroy ISIS. Also prevent ISIS from beheading anymore victims. PROTECTION FOR ISRAEL – July 24, 2014 Pray for God to protect the Jewish soldiers and the Jewish people during this conflict with Hamas and the Palestine people. Ask God to give Israel a resounding victory, so that there won’t be any more terrorist attacks by Hamas the rest of this year, and hopefully also next year. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM (July 17, 2014) As you well know there is a conflict going on between Israel and the Hamas group, a terrorist organization, who lives in Palestine and constantly keeps attacking the Jewish people. Pray for 4 things: 1. that no Jewish people will be killed or injured. 2. that Israel will have a complete victory. 3. that the will of God will be done. 4. that there will be peace in Jerusalem.

PRAY FOR THE ELECTIONS IN COLOMBIA On the 15th of this month – June – they will vote for President in Colombia. Juan Manuel Santos, the current President, is running again. He sympathizes with Cuba, Venezuela and Ecuador. All those countries have gone to the left toward dictatorship. He wants to pardon completely the FARC members who have killed many people and just about destroyed Colombia completely. The other candidate is Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, who wants the members of the FARC to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for all the crimes they have committed. Pray for Zuluaga to win because that would almost guarantee that Colombia would not become another communist nation or a dictatorship. Read More

Weekly Thought Two May 1st, 2014 Posted in Weekly Thought

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IT’S ONLY SIN WHEN YOU ACT ON IT Temptation is not a sin, but it does become a sin if you act on it. Doubting is not a sin, but you should not remain in it. You should investigate the truth and be certain. Ignorance is not a sin, but you should seek the truth and not remain ignorant. If you remain ignorant you have no one to blame but yourself. SOLAMENTE ES PECADO CUANDO LO HACES La tentación no es pecado, pero sí se convierte en eso si le pones acción. La duda no es pecado, pero no debes permanecer en ella. Debes investigar la verdad para salir de la duda. La ignorancia no es pecado, pero debes ir tras la verdad, y no permanecer en aquella. Si permaneces en la ignorancia solamente te puedes culpar a ti mismo.

IF THERE WERE NO GOD If there were no God we would not need to celebrate Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving. If there were no God we probably would not be alive because this planet, if it actually existed, would be totally uninhabitable as many other planets are. If there were no God, and if by some unexplainable reason we were alive, we would be living by instinct as the animals do. We would not know the difference between right and wrong. It would be dog eat dog, survival of the fittest and the bigger fish would devour the smaller ones. Just think about it! SI NO HUBIERA DIOS Si no hubiera Dios no necesitaríamos celebrar la Navidad, el Año Nuevo o las Pascuas. Si no hubiera Dios lo más probable es que no viviríamos porque este planeta, si en realidad existiera sería inhabitable como los otros planetas. Si no hubiera Dios, y por alguna razón inexplicable sí hubiera vida, viviríamos por instinto como los animales. No sabríamos la diferencia entre el bien y el mal. Se trataría de que sobrevivieran los más fuertes, de matar para sobrevivir y de que el pez más grande se comiera al más pequeño. ¡Simplemente piénsalo

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS REALLY ABOUT? Most people celebrate Christmas or winter break, as they call it now, but they have no idea what it is truly about. Christmas is about the divine, the holy, the almighty, the sovereign, the all-knowing, the all-seeing, the all-hearing, the all-encompassing, the loving, the eternal, the compassionate, the merciful, the caring, the creator-of-all life, and the creator God of everything that exists emptying Himself completely of Himself in order to become a totally defenseless human baby (part of His own creation) to make salvation available to any and every human being who repents and receives Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His desire is to save us from sin, the devil and even from ourselves. ¿EN REALIDAD, DE QUÉ SE TRATA LA NAVIDAD? Mucha gente celebra la navidad o las vacaciones invernales, como le llaman ahora, sin saber cuál es su verdadero significado. La navidad se trata de un Dios divino, santo, todopoderoso, soberano, compasivo, misericordioso, cariñoso, eterno, que todo lo sabe, lo ve todo, lo oye todo, todo lo cubre, que es puro amor, creador de toda clase de vida, y creador de todo lo que existe quien se desocupó completamente de sí mismo para poder nacer como bebé humano (ser parte de su misma creación) totalmente indefenso para ofrecerle salvación – vida eterna con él – a toda persona que se arrepienta y reciba a Jesucristo como su Señor y Salvador. Él desea salvarnos del pecado, del diablo y de nosotros mismos.

BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS This Christmas season be a blessing to the persons in need. The scriptures say: Proverb 14:21 – “Blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” Psalm 107:9 – “(The Lord) satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Proverb 22:9 – “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers…be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” BENDICE AL PRÓJIMO Esta temporada navideña bendice a otras personas quienes lo necesitan. Las escrituras dicen: Proverbio 14:21 – “Peca el que menosprecia a su prójimo; Mas el que tiene misericordia de los pobres es bienaventurado.” Salmo 107:9 – “Porque (Dios) sacia al alma menesterosa, y llena de bien al alma hambrienta.” Proverbio 22:9 - “El ojo (la persona) misericordioso será bendito, porque dio de su pan al indigente.” Deuteronomio 15:7-8 – “Cuando haya en medio de ti menesteroso de alguno de tus hermanos en alguna de tus ciudades, en la tierra que Jehová tu Dios te da, no endurecerás tu corazón, ni cerrarás tu mano contra tu hermano pobre, sino abrirás a él tu mano liberalmente, y en efecto le prestarás lo que necesite.” Lucas 6:38 – “ Da, y se te dará; medida buena, apretada, remecida y rebosando darán en tu regazo; porque con la misma medida con que mides, te volverán a medir.” 2 Corintios 9:7 – “Cada uno dé como propuso en su corazón: no con tristeza, ni por necesidad, porque Dios ama al dador alegre.

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS (November 30, 2017) If there is an act of kindness you would really appreciate somebody doing for you, this week find two people and bless them with it. You will feel so much better than if somebody had done it for you. UN ACTO DE BONDAD (30 de Noviembre 2017) Si hay un acto de bondad que apreciarías muchísimo si alguien te lo hiciera a ti, esta semana busca dos personas merecidas y bendícelas con lo mismo. Te sentirás mucho más feliz que si te lo hubieran hecho a ti. GIVE THANKS TO GOD Way back in 1620 the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for several reasons. 1. They had survived the harsh winter. 2. They had a good crop. 3. They were in a new land. 4. They had freedom of religion. They did not have to belong to the Church of England. We ought to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks to God for: 1. Having the privilege of living in one of the best countries in the world. 2. Being able to worship God freely. 3. Having a good family or good friends. 4. Being able to walk down the street without being afraid of being shot or being arrested as it happens in the Communist countries and dictatorships. 5. Being in good health if we are enjoying good health. 6. Being able to vote on several issues. 7. Being able to find and buy any item we need. In some countries that is not possible. I am sure, if you stop think and meditate, that you can find many more reasons for being thankful. http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] DALE GRACIAS A DIOS En el año 1620 los Peregrinos le dieron gracias a Dios por varias razones. 1. Habían sobrevivido un invierno duro. 2. Tuvieron buena cosecha. 3. Estaban en una tierra nueva. 4. Tenían libertad de religión. No tenían que pertenecer a la iglesia de Inglaterra. Debemos celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias dándole gracias a Dios por: 1. Tener el privilegio de vivir en uno de los mejores países del mundo. 2. Poder alabar a Dios libremente. 3. Tener buena familia o buenos amigos. 4. Poder caminar por la calle sin temer que nos maten o de ser arrestados como sucede en los países comunistas o en las dictaduras. 5. Tener buena salud disfrutando la vida. 6. Poder votar por varias cosas. 7. Poder encontrar y comprar cualquier prenda que necesitemos. En algunos países eso no es posible. Estoy seguro si piensas y meditas que puedes encontrar otras razones por darle gracias a Dios.

http://thelivinglights.com/ [email protected] [email protected] (11/23 IT IS NOT NECESSARILY CORRECT (November 16, 2017) Just because there is a consensus which way to vote on a certain decision, public opinion favors it, a permissive society tolerates it, or many people agree it is the right thing to do, it does not necessarily make it right. Many German people agreed it was correct to annihilate the Jewish people. Was it correct? Of course not! Some states have decided to marry man with man and woman with woman. Is it correct? Have you seen homosexual horses, cats or dogs or lesbian lionesses or chickens? Society has accepted abortions, which is the killing of fetuses. Is it correct? Ask God. He is the only one who is the author of life. Millions of Catholic people think the priests or the pope can forgive their sins. Are they correct? Of course not!! Only God can forgive our sins. Many TV evangelists ask us to send money, and God will perform a miracle for us. Are they correct? Not at all! Nobody can buy a miracle. God is sovereign and He will do it if it is His will, not ours or the evangelist’s. NO ES NECESARIAMENTE CORRECTO (16 de Noviembre 2017) Simplemente porque entre la gente hay consenso como votar en alguna decisión, porque la opinión pública la favorece, la sociedad permisiva la tolera, o porque mucha gente está de acuerda con ella no significa que es la acción correcta que se debe tomar. Muchos alemanes estuvieron de acuerdo que era lo correcto terminar con la raza judía. ¿Fue lo correcto? ¡Claro que no! Algunos estados y países han decidido permitir casar hombre con hombre y mujer con mujer. ¿Es lo correcto? ¿Has visto perros, gatos y caballos homosexuales o leonas y gallinas lesbianas? Las sociedades han aceptado los abortos, el matar a los fetos antes que nazcan los niños. ¿Es eso correcto? Pregúntaselo a Dios. Él es el único que debe dar y quitar la vida. Millones de católicos piensan que los curas o el papa les pueden perdonar sus pecados. ¿Es eso correcto? ¡Claro que no! Dios es el único que puede perdonar los pecados. Muchos evangelistas por la televisión predican que si les mandamos cierta cantidad de dinero Dios nos hará el milagro que le pidamos. ¿Están en lo cierto? Para nada. Los milagros no se compran. Dios es soberano, y él nos hace el milagro si tenemos fe y si es su voluntad. No tiene nada que ver con si le enviamos dinero al evangelista o no.

FOR US THERE IS SO MUCH MORE For the pets there is survival, love and care from their masters. For the wild animals there is only survival of the fittest. However for us human beings there is so much more. Not only do most of us have love, but we have provision and protection. On top of that we have minds that are unlimited in their potential. That allows us to communicate effectively with each other, to care for one another, to help each other and to pass laws that help our society run as smoothly as possible. Of course there is so much more than what I mentioned, but the most important thing we have is that we have a loving God who made it possible for us to have salvation and to spend eternity with Him. It is free, but if, for one reason or another, we decide we would rather spend eternity in the lake of fire suffering and burning with the devil and his demons, God allows us to do exactly that. That is called free will. God is asking you right now, where will you spend eternity? PARA NOSOTROS HAY MUCHO MÁS Los animales mascotas reciben cariño y cuidado de sus amos para sobrevivir. En los animales salvajes solamente sobreviven los más fuertes. Sin embargo para nosotros los humanos hay mucho más. No solamente tenemos amor, sino que también tenemos protección y provisión. Y hay más…tenemos mentes con un potencial ilimitado. Eso nos permite comunicarnos eficazmente, amarnos, ayudarnos y pasar leyes las cuales nos ayudan para que la sociedad funcione suavemente. Claro, hay mucho más de lo que yo mencioné, pero lo más importante que tenemos es un Dios que nos ama y que lo hizo posible para que pasemos la eternidad con él. La salvación es gratuita, pero si, por alguna razón u otra, decidimos pasar la eternidad sufriendo y quemándonos con el diablo y sus demonios en el lago de fuego, Dios nos lo permite. Eso se llama albedrío. En este momento Dios te pregunta…¿Dónde quieres pasar la eternidad? DO YOU HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE? Do you have a purpose in life or are you just living for living? If you don’t have a purpose, find one, because otherwise you are just meandering aimlessly, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Don’t be at the mercy of fate. Make your own destiny. Leave a legacy that will make you and others proud. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and the rest will fall into place. ¿TIENES PROPÓSITO EN LA VIDA? ¿Tienes propósito en la vida o simplemente vives por vivir? Si no tienes propósito, encuentra uno, porque si no, vas a serpentear tontamente sin saber adónde irás mañana o lo que te pasará. No vivas a la misericordia del destino. Forja tu propio camino. Deja un legado que te enorgullezca a ti y también a tus descendientes. Permite que el Espíritu Santo te guíe y el resto caerá en su lugar. THE MEANING OF LIFE (October 26, 2017) He who does not know the meaning of life looks for it in money, possessions, position, fame, power and in people, but he never finds it in those things. Whoever knows the meaning of life knows it, because he has found it in Jesus Christ. EL SIGNIFICADO DE LA VIDA (26 de Octubre 2017) El que no sabe el significado de la vida lo busca en el dinero, las posesiones, la posición, la fama, el poder y en personas, pero no lo encuentra en esos sitios. Quienes saben el significado de la vida lo saben, porque lo han encontrado en Jesucristo. WHOM ARE YOU PLEASING? (October 19, 2017) If you are trying to please everyone, you will probably wind up pleasing no one – not even yourself. If you are trying to just please yourself, you will probably not please many people and especially not God. If you try to please God, you will probably please yourself, please many others and will please God. That’s a win-win situation. ¿A QUIÉN ESTÁS COMPLACIENDO? (19 de Octubre 2017) Si tratas de complacer al mundo, lo más probable es que no vas a complacer a nadie, ni a ti mismo. Si tratas de complacerte a ti mismo, vas a complacer a muy poca gente y de seguro no complacerás a Dios. Si tratas de complacer a Dios, te vas a complacer a ti mismo, a varias personas, y de seguro a Dios. LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS (October 12, 2017) When the light comes to a dark place, the darkness disappears. When a positive person comes to a negative place, his presence energizes the atmosphere. When a winning coach takes over a losing team, his winning ways influence the players. When a true born-again Christian comes to where there are unbelievers, God’s presence takes over. LA LUZ VENCE LA OSCURIDAD (12 de Octubre 2017) Cuando la luz llega a un sitio oscuro, la oscuridad desaparece. Cuando una persona positiva llega a un lugar negativo, su presencia hace funcionar la energía en una manera positiva. Cuando un entrenador ganador toma las riendas de un equipo perdedor, su manera ganadora influencia a los jugadores. Cuando un verdadero cristiano está con algunos incrédulos, la presencia de Dios toma el control. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW (October 5, 2017) Many people find out the hard way that it is not really about what you know, but rather about how you use what you know and also about who you know. You have to find the most effective way to use what you know and also you have to make the right contacts. NO SE TRATA DE LO QUE SABES (5 de Octubre 2017) Desafortunadamente mucha gente se da cuenta que no se trata de cuanto sabe uno, sino de cómo utiliza lo que sabe y a quien conoce. Uno tiene que buscar y encontrar la manera más eficaz de utilizar lo que uno sabe, y también de hacer los contactos más favorables. GOD IS LOOKING FOR YOU (September 28, 2017) God is not looking for powerful, wealthy, intelligent or talented people. He is looking for people who are looking for Him and who make themselves available. That means He is looking for you. If you look for Him, you are going to find Him and He is going to help you, so you can make treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). DIOS TE ESTÁ BUSCANDO (28 de Septiembre 2017) Dios no anda buscando gente poderosa, rica, inteligente o talentosa. Anda buscando gente que lo esté buscando a él, y que esté disponible. Te anda buscando a ti. Si tú lo buscas, él se dejará encontrar para ayudarte a que hagas tesoros en el cielo (Mateo 6:19-21). ARE YOU READY? (September 21, 2017) Catastrophes are happening around the world, are you ready for one? If one were to happen where you live, are you equipped to survive it? If you were to die today or tomorrow, are you ready to meet your maker? You don’t know when a catastrophe may strike or when you will die, so it would behoove you to be ready. ¿ESTÁS PREPARADO? (21 de Septiembre 2017) Las catástrofes están ocurriendo por todo el mundo, ¿estás preparado si ocurre una? Si una sucediera donde vives, ¿tienes lo necesario para sobrevivir? Si murieras hoy o mañana, ¿estás preparado para encontrarte con Dios? Ni sabes cuando pueda ocurrir una catástrofe ni cuando morirás, sería bueno que estuvieras preparado. IT’S NOT MOTHER NATURE (September 14, 2017) Every time there is a catastrophe caused by fire, earthquakes, floods or anything of that sort, people say: “Mother Nature caused it.” If we read the Bible, every time some major catastrophe happened it was sent by God as punishment for the way the people were living. No matter how much the people of those days were sinning, the people of today are sinning more. Yes, God has removed His hand of protection from us and catastrophes are happening all over the globe. Read Genesis 7:11-17, and you will find out that God sent the flood because of the way the people were living. He only saved Noah and his family because they were living a righteous lives. If you read Genesis 19:22-25, you will find out that God had Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed because the people were living gay – style lives. In Exodus 14:26-28, you will read that God destroyed the Pharaoh and his army because they were pursuing God’s chosen people – the Jews. I could give you more examples from the Bible, but hopefully by now you understand that God does expect us to live a godly life and not a devilish one. Guess what? It’s not Mother Nature controlling the weather, but God. NO ES LA MADRE NATURALEZA (14 de Septiembre 2017) Cada vez que ocurre una catástrofe causada por fuego, terremotos, inundaciones o cualquier otra cosa, la gente dice: “Fue la Madre Naturaleza.” Si leemos la biblia cada vez que ocurría una gran catástrofe, Dios la había mandado por los pecados de la gente. Pero ni importa cuánto haya pecado la gente de esos tiempos, la gente de la actualidad está pecando mucho más. Sí, Dios ha removido su mano de protección que tenía sobre nosotros, y ha permitido que nos lleguen las catástrofes. Por eso están ocurriendo por todo el mundo. Lea Génesis 7:11-17, y descubrirá que Dios envió el diluvio por la manera que estaba viviendo la gente. Solamente salvó a Noé y a su familia, porque eran los únicos justos en todo el mundo. Si lee Génesis 19:22-25, se enterará que Dios mandó destruir a Sodoma y Gomorra, porque la gente estaba viviendo un estilo de vida de homosexualidad. En Éxodo 14:26-28, encontrará que Dios destruyó al faraón con todo su ejército por perseguir a su pueblo escogido – los judíos. Puedo darle más ejemplos de la biblia, pero es posible que ya entienda que Dios desea que vivamos una vida justa y no una diabólica. ¿Sabe qué? No es la Madre Naturaleza la que controla el tiempo, sino Dios. HOW LONG WOULD THE HUMAN RACE HAVE LASTED? If every single male were a homosexual and if every single woman were a lesbian, how long would the human race last? It definitely gives you something to think about. if God had given Adam and Eve the opportunity to choose their sex and both of them had chosen the same sex or both of them had been gay, how long would the human race have lasted? It’s just something to think about. Don’t get mad at me, just think about it! ¿CUÁNTO TIEMPO HUBIERA DURADO LA RAZA HUMANA? Si cada hombre fuera homosexual y si cada mujer fuera lesbiana, ¿cuánto tiempo duraría la raza humana? Simplemente algo en qué pensar. Si Dios les hubiera dado la oportunidad a Adán y a Eva de escoger el sexo que quisieran, y ambos hubieran escogido el mismo sexo o si ambos hubieran sido “gay,” ¿cuánto tiempo hubiera durado la raza humana? Solamente les doy algo en qué pensar. No se enojen conmigo, simplemente piensen en lo que dije. HAVE A DAILY REASON FOR LIVING (August 31, 2017) Always have something to look forward to, a reason for living, something that will give you hope and will bring you pleasure. If you do that, the difficult times and the negative days will seem to go by faster for you and you will be a happier person. When you are going through difficulties, think: “This too will pass.” Guess what? Before you know it, if you keep a positive attitude, it will pass. Tough times come and go. The best thing to do is not to let them derail us. TEN UNA RAZÓN COTIDIANA POR VIVIR (31 de Agosto 2017) Siempre debes estar esperando que algo bueno suceda que te dé placer y esperanzas para que tengas una razón por vivir. Si haces eso, cuando lleguen las dificultades y los días severos te parecerá que pasan más rápidamente y disfrutarás de más felicidad. Cuando estés pasando por tiempos difíciles, piensa: “Esto también pasará.” ¿Sabes qué? Si mantienes una actitud positiva, cuando menos pienses ya habrán pasado. Las dificultades vienen y se van. Lo mejor que puedes hacer es no dejar que te descarrilen. DO YOU BELIEVE IN EVOLUTION? It takes a lot more faith to believe in evolution than it does to believe in God – a Supreme Creator. Let’s break down the living things into two groups: the invertebrates and the vertebrates. There are around 50 million vertebrates and millions upon millions of invertebrates. If you believe in evolution that means that each form of life had to evolve. If there is no form of intelligence behind their evolution, then they would continue evolving forever. That does not seem to be the case or humans would have become extinct already. There would be no dogs as they would have kept on evolving into something else. That cycle would continue eternally. Let’s suppose that evolution created a male horse. Without a female horse it could not reproduce itself. It would take an intelligent mind to be able to create both male and female. That holds true for the other animals, as well as for humans. Let’s suppose that the big bang did happen. The matter that made it possible for the big bang to happen had to be created by someone. Nothing comes from nothing and nothing happens, unless someone or something causes it to happen. I prefer to call that something or someone God. (8/24/17) ¿CREES EN LA EVOLUCIÓN? Toma mucha más fe creer en la evolución que creer en Dios – un ser supremo creador de todo. Hablemos de dos grupos que tienen vida: los invertebrados y los vertebrados. Hay, más o menos, 50 millones de vertebrados, y millones de millones de invertebrados. Si crees en la evolución eso significa que cada clase de vida tuvo que evolucionar. Si no hay algo o alguien inteligente detrás de la evolución, entonces toda forma de vida continuaría evolucionando hasta llegar a ser otra forma de vida. Ese ciclo continuaría eternamente. Ese no parece ser el caso, porque todavía hay humanos, perros, gatos, etcétera. Supongamos que la evolución le dio vida al primer caballo, pero sin yegua la raza no hubiera continuado, porque no podría reproducirse. Hubiera tomado alguna inteligencia para crear macho y hembra. Lo mismo tuviera que ocurrir con otros animales. Supongamos que “el big bang” si ocurrió. La materia que hizo posible que ocurriera tendría que haber sido creada por algo o alguien. Nada viene de la nada, y nada se produce a menos que alguien o algo cause que suceda. Yo prefiero llamarle a ese algo o a esa entidad Dios. (24 de Agosto 2017) WHERE IS OUR COUNTRY HEADED? Where will our country be in one year, two, three or four if the Democrats, the news media and the TV personnel keep fighting President Donald Trump? Since it’s a lose-lose situation, I actually hate to think where we will be. What would happen if those same people instead of fighting the President would try to help him make this a better place for all of us? I personally think it would be a win-win situation for all of us. If our country gets defeated, destroyed and becomes a third-world country, it will not be by any foreign power. We will be the guilty ones. We don’t need any enemies – we are the enemy. ¿HACIA DONDE VA NUESTRO PAIS? ¿Dónde estará nuestro país en uno, dos, tres o cuatro años si los demócratas, los medios de comunicación y los personajes de la televisión continúan atacando al presidente Donald Trump? Siendo que es una situación de perder para todos, no quiero pensar donde estaremos. ¿Qué pasaría si esas mismas personas en vez de atacar al presidente le ayudarían para que este lugar fuera mejor para todos nosotros? Yo personalmente pienso que sería una buena situación para todos nosotros. Si nuestro país termina siendo derrotado, destruido o se convierte en un país del tercer mundo, no será a causa de un poder extranjero. Nosotros mismos seremos los culpables. No necesitamos enemigos – nosotros somos el enemigo. WHO IS YOUR MASTER? Do you have a master? It’s even possible you may not know who or what it is. Take an inventory as to where you spend your money, your time and your thoughts. Wherever you spend most of your money, time or thoughts that is your god and your master. Is it sports? Drugs? Alcohol? Work? Friends? Sex? Vehicles? Watching TV? Listening to music? Shopping? Playing video games? Surfing through the Internet? Gossiping? Texting? Reading the Bible? Praying? Serving God? (8/10/17) ¿QUIÉN ES TU AMO? ¿Tienes amo? Es posible que ni sepas quien es o que es. Toma inventario de donde pasas la mayor parte de tu tiempo, en que placeres gastas tu dinero, en que piensas, y entonces sabrás quien es tu dios o tu amo. ¿Son los deportes? ¿Las drogas? ¿El licor? ¿El trabajo? ¿Los coches? ¿El sexo? ¿Mirando la televisión? ¿Escuchando música? ¿Ir de compras? ¿Jugando juegos de video? ¿Paseando por el internet? ¿Chismeando? ¿Texteando? ¿Leyendo la biblia? ¿Orando? ¿Haciendo la voluntad de Dios? (10 de Agosto 2017) BCAUSE OF WHO GOD IS (August 3, 2017) I reach out to people in love not necessarily because of who they are, but rather because of who God is and who I am. POR QUIEN ES DIOS (3 de Agosto 2017) Yo les extiendo cariño a los demás no necesariamente por quienes son, sino por quien es Dios y por quién soy yo. STOP WAITING (July 27, 2017) Stop waiting for prince charming or princess charming to come into your life, for the perfect job to come to you, or for the brand new car to fall out of the sky. Instead of waiting, get the best out of every moment and enjoy it. YA NO ESPERES (27 de Julio 2017) Ya no esperes que te llegue el príncipe galán o la princesa bella a tu vida, ni que te llegue el perfecto empleo, o que te caiga del cielo el coche más hermoso del año. En vez de esperar, sácale lo mejor a cada momento y disfrútalo PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS (July 20, 2017) It does not matter how big your church is, how many weekly services you have, how much money you take in, how good your sermons are or any other factor. What really matters is… Has there been an inner change in you? Are you living by godly principles? Are you actually doing what Jesus would do if He were here in person? PASTORES Y LÍDERES CRISTIANOS (20 de Julio 2017) No importa que tan grande sea su iglesia, cuantos servicios tenga por semana, cuanto dinero reciba semanalmente, que tan buenos sean sus sermones ni cualquier otro factor. Lo que importa es…¿Hay cambio en su vida? ¿Está viviendo por principios cristianos? ¿Hace lo que haría Jesucristo si él estuviera físicamente aquí en persona? ARE YOU AT PEACE WITH EVERYONE? (13 July 2017) Since we don’t have a lease on life you could possibly die today or tomorrow. Are you at peace with all your relatives? Have you forgiven the people who have hurt you? If we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. Even if it was not your fault, make peace with the members of your family and forgive whoever has hurt you. If you do, you will have peace of mind, a clear conscience and you will sleep without a care in the world. God bless you! ¿ESTÁS EN PAZ CON TODO EL MUNDO? (13 de Julio 2017) Siendo que no tenemos la vida comprada puedes morir hoy o mañana. ¿Estás en paz con todos los miembros de tu familia? ¿Has perdonado a los que te han lastimado? Si no perdonamos al prójimo, Dios no nos perdona a nosotros. Aunque no haya sido tu culpa, haz las paces con todos los miembros de tu familia inmediata y lejana y perdono a los que te hayan lastimado. Si lo haces, tendrás paz mental, una conciencia limpia y podrás dormir profundamente a tu gusto como si no tuvieras ningún problema. ¡Que Dios te bendiga! IT’S NOT WHAT YOU HAVE It’s not how intelligent, how wise or what you have that really counts. What counts is what you do with what you have. Make the most of what you have and make the most out of every situation and you will be successful. NO SE TRATA DE LO QUE TIENES No se trata de que tan inteligente seas, o que tan sabio seas, ni de lo que tengas que cuenta. Lo que cuenta es lo que haces o hagas con lo que tienes. Saca lo mejor de lo que tengas, y saca lo mejor de cada situación y serás un CHILDHOOD (June 29, 2017) Childhood and sadness should be incompatible. Yet there are millions of children around the world who are having a sad childhood. There are many reasons for that. Poverty and false religions or sects probably hurt more children than anything else. However, there are other factors, such as absent parents, parents on drugs, violent parents, relatives sexually abusing children and other reasons. If you are a contributing factor to the sadness of a child or children, remember that God is going to judge you severely. In Matthew 18:5-6, Jesus said: “… whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” I think Jesus made it quite clear how he feels about people who hurt children and how He will deal with those people. LA INFANCIA (29 de Junio 2017) La niñez y la tristeza deben ser incompatibles. Sin embargo, hay millones de niños en el mundo quienes están viviendo una niñez de pura tristeza. Hay muchas razones, pero las más preeminentes parecen ser la pobreza, el hambre y ciertas religiones o sectas. Sin embargo hay otros factores como la ausencia de los padres, los padres drogadictos, los padres violentos, los parientes quienes abusan sexualmente de los niños y otros más. Si eres un factor contribuyente a la tristeza de los niños, recuerda que Dios te juzgará severamente. En Mateo 18:5-6, Jesucristo dijo: “ Y cualquiera que reciba en mi nombre a un niño como este, a mí me recibe. Y cualquiera que haga tropezar a alguno de estos pequeños que creen en mí, mejor le fuera que se le colgase al cuello una piedra de molino de asno, y que se le hundiese en lo profundo del mar.” A mi parecer Jesucristo esclareció bien su posición de qué piensa de las personas quienes abusan de los niños y cómo las castigará. YOU ARE CONFORMING (June 22, 2017) People want to be different, yet they are conforming. If only one person had a tattoo he would be different, but since thousands or millions of them have them, they are simply copy cats. If one person had his hair cut very short on the sides and had it longer on top, he would be different and a nonconformist, but since thousands of them are doing that, each one of them is simply one of many. In trying to be different they are the same. ERES SIMPLEMENTE OTRO CONFORMISTA (22 de Junio 2017) La gente quiere ser diferente, pero es conformista. Si solamente una persona tuviera tatuajes sería diferente, pero como miles o millones los tienen, es simplemente un copiador. Si solamente una persona se cortara el pelo corto de los lados y se lo dejara más largo arriba sería diferente, pero como todo el mundo está haciendo lo mismo, esa persona es simplemente otro conformista. Los que tratan de ser diferentes terminan por ser iguales a los otros. GOD IS LOOKING FOR YOU (6/8/17) God is not necessarily looking for strong, intelligent, wealthy and famous people. He is looking for you. That’s right! He is looking for humble, sincere and honest people who are willing to listen to Him and to be obedient. He wants to work through you. He will provide the wisdom, strength, intelligence and any support you may need to do His will. Are you available? DIOS TE ANDA BUSCANDO (8 de Junio 2017) Dios no anda necesariamente en busca de personas fuertes, inteligentes, ricas ni famosas. Te busca a ti. ¡Así es! Él busca gente humilde, sincera y honrada quienes desean obedecerle. Desea obrar por medio de ti para hacer sus obras. Te proveerá la sabiduría, la fuerza, la inteligencia y el todo el apoyo que necesites para cumplir con su voluntad. ¿Estás disponible? DO NOT BE INDIFFERENT People who are indifferent will never make a difference. They do not want to get involved, because if they do they have to act and that’s what they don’t want to do. Even God does not like people who are indifferent. In Revelation 3:16, God tells us that He is going to spit out the people who are lukewarm. Let’s hope you are not an indifferent or a lukewarm person. (June 1, 2017) NO SEAS INDIFERENTE Los que son indiferentes jamás harán la diferencia. No quieren involucrarse, porque si lo hacen tienen que actuar, y eso es lo que no quieren hacer. Ni Dios quiere a la gente indiferente. En Apocalipsis 3:16, Dios nos dice que vomitará a las personas tibias. Esperamos que no seas una de esas personas tibias o indiferentes. (1 Junio 2017) THE CONQUEST OF FEAR (May 25, 2017) Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it. In spite of fear, people have accomplished tremendous feats because the situation called for it. The most unlikely hero can rise up to the occasion when he is confronted with a dangerous situation without a way out. LA CONQUISTA DEL MIEDO (25 de Mayo 2017) La valentía no es la ausencia del miedo o temor, sino su conquista. A pesar de tener miedo, mucha gente ha logrado tremendos hechos de valentía, porque la situación lo requería. La persona menos adecuada para ser héroe lo ha sido al encontrarse en una situación peligrosa sin salida. IT’S ABOUT WHAT YOU DO (May 18, 2017) It’s not about how intelligent you are, how much money you have or how many possessions you have acquired. It’s about what you do with what you have and about receiving Jesus Christ in your life as your Lord and Savior. SE TRATA DE LO QUE HAGAS (18 de Mayo 2017) No se trata de qué tan inteligente seas, de cuánto dinero tengas ni de cuántas posesiones hayas adquirido. Se trata de lo que hagas con lo que tengas y de recibir a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. GOD WORKS WITH MATH God enjoys multiplication. That’s why He told Adam and Eve be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), but He doesn’t like division. As a consequence He cast the Devil and his fallen angels out of heaven (Revelation 12:9). God does not like subtraction, but He enjoys addition (Isaiah 38:5). With a heavy heart He subtracts from those who don’t produce and are disobedient to Him (Matthew 25:29). DIOS OBRA CON LA MATEMÁTICA A Dios le encanta la matemática. Por eso les dijo a Adán y a Eva que fueran fructíferos y multiplicaran (Génesis 1:28), pero no le gusta la división. Por consecuencia arrojó a Satanás y a sus ángeles caídos fuera del cielo (Apocalipsis 12:9). A Dios no le gustan las restas, pero le encantan las sumas (Isaías 38:5). Con mucho pesar, él les quita a los que le son desobedientes quienes no producen (Mateo 25:29). DO THE BEST YOU CAN No matter what you do, do the best you can. If you do that, you will not feel guilty, regardless of the results. When you are doing the best you can, hope for the best and pray to God to help you achieve the best possible results. HAZ LO MEJOR QUE PUEDAS No importa en qué actividad estés participando, haz lo mejor que puedas. Si haces eso, no te sentirás culpable de los resultados sean como sean. Cuando hagas lo mejor que puedas, espera los mejores resultados y órale a Dios que te ayude a lograr los mejores resultados posibles. LOVE DOES NOT MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND (April 27, 2017) Love does not make the world go round, but it sure can bring you lots of happiness. If you love people, most of them will love you back. If you love God, He will love you unconditionally. If you are sad, frustrated, discouraged, disillusioned or bitter, leave all that behind and try loving. Life will change for you. EL MUNDO NO GIRA POR EL AMOR (27 de Abril 2017) El amor no hace que el mundo gire, pero sí te puede traer mucha felicidad. Si amas a la gente, la mayoría de ellos te amarán también. Si amas a Dios, él te amará incondicionalmente. Si estás triste, frustrado, desanimado, desilusionado o lleno de amargura, deja todo eso por detrás y comienza a amar. La vida te cambiará IN WHOM SHALL WE TRUST? (April 20, 2017) It is obvious that we cannot trust in the news media, the Democrats, the Republicans, the movie stars, the singers, the scientists or the government. So the question arises…in whom shall we trust? We should only trust in God because He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Everything else may change, but God will never ever change. ¿EN QUIÉN DEBEMOS CONFIAR? (20 de Abril 2017) Es obvio que no podemos confiar en los medios de comunicación, los Demócratas, los Republicanos, las estrellas de cine, los cantantes, los científicos ni en el gobierno. La pregunta que surge es…¿En quién debemos confiar? Solamente debemos confiar en Dios, porque él es igual ayer, hoy y por siempre (Hebreos 13:8). Todo y todos los demás pueden cambiar, pero Dios jamás cambiará. NO POLITICAL PARTIES (April 13, 2017) How would our political system be if we had no political parties? Let’s say the candidates would be elected because of their past record and because of what they stood for. We would vote for the person not for any political party. The politicians seem to have forgotten that they work for us, that we don’t work for them. NO PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS (13 de Abril 2017) ¿Cómo estuviera nuestro país USA si tuviéramos partidos políticos? Digamos que los candidatos fueran elegidos por su historial político y por sus convicciones. Votaríamos por la persona y no por algún partido político. A los políticos se les ha olvidado que ellos son los empleados y nosotros somos los patrones. DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD OR DO YOU BELIEVE GOD? It sounds redundant, does it not? Guess what? It is not. If you believe in God you believe that He exists. Even the devil believes that God exists. Therefore it is not good enough to believe that He exists, but it is good enough to believe Him. If you believe God, then you believe the Bible and everything that’s in it. If you believe the Bible, then you live by godly principles, including receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and that brings you into salvation. (April 6, 2017) ¿CREES EN DIOS O LE CREES A DIOS Parece ser redundante, ¿qué no? ¿Sabes qué? No lo es. Si crees en Dios crees que él existe. Hasta el diablo cree que existe. Por eso no es suficiente creer que Dios existe, sino que tienes que creerle a él. Si le crees a Dios, entonces crees todo lo que está escrito en la biblia. Al creer la biblia, vives por los principios de Dios. Eso incluye recibir a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador lo que te abre las puertas del cielo. (6 de Abril 2017) LOVE DOES NOT MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND (March 30, 2017) There’s a popular saying that says: “Love makes the world go round.” It is a fact that the world will continue to go round with or without love. However, without love there would be nothing but violence, disorder, confusion and complete chaos. Our love for God, His creation, people and his love for us are what sustain us as humanity. Without love we are doomed. POR AMOR NO GIRA EL MUNDO (30 de Marzo 2017) Se dice que por amor gira el mundo. De hecho el mundo continúa girando con amor o sin amor. Sin embargo sin amor humano lo que habría seria violencia, desorden, confusión y un caos completo. Lo que sostiene la humanidad es el amor que Dios nos tiene, el amor que algunos de nosotros le tenemos a él, el amor que les tenemos a otros humanos, el amor que le tenemos a los animales y el amor que le tenemos a la vida en general. Sin amor estamos condenados SUCCESS (March 23, 2017) Success is not measured by how much money you accumulate, how many titles you may have, how strong you may be or how intelligent you may be. It is measured by comparing your potential and seeing to what degree you have accomplished it taking into consideration the resources at your disposal. What is success to one person can be a failure to another, and what one person considers a failure another one can consider it a complete success. EL ÉXITO (23 de Marzo 2017) El éxito no se mide por la suma de dinero que hayas acumulado, por las licencias profesionales que tengas, ni por qué tan fuerte o inteligente seas. Se mide comparando tu potencial mirando a que grado lo has logrado considerando los recursos que hayas tenido disponibles. Lo que es éxito para una persona puede ser un fracaso para otra, y lo que una persona considera ser un fracaso otra persona puede considerarlo todo un éxito WHAT DO YOU SAY? (March 16, 2017) In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asked His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” I am asking you the same question: “But who do you say Jesus is?” Your answer has eternal consequences. Any response that you give that is incorrect will send you to hell. The correct response, and there is only one, will send you to heaven when you die. It’s in your hands! ¿PERO QUÉ DICES TÚ? (16 de Marzo 2017) En Mateo 16:15, Jesucristo les preguntó a sus discípulos: “¿Quién dicen ustedes que soy yo?” Yo te hago la misma pregunta: “¿Quién dices que es Jesucristo?” Tu respuesta puede tener consecuencias eternas. Cualquier respuesta que des que es incorrecta te mandará al infierno. La respuesta correcta, y solamente hay una, te manda al cielo cuando mueras. ¡La bola está en tus manos! WHO ARE YOU PLEASING? (March 9, 2017) Are you trying to please yourself, people or God? If you are pleasing yourself or people, you are not pleasing God and if you are not pleasing Him you may wind up spending eternity in an extremely hot place. It’s just something to think about. ¿A QUIÉN ESTÁS COMPLACIENDO? (9 de Marzo 2017) ¿Te estás complaciendo a ti, a otras personas o a Dios? Si estás complaciéndote a ti o a otras personas no estás complaciendo a Dios, y si no lo estás complaciendo puedes pasar la eternidad en lugar extremadamente caliente. Simplemente en algo en qué THE NEWS MEDIA (March 2, 2017) The news media should stick to its job; reporting the news as they happen. Nothing more, nothing less. We don’t need to hear their biased and prejudiced opinions. The so-called experts are nothing but people who have an agenda. Their agenda is to influence the American people into believing what they (the news media) want the public to believe and to do what they want us to do. CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING (February 23, 2017) You may be unhappy and are thinking that more money, a new job, a new spouse, a new car, a new house, some new friends, a different religion, a different church, a new city or another country would make you happy. Guess what? That’s stinking thinking. What you need is a new you. You can do that by changing your way of thinking. Unless you do that, no matter how many other changes you make, you will not be happy. DIVIDE AND YOU MAY WIN AND EVEN DESTROY (February 16, 2017) The very first entity who caused division both in heaven and on earth is no other than Satan. One-third of the angels followed him and were thrown out of heaven. Here on earth Adam and Eve believed him and they were thrown out of the garden of Eden. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are behind all those demonstrations against our President. They should be thrown out of this country. Obama established a group called OFA – Organization For Action. Its purpose is to disrupt the President’s agenda, which is to help our country come back to its godly principles. In the old days, somebody who would try to disrupt the government was called a traitor. Now days they call them concerned citizens, but in reality they are socialists. If you are a good Christian pray that Barack Obama will move away from Washington D.C. and ride his black horse into oblivion. He left the country in shambles, now let our new President put the pieces back together. FOR TELLING THE TRUTH (February 9, 2017) The political and religious leaders hated Jesus Christ. Why? For telling the truth and trying to do what was right. The Democrats and other liberals hate Donald Trump. Why? For telling the truth and trying to do what is right. The political and religious leaders wanted Jesus out of the way. Why? For exposing them. The Democrats and other crooked people want Donald Trump out of the way. Why? For exposing them for what they are. LEARN TO BE FREE (February 2, 2017) You are probably saying, “I am free.” Yes, we live in a free country and you may feel free to do as you please, although society does put some restrictions on you. What I am talking about is free from stress, free from worries, free from religious impositions, free from fears, free from gossip, free from fear of dying, free from hatred, free from prejudice, free from ignorance, free from worrying about what others may think and free from anything else that may not be letting you enjoy life more than you are. In John 8:36, the Bible tells us: “Whom the Son (Jesus) sets free is free indeed. Being free indeed brings happiness, but it does not mean neglecting responsibilities or stepping on somebody else’s toes. It simply means being the best you, you can possibly be without worrying or stressing out about things beyond your control. Something to think about: Have you ever seen a problem get solved by worrying? BLESS OTHERS This week make a special effort to be nice to the people who matter in your life. That includes relatives, friends, co-workers or neighbors. Make sure they know you appreciate them. Many times we take it for granted that they know, but we need to take action. You can do it by sending them a letter, an email, a text, a phone call, or better yet by seeing them in person, if at all possible. If something positive develops because of your special efforts, don’t hesitate to let me know I would love to hear the results. January 27, 2017 BYE-BYE (January 19, 2017) We should be seeing the second exodus. The first one happened when the Jewish people came out of Egypt. This one should be happening now. All the movie stars, singers, athletes and people who said they were going to leave the country if Donald Trump was elected President should be leaving today or tomorrow. Being that the grass is always greener somewhere else, some of your options are: Angela Merkel, Raul Castro, Nicolas Maduro, Kim Jong-un or Vladimir Putin. We wish you the best of luck! IT’S BETTER TO LOSE THE ARGUMENT (January 12, 2017) It is much better to lose an argument to someone you love than to lose the relationship. That way we can lose the battle, but win the war. If we insist on winning the battle, we may win it, but we may lose the war. ES MEJOR PERDER LA DISCUSIÓN (12 de Enero 2017) Es mucho mejor perder la discusión con un ser querido que perder la relación. Así podemos perder la batalla, pero ganar la guerra. Sí insistimos que tenemos que ganar la batalla, sí podemos ganarla, pero podemos perder la guerra. R E S O L U T I O N S If you made several New Year’s Resolutions, pick one that you can really do and stick to it, so it will make a difference in your life. If you did not make any resolutions, think of a viable one that would really make a difference in your life, and then do it. Do not be afraid of change. You can only make progress by embracing change. If you don’t, you will be in the same situation a year from now, and maybe the rest of your life. R E S O L U C I O N E S Si hiciste algunas resoluciones para comenzar el año, escoge una que sea razonable y cúmplela para que haga la diferencia en tu vida. Si no hiciste ninguna resolución, piensa en una que sea viable que haría una gran diferencia en tu vida, y cúmplela. No le tengas miedo al cambio. Solamente puedes progresar si haces cambios. Si no lo haces, estarás en la misma situación en un año, y tal vez el resto de tu vida. DON’T CRITICIZE (December 29, 2016) It’s easy to criticize, spread gossip and judge, but doing that does not solve any problems. There’s a very true saying that says: “If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.” Instead of criticizing, gossiping or judging we should get involved and help come up with a viable solution. That would be a win-win situation. If you criticize, gossip and judge not only will others do the same to you, but so will God. Believe me, you don’t want to be judged by God. Let me put it to you this way…the lake of fire is not like any Hawaiian beach, the Bahamas or Cancun. NO CRITIQUES (29 de Diciembre 2016) Es fácil criticar, chismear y juzgar, pero eso no resuelve ningún problema. Hay un dicho que dice: “Si no somos parte de la solución, somos parte del problema.” En vez de criticar, juzgar o chismear debemos involucrarnos para ayudar a encontrar la solución necesaria y viable. Todos saldrían ganando. No habría perdedores. Si criticas, juzgas y participas en el chisme, otros harán lo mismo contigo, y si eso no fuera suficiente, Dios también te juzgará. Permíteme expresarlo de esta manera…el lago de fuego no es un área de recreación como las Islas Bahamas, Acapulco o Cancún GOD IS POLITICALLY-INCORRECT (December 22, 2016) In the entire universe God is known as a divinely-correct God, but in the United States He is considered to be a politically-incorrect entity. Why is he considered to be that? Quite simply because He does not agree with men marrying men, women marrying women, women having abortions because of a whim, drugs being legal, arms being sold or given to other countries, so they can kill people, and quite a few other things that men justify because they want to do them. DIOS ESTÁ POLITICAMENTE INCORRECTO (22 de Diciembre 2016) En el universo Dios está divinamente correcto, pero en los Estados Unidos de América lo consideran políticamente incorrecto. ¿Cuál es la razón o las razones? Simplemente que él no está de acuerdo con que se casen hombres con hombres, mujeres con mujeres, que el aborto sea legal, que se legalicen las drogas, que se les vendan o se les regalen armas a otros países para que maten gente, y otras cosas similares que el hombre justifica porque simplemente quiere practicarlas. LET YOUR LIFE MAKE A DIFFERENCE (12/15/2016) Don’t live to be seen, to be heard or to bring notoriety to yourself, but rather for your absence to be felt. When you are absent if people feel your absence and would want you there, that’s because you are making a difference. QUE TU VIDA HAGA LA DIFERENCIA (15/12/2016) No vivas para que te vean, para que te oigan ni para recibir notoriedad, sino para que tu ausencia se sienta. Cuando estás ausente si la gente siente tu ausencia y preferiría que estuvieras presente, es porque estás haciendo la diferencia. DO EVERYTHING TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY 1. Do everything as if you were doing it for God. That means you will do it gladly without complaining and to the best of your ability. 2. Do everything as if God were watching you. You know what? He is watching you. 3. Do everything as if God were going to judge your works. Guess what? He is going to judge your works. The ones that were done for God will pass through the fire and come out in perfect form. The ones that were not done for God will be destroyed by the fire. 4. Offer everything you do to God and do it well. God will bless you for it. HAZ TODO LO MEJOR QUE PUEDAS 1. Haz todo como si lo estuvieras haciendo para Dios. Eso significa que lo harás alegremente sin quejarte y harás lo mejor que puedas. 2. Haz todo como si Dios estuviera viéndote. ¿Sabes qué? Te está viendo. 3. Haz todo como si Dios fuera a juzgar tus obras. ¿Sabes qué? Va a juzgar todas tus obras. Las que hiciste para Dios pasarán por el fuego y saldrán perfectas. Las que no hiciste para Dios se quemarán en el fuego. 4. Todo lo que hagas, hazlo bien, y ofrécelo a Dios. Si lo haces, Dios va a bendecirte. THAT’S WHO YOU ARE (December 1, 2016) You are who and what you think you are. The Bible says: “As a man thinks so is he.” You project to others the way you see yourself. If you want others to see you differently than the way they see you now, then you should change the way you see yourself as well as what you are projecting to others. ESE ES EL QUE ERES (Primero de Diciembre 2016) Eres el que y lo que piensas que eres. La biblia dice: “Como piensa el hombre así es.” Les proyectas a otros como tú te ves. Si quieres que te vean diferentemente de cómo te ven actualmente, tienes que cambiar de como tú te ves y lo que DO YOU ASK QUESTIONS? (11/24/16) He who does not have or ask questions does not get answers. He who does not get answers does not get insights and because he does not get insights, he remains stagnant in his own ignorance. Are you stagnant? If you find yourself in that situation, take action – do something about it! ¿PREGUNTAS PARA SALIR ADELANTE? (24/11/16) El que no tiene preguntas ni pregunta no recibe respuestas. El que no recibe respuestas no puede tener buen discernimiento, y porque no tiene buen discernimiento, permanece estancado en su propia ignorancia. ¿Estás estancado? Si te encuentras en esa situación, toma acción – ¡Haz algo! WE MET THE ENEMY (November 17, 2016) We, the American people, have fought against many enemies. Most of them we have defeated by our resolve and our courage. Lately we met the most dangerous enemy we have ever had. We don’t know if we can defeat it or not. We looked in the mirror and there it was staring at us in the face. CONOCIMOS AL ENEMIGO (17 de Noviembre 2016) Nosotros, los estadounidenses, hemos luchado contra muchos enemigos. A la mayoría de ellos los hemos derrotado por nuestro valor y determinación. Últimamente nos hemos encontrado con el enemigo más peligroso de todos. No sabemos si podremos derrotarlo. Miramos en el espejo, y allí estaba mirándonos directamente. UNITE, UNITE, UNITE (November 10, 2016) Now that Donald Trump has been elected as President of our country, it is time to put our differences aside and to come together as one nation. It is time for us to become once again, “the United States of America,” and not “the Divided States of America.” After all that is what a people in a democratic country should do. If divided we stand, divided we will fall. Being that we are a civilized people not under Communism and not under a dictatorship, we should accept the results peacefully. Whether some groups of people like the results or not, the American people has voted and that vote has spoken clearly and decisively. UNIRNOS, UNIRNOS, UNIRNOS (10 de Noviembre 2016) Ya que Donald Trump ha sido elegido Presidente de nuestro país, es tiempo que olvidemos el pasado, y nos reunamos como país. Debemos dejar de ser “los Estados Divididos de América,” y convertirnos en “los Estados Unidos de América.” En esencia eso es lo que debe hacer todo país democrático, y eso es lo que somos. Si luchamos divididos, divididos caeremos. Siendo que somos un país civilizado no bajo el comunismo ni bajo una dictadura, debemos aceptar los resultados de la elección pacíficamente. Ya sea que un grupo o grupos de gente estén inconformes, la gente estadounidense ha votado y ese voto ha hablado clara y decisivamente. DO NOT TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY (November 2, 2016) Do not take life too seriously because if you do, you will not enjoy it. You have to take time to smell the roses. As everything else it too will pass. We are here for a very short time compared to infinity. The only thing you should take seriously is where your soul will spend eternity. That is because our souls will live eternally. Since there is no PURGATORY as the Catholics believe, then our souls will either be with God or in the LAKE OF FIRE. It is not all doom and gloom or bleak as you might think. You get to choose as to where you will spend eternity. If you do not choose, you have automatically chosen THE LAKE OF FIRE. If you choose to follow Jesus, you have chosen to spend eternity with God. It’s up to you! NO TOMES LA VIDA MUY SERIA (2 de Noviembre 2016) No tomes la vida muy en serio, porque si lo haces, no la disfrutarás. Toma tiempo para oler las rosas y disfrutar la vida. Como todo lo demás, esta vida también se acabará. Si la comparamos con la infinidad la vida es demasiado corta. Lo único que debes tomar en serio es donde pasarás la eternidad. La razón es simplemente porque nuestras almas vivirán eternamente. Siendo que no existe EL PURGATORIO como creen los católicos, entonces nuestras almas estarán con Dios o en EL LAGO DE FUEGO. No todo es pesimismo o negativismo como puedas pensar. Puedes escoger donde deseas pasar la eternidad. Si no escoges, automáticamente has escogido EL LAGO DE FUEGO. Si decides seguir a Jesucristo, has escogido pasar la eternidad con Dios. ¡Es tu decisión? HOW MUCH LONGER WILL GOD WAIT? As most Christians rightly know, our country keeps moving farther and farther away from God. Abortion was approved and millions upon millions of babies have been killed. Yes, “killed.” There is no other word for it. Marijuana has been legalized and some of the participating consumers have caused serious automobile accidents. Yes, innocent people have died as a result of that. The marriage between people of the same sex has been approved and thousands upon thousands have been united lawfully in that sinful union, which is an abomination to our heavenly Father and to our Lord Jesus Christ. If you do not believe that God hates lesbianism and homosexuality read: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Exodus 20:14, Romans 1:25-27, Genesis 19:4-7, Jude 7, Hebrews 13:4, I Corinthians 6:9, 6:18, 7:2 and 14:34-35, Matthew 15:19 and 19:1-12. If those scriptures do not convince you, nothing will. If you are gay, do not rationalize. You may convince yourself and others, but you cannot convince God. However, of course there is hope for sinners if they repent, receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and if they leave the sin behind. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states it this way: “If my people who are called by my name (CHRISTIANS) will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I (GOD) will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” If our country, the United States of America, does not turn from its wicked ways, God will completely remove His covering from us and we will suffer the consequences. ¿CUÁNTO TIEMPO MÁS ESPERARÁ DIOS? Como la mayoría de los cristianos bien sabemos, nuestro país se va alejando más y más de Dios. Se aprobó el aborto y millones de millones de fetos han perdido sus vidas. Sí, los mataron. No hay otra palabra que se pueda utilizar. La mariguana ha sido legalizada, y los consumidores de ella han causado horribles accidentes automovilísticos. Sí, gente inocente ha muerto como resultado de eso. El matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo ha sido aprobado y miles de personas ya han contraído esa unión pecaminosa, la cual es una abominación para nuestro Padre celestial y para nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo Si no crees que Dios odia el lesbianismo y el homosexualismo lee las escrituras siguientes: Levítico 18:22 y 20:13, Éxodo 20:14, Romanos 1:25-27, Génesis 19:4-7, Judas 7, Hebreos 13:4, 1 Corintios 6:9, 6:18, 7:2 y 14:34-35, Mateo 15:19 y 19:1-12. Si esas escrituras no te convencen, nada lo hará. Si eres homosexual o lesbiana, no racionalices. Puedes convencerte a ti mismo, y al mundo, pero no a Dios. Sin embargo, en realidad, hay esperanzas para los pecadores como tú si se arrepienten, y dejan el pecado atrás. 2 Crónicas 7:14 lo explica de esta manera: “Si se humillara mi pueblo, sobre el cual mi nombre (JESUCRISTO) es invocado, y oraran, y buscaran mi rostro, y se convirtieran de sus malos caminos; entonces yo (DIOS) oiré desde los cielos, y perdonaré sus pecados, y sanaré su tierra.” Si nuestro país, los Estados Unidos de América, no abandona sus malos caminos, Dios completamente removerá su protección de nuestra tierra, y entonces pagaremos las consecuencias. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION (October 20, 2016) If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem and if that is your case, you have no right to complain. If you see an injustice taking place and you do nothing to remedy it, you are on the side of the oppressor. Be part of the solution and help make this world a better place for all of us. DEBES SER PARTE DE LA SOLUCIÓN (20 de Octubre 2016) Si no eres parte de la solución, eres parte del problema, y si ese es tu caso, no tienes el derecho de quejarte. Si ves que hay injusticias y tú no haces nada para remediar la situación, estás apoyando al agresor. Que seas parte de la solución para que ayudes a mejorar este mundo para todos nosotros. GOD DOES NOT OWE YOU ANYTHING God does not owe you anything, but He does provide opportunities. Whether you take advantage of them or not, is entirely up to you. Although you may not realize it, the biggest opportunity is salvation. For your own good, don’t despise it! DIOS NO TE DEBE NADA Dios no te debe nada, pero sí te provee oportunidades. Si las aprovechas o no, depende totalmente de ti. Aunque no sepas o no te des cuenta, la oportunidad más grande es la salvación. ¡No la desprecies! A GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE? (September 6, 2016) In theory we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In reality we have a people of the government, run by the government, and all the benefits for the government. It’s a sad situation for the people. ¿UN GOBIERNO DEL PUEBLO? (6 de Septiembre 2016) En teoría nuestro gobierno es del pueblo, por el pueblo, y para el pueblo, pero en realidad el pueblo es del gobierno, manejado por el gobierno, para beneficiar al gobierno. Es una situación triste, y desgraciadamente muy verdadera. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809 – 1865) – 16th President of the United States “Teach the children, so it won’t be necessary to teach the adults.” He definitely had the right idea. Unfortunately the teachers of our children are the TV programs, the internet, the cell phones and the electronic games. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809 – 1865) – Presidente Número 16 De Los Estadounidenses “Instruyan a los niños, para que no sea necesario instruir a los adultos.” Le pegó al clavo en la mera cabeza. Desgraciadamente los profesores de nuestros hijos son la televisión, el internet, los teléfonos celulares, y los juegos electrónicos. IT WILL AFFECT YOUR ETERNITY (September 22, 2016) Some indigenous people have never heard of Jesus Christ. They will be judged by the amount of light they have. Others have heard of Him, but it does not matter to them in the least. Then there are those who know of Him, but they don’t know Him. The last group consists of the people who really know Him. In other words they have a personal relationship with Him. In what group do you fit in? ESA RELACIÓN AFECTARÁ TU ETERNIDAD (22/09/16) Algunos grupos de indígenas jamás han oído hablar de Jesucristo. Serán juzgados por la luz que tienen. Otros han oído hablar de él, pero no les importa para nada. Existen los que saben de él, pero no lo conocen. El último grupo consiste de las personas quienes lo conocen, porque tienen una relación personal con Jesucristo. ¿En qué grupo estás tú? DON’T LOOK AT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES (September 22, 2016) Your circumstances may be bad or even horrible. Do not be frightened by them. As with everything else, they too will pass. Do not live in the past; instead make plans for a brighter future. Don’t dwell on what you’ve lost, but rather on what you are gaining. If you are down, don’t feel sorry for yourself – get up! Do not yearn for what you don’t have – enjoy what you do have! Don’t compare yourself to others, t Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Filadelfia: Esto dice el Santo, el Verdadero, el que tiene la llave de David, el que abre y ninguno cierra, y cierra y ninguno abre: o something and not even to yourself. You are unique and if you draw close to God, He in turn will draw close to you. NO MIRES TUS CIRCUNSTANCIAS (22 de Septiembre 2016) Tus circunstancias pueden ser malas o hasta horribles. No permitas que te asusten. Como con todo lo demás, éstas también pasarán. No vivas en el pasado; en vez de eso haz buenos planes para tu futuro. No pienses en lo que perdiste, sino en lo que estás ganando. Si estás caído, no te tengas lástima – ¡Levántate! No anheles lo que no tengas – ¡Disfruta lo que tienes! No te compares con otros, con otras cosas ni contigo mismo. Eres único, y si te acercas a Dios, él se acercará a ti. REFUSING TO SALUTE OUR FLAG Donald Trump talks about deporting all illegal aliens. Although, in all reality, it is impractical, he has a good point. But maybe we should add to that list any person, and especially athletes, who refuse to salute our flag. After all they are getting paid millions of dollars. If our country is that bad, why don’t they move to another one? SE NIEGAN SALUDAR A NUESTRA BANDERA Donald Trump habla de deportar a todas las personas indocumentadas. Aunque, en realidad, es impráctico, tiene un buen punto. Pero a esa lista le podemos agregar a las personas que se niegan saludar a nuestra bandera. Desde luego que eso incluye a varios atletas ricos y famosos. Les están pagando millones de dólares, y si no WOULD YOU PAY IT? (September 1, 2016) If you were assured that you could have eternal life with God in a place where there would be no sickness, death, sorrows, despair, enemies, frustrations, fatigue, failures, anger, violence, terror, hatred, prejudice nor anything else negative, would you pay $10,000 to go there? All that and more is available to you free of charge if you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. No, it’s not a religion – it’s a personal and intimate relationship with God. ¿LO PAGARÍAS? (1 de Septiembre 2016) Si te aseguraran que podrías pasar la eternidad con Dios en un lugar donde no habría enfermedad, muerte, tristeza, penas, desaliento, enemigos, frustraciones, cansancio, fracasos, rabia, terror, violencia, odio, prejuicio racial ni nada que fuera negativo, ¿pagarías diez mil dólares para vivir allí? Todo eso y más está disponible para ti gratuitamente si recibes a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. No, no es religión – es una relación personal e íntima con Dios. R E S E N T M E N T (August 26, 2016) If you are harboring resentment of any type against anyone for any given reason you are destroying your life. It is eating you inside making you a bitter person and it is taking years of life away from you. Regardless of what may have happened in your life, who may have hurt you or who was at fault, for your own welfare you must release that bitterness, resentment and anger. Yes, whatever it was, it happened, but don’t let it ruin your life. R E S E N T I M I E N T O (26 de Agosto 2016) Si estás albergando resentimiento de cualquier clase contra otra persona por la razón que sea, te estás destruyendo tú mismo. Te está consumiendo por dentro, transformándote en una persona amargada, y quitándote años de vida. Sin importar lo que te haya sucedido en la vida, quien te haya lastimado o quien sea el culpable, por tu propio bienestar abandona esa amargura, ese odio, y ese resentimiento. Sí, te lastimaron, pero no permitas que eso te arruine la vida. DON’T LET OTHERS RUN YOUR LIFE (August 18, 2016) Seek advice professional and otherwise when needed, but filter it through the word of God when applicable and see it through the lens of common sense. Do not let other people run your life. There are some who would love to do that. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus told His disciples, but what He said also applies to us: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Many of those false prophets are preaching an extremely limited version of the word of God. NO PERMITAS QUE OTROS CORRAN TU VIDA (18 de Agosto 2016) Pide consejos de personas profesionales y de otras personas cuando sea necesario, pero filtra todo por medio de la palabra de Dios cuando se pueda aplicar y míralo con el lente del sentido común. No permitas que otros corran tu vida. A unos les encantaría hacerlo. En Mateo 7:15, Jesucristo les dijo a sus discípulos y a nosotros también: “Guárdense de los falsos profetas, que vienen a ustedes con vestidos de ovejas, pero por dentro son lobos rapaces.” Muchos de esos falsos profetas predican una versión muy limitada de la palabra de Dios. WHAT GOT ME TO HEAVEN? August 11, 2016 A man who had been in a coma for two years finally died. When he got to heaven he asked God: “Am I here because of my good works?” “No,” God told him. “Did I make it because of my religion?” “No,” God answered him. “Do I get to stay because I was a nice person?” “Of course not,” God informed him. “Do I get to spend eternity with You because I believed You existed?” “No,” God replied. The man had an aha moment and he said: “I know. I get to dwell here because I helped many Jewish people?” “That is not the case,” God corrected him. Finally the man asked God, “Why do I get to stay here?” God told him: “Because you received my Son as your Lord and Savior.” You may be like that man thinking that there are several ways to get to heaven. There is only one way and He has a name, which is J E S U S C H R I S T – John 14:6. ¿POR QUÉ LLEGUÉ AL CIELO? 11 de Agosto 2016 Un hombre quien había estado en el estado de coma por dos años finalmente murió. Cuando llegó al cielo le preguntó a Dios: “¿Estoy aquí por mis buenas obras?” “No,” le dijo Dios. “¿Es por mi religión?” “No,” le contestó Dios. “¿Me voy a quedar porque fui buena persona?” “Claro que no,” le informó Dios. “¿Pasaré la eternidad en su presencia porque creí que existía?” “Esa no es la razón,” le aseguró Dios. Entonces al hombre se le iluminaron los ojos, y dijo: “Ya sé. Fue porque les ayudé a muchos judíos.” “No es así,” Dios lo corrigió. Por fin el hombre le preguntó a Dios: “¿Por qué me abrió los portales del cielo?” Dios le contestó: “Porque recibiste a mi Hijo como tu Señor y Salvador.” Es posible que tú seas como ese hombre pensando que hay diferentes maneras de llegar al cielo. Solamente hay una y tiene por nombre J E S U C R I S T O – Juan 14:6 HAVE A DESIRE TO CHANGE (August 4, 2016) If you want to succeed, your desire to change for the better must be greater than your desire to stay the same. Many people stay the same or their lives. Sometimes it even goes from generation to generation. Don’t let that happen to you. Your yesterday does not have to be your tomorrow. DEBES DESEAR CAMBIAR (4 de Agosto 2016) Si quieres tener éxito, tus deseos de hacer cambios y de mejorar tu vida deben ser más grandes que el de permanecer como estás. Muchas personas se quedan igual todas sus vidas. A veces hasta sigue de generación tras generación. ¡Que eso no te suceda a ti! Tu ayer no tiene que ser tu mañana. WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS As long as we live on this earth we will have problems. Therefore the question is not if we will have problems, but rather how we handle them. Is a problem to you an impassable barrier, or is it just one more challenge that you can overcome? How you look at your problems makes all the difference in the world? July 28, 2016 SIEMPRE TENDREMOS PROBLEMAS Mientras vivamos en esta vida vamos a tener problemas. Por eso la cuestión no es si vamos a tener problemas, sino como los manejaremos. ¿Un problema para ti es una barrera impenetrable, o es simplemente otro reto para conquistar? De la manera que tú veas tus problemas hará toda la diferencia del mundo. 28 de Julio 2016 DO NOT BE OVERLY ZEALOUS (July 21, 2016) Regardless of which candidate you will vote for to be President of our country, do not be overly zealous. If you do that, one way or the other, you will be disappointed. If your candidate does not win, you will be thoroughly disappointed immediately, and if he or she wins, you will be disappointed later on. What they promise is not, and I repeat is not, what they are going to do. One thing is to make promises and it’s quite a different thing to keep them. For better or for worse, God will give us the President that we deserve, just as He did with George Bush and Barack Obama. Instead of putting your hopes on Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, put your hopes in God. Pray for this country to turn back to God, instead of moving away from Him as we are doing. NO SEAS EXTREMADAMENTE APASIONADO (21 de Julio 2016) No importa por cual candidato votes para que sea presidente de los Estados Unidos, lo importante es que no seas extremadamente apasionado. Si lo haces, de una manera u otra, saldrás desilusionado. Si tu candidato no gana, te vas a desilusionar inmediatamente, y si él o ella gana, te desilusionará tarde o temprano. Lo que prometen, y lo repito lo que prometen, no es lo que hacen. Una cosa es hacer promesas, y es otra cosa totalmente diferente cumplirlas. Sea como sea, Dios nos dará el presidente que merecemos, así como lo hizo con George Bush y Barack Obama. En vez de que pongas tus esperanzas en Hillary Clinton o en Donald Trump, ponlas en Dios. Ora para que este país se vuelva acercar a Dios en vez de alejarse como está sucediendo. MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO Don’t be a monkey see, monkey do person. Just because many people are wearing many tattoos does not mean you have to have them. Many people are living together without getting married, but you don’t have to do that. It is very popular to use drugs, but you can be your own person and not indulge in them. If you are a monkey see, monkey do person, I feel sorry for you. It only means you are not your own person. It definitely means you have a low self-image of yourself, and you copy others in order to be accepted. If somebody cannot accept you because you don’t use foul language, don’t use drugs, don’t have a ring on your nose or don’t have any tattoos, he or she does not deserve to be your friend. July 7, 2016 LO QUE EL MONO VE, EL MONO HACE No seas como los monos – lo que el mono ve, el mono hace. Simplemente porque otros tienen tatuajes hasta donde no se ve, no significa que tú tienes que tenerlos. Muchas parejas viven juntas sin casarse, pero tú no tienes que caer en eso. Es muy popular ingerir drogas, pero tú no tienes que participar en eso. Si eres un mono quien ve y hace lo mismo, me das lástima. Eso significa que eres una persona débil, que tienes bajo autoestima, y que andas buscando ser aceptado. Si alguien no te acepta, porque no hablas con malas palabras, porque no usas drogas, porque no tienes una argolla en la nariz, o porque no tienes mil tatuajes, entonces no merece ser tu amigo. 7 de Julio 2016 ARE YOU WEALTHY OR POOR? Most people’s understanding of wealth is by measuring how much money and possessions a person has. While that is material wealth, it is not true wealth. God does not consider a man wealthy because of his material possessions, but rather on: How obedient he is to Him, how wisely he lives his life, how humble and meek he is, how unselfish he is, how many people he brings into salvation, and on how many people he helps. ¿ERES RICO O POBRE? La mayoría de la gente piensa que la riqueza se mide por cuánto dinero y posesiones tiene uno. Esa es riqueza material, pero no es verdadera riqueza. Dios no considera a una persona rica por sus posesiones materiales, pero sí por: Que tan obediente le es a él, como vive su vida sabiamente, que tan humilde y manso es, que tan desinteresado es, cuantas personas trae a la salvación, y a cuanta gente le ayuda. SOMEONE WINS AND SOMEONE LOSES In almost every sport there is competition. One team plays against another. Since it’s competition, one side wins and the other one loses. At the end of the season one team or one person is declared the champion. It is no different n the game of life – one side wins and the other ones loses. There are only two teams; God’s team and the devil’s. If you are on God’s team, you win because you will spend eternity with Him. If you are on the devil’s team, you lose because you will spend eternity first in hell and then in the lake of fire. In the sports’ world the owners of the teams get to choose you and how much they will pay you. In the game of life, you get to choose which team you will be on. If you don’t choose a team, you automatically will go to the devil’s team. If you want to be on God’s team and spend eternity with Him, you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You cannot earn that right or privilege; it is free for the asking. There are some totally erroneous misconceptions about earning the right or privilege of spending eternity with God. Some of them are: Being a nice person, doing good deeds, belonging to a religion, going to church, killing people who don’t believe in your god, or even reading the Bible. All those things, with the exception of killing people, are good, but they will not get you to heaven. Only Jesus will (John 14:6). AGUIEN GANA Y ALGUIEN PIERDE En casi todos los deportes hay competencia. Un equipo juega contra otro. Siendo que es competencia, un equipo gana y el otro pierde. Al terminar la temporada declaran a una persona o a un equipo como el campeón. Es lo mismo en el juego o partido de la vida – un lado gana y el otro pierde. Solamente hay dos equipos; el de Dios y el del diablo. Si estás en el equipo de Dios, ganas automáticamente porque vas a pasar la eternidad con él. Si estás en el equipo del diablo, pierdes porque pasarás la eternidad primeramente en el infierno y después en el lago de fuego. En el mundo de los deportes los dueños de los equipos escogen a los jugadores y cuanto les van a pagar. En el juego de la vida, tú escoges en que equipo quieres estar. Si no escoges un equipo, pues automáticamente has escogido el del diablo. Si deseas estar en el equipo de Dios y pasar la eternidad con él, tienes que recibir a Jesucristo como tu Señor y Salvador. No puedes ganarte ese derecho ni privilegio; es gratis, pero tienes que pedírselo a Dios. Existen muchos conceptos totalmente equivocados de merecer o ganarse el derecho o el privilegio de pasar la eternidad con Dios. Algunos de ellos son: El ser buena persona, hacer buenas obras, pertenecer a una religión, asistir a la iglesia, matar gente porque no cree en tu dios, o hasta leer la biblia. Todas esas cosas son buenas, con la excepción de matar gente, pero no te llevan al cielo. Solamente llegas por medio de Jesucristo (Juan 14:6). TRUE HAPPINESS (June 17, 2016) You will not find true happiness until you learn how to be happy under any and all circumstances. True happiness will come to you when you do not to let people, circumstances, situation, environment, or any other negative factor affect you. It will also help you tremendously to have an intimate relationship with God. I am not referring to religion. FELICIDAD VERDADERA (17 de Junio 2016) No encontrarás felicidad verdadera hasta que aprendas a estar contento y ser feliz bajo cualquier circunstancia. La felicidad verdadera solamente la obtendrás cuando no permitas que la gente, circunstancias, situación, ambiente o cualquier otro factor negativo te afecten. También te ayudará tremendamente tener una relación íntima con Dios. No hablo de religión, ni siquiera me refiero a ella. A NEW PRESIDENT IS NOT THE ANSWER Many American people think that the answer to America’s problems is a new president. Some have their hopes on Hillary Clinton, others on Donald Trump, and still others on Bernie Sanders. Unfortunately all of them are wrong. No matter who becomes our next president our problems are not only going to continue, but they are going to escalate. The problems are going to escalate because we keep moving farther and farther away from God. After all we are a modern nation moving forward at a blinding speed through the twentyfirst century. We think that we don’t need God – we have computers and the best technology the world has ever seen. The people that built the Tower of Babel did not need God either. Where they are now is where we will be soon if we don’t change our way of thinking and acting. June 9, 2016 UN PRESIDENTE NUEVO NO ES LA RESPUESTA Muchos estadounidenses piensan que la respuesta para nuestros problemas es un presidente nuevo. Algunos han puesto los ojos en Hillary Clinton, otros sueñan con ver a Donald Trump en la Casa Blanca, y otros han puesto sus esperanzas en Bernie Sanders. Desafortunadamente todos están equivocados. No importa quién sea el próximo presidente, los problemas no solamente continuarán sino que van a empeorarse. Los problemas crecerán, porque continuamos alejándonos de Dios. Es que somos una nación moderna atravesando por el siglo veintiuno a una velocidad alarmante. Creemos que no necesitamos a Dios – tenemos computadoras y la tecnología más avanzada que se haya visto en este mundo. La gente quien construyó la torre de Babel no necesitaba a Dios tampoco. Donde ellos se encuentran actualmente es donde nosotros nos encontraremos muy pronto a menos que cambiemos nuestro modo de pensar y proceder. 9 de Junio 2016 DO NOT PROCRASTINATE (June 2, 2016) When you have several chores to do, do not procrastinate. Get to the task at hand as fast as possible doing the ones you like the least, for whatever the reason, and then enjoy the ones that give you pleasure. If you do that you will enjoy life so much more. NO DIFIERAS (2 de Junio 2016) Cuando tengas varios quehaceres delante de ti, no difieras. Ponle manos a la obra lo más pronto posible haciendo lo que menos te gusta primero, y luego disfruta los que te dan placer. Si haces eso, disfrutarás la vida mucho más. DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? (May 26, 2016) Do you believe in Miracles? Let’s hope you do, because, sooner or later, you or someone you know will need one. The dictionary defines a miracle as: “An extraordinary event attributed to some supernatural agency.” Of course that alludes to divine intervention. If we were to deny that sometimes divine intervention occurs, we would actually be denying the existence of God. Only a savage, a moron, an agnostic or an atheist would do that. Of course, you have the right not to believe, but if you don’t, then you will have no hope when you need a miracle, or when you pass on to the next life. If you are an unbeliever, I challenge you to, at least, do yourself a favor, and tell God the following: “God, in the name of Your Son Jesus, if you really exist, make yourself known to me.” If He does, become a believer, but if He does not, remain as you are and you will not have lost anything. ¿CREES EN MILAGROS? (26 de Mayo 2016) ¿Crees tú en milagros? Ojalá que sí, porque, tarde o temprano, tú o alguien a quien conoces necesitará uno. El diccionario nos dice que un milagro es: “Un fenómeno que se atribuye a una intervención divina en lugar de a una causa natural.” Desde luego que se refiere que sí existe Dios y otras entidades celestiales también. Si negáramos que la intervención divina ocurre, negaríamos la existencia de Dios. Solamente un indígena salvaje, un retrasado mental, un agnóstico, o un ateo haría eso. Claro, sí tienes el privilegio de ser incrédulo, pero si no crees, no tendrás ninguna esperanza cuando necesites un milagro o cuando mueras. Si eres incrédulo, te reto que, por lo menos, te hagas el favor de decirle a Dios: “Dios, en el nombre de tu hijo Jesucristo, si en realidad existes permíteme saberlo.” Si te da una indicación, cree en él, pero si no lo hace, permanece como estás y no habrás perdido nada. WHAT FAITH IS NOT (May 19, 2016) Having faith is not denying that the problem exists or that it is very serious. Having faith is knowing that we will overcome, because our God, who is bigger than anything and anybody, will see us through any problem no matter how difficult it may seem to us. LO QUE NO ES LA FE (19 de Mayo 2016) El tener fe no significa que neguemos que el problema exista o que no sea de mucha seriedad. El tener fe es el saber que venceremos, porque nuestro Dios, quien es más grande y más poderoso que todo y que todos, nos ayudará a triunfar sobre todo sin importar que tan difícil parezca la situación. FORGIVE, FORGIVE AND FORGIVE (May 12, 2016) If you are living a life less than satisfactory it could be for one of three reasons. Maybe you have not forgiven somebody and if you don’t, you will be a slave to bitterness the rest of your life. Forgive him or her and you will be free. It could be that you haven’t forgiven yourself for something you did that was totally wrong. Forgive yourself because God has already forgiven you. Perhaps you are blaming God for something that happened to you or to a loved one. It was not God’s fault – I am sure there were some circumstances that had a lot to do with it. Regardless of your circumstances, forgive any person who may have caused you harm, forgive yourself and forgive God, although He is not to blame for anything. If you do that, you will be healed spiritually, psychologically, emotionally and maybe even physically. PERDONA, PERDONA, Y PERDONA Si estás viviendo en amargura puede ser por una de tres razones. Tal vez no hayas perdonado a alguien por algo que te hizo, pero si no lo perdonas, serás esclavo del odio por el resto de tu vida. Perdónalo y serás libre. Puede ser que no te hayas perdonado a ti mismo por algo que hayas hecho mal. Perdónate porque Dios ya te ha perdonado. Es posible que estés culpando a Dios por algo que te sucedió a ti o a un ser querido. No fue la culpa de Dios – estoy seguro que algunas circunstancias fueron las culpables. No importa lo que haya sucedido en el pasado, perdona a los que te lastimaron, perdónate a ti mismo, y perdona a Dios, aunque él no fue culpable de nada. Si haces eso, te sanarás sicológica, mental, emocional, y tal vez hasta físicamente. LIVE BY FAITH (May 5, 2016) If you live by faith, you have hope, and if you have hope, you will face the future with anticipation and if you do that, you will have a happier life. On the other hand, if you do not live by faith, you do not have hope and if you do not have hope, you will dread facing the future and because of that your life will be more difficult than it should be. It’s your choice to live by faith or without faith. MAKE THE MOST OF IT (April 28, 2016) Time is precious and once it’s gone, it’s gone. You cannot bring it back. If you are young and in good health, make the most of it. If you are older and have learned from your experiences capitalize on them. If you have a family living with you, enjoy it. If you are single or your children have left home, let that freedom be a blessing to you. If you are retired, do the things you always wanted to do, but never had the time to do them. Make the most of every single day as if it were your last day on this earth. It does not matter where you are, with whom you are, what’s going on, just give it your best shot and make the most of it. If you do, you will not regret it. DOES SOCIETY OWE YOU? April 21, 2016 Do you think society owes you something or that do you owe something to it? President Jack Kennedy said: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” That was very well stated. It was very true then and it’s very true now. Unfortunately many people are out to see what they can get, instead of thinking of ways to give of themselves. They are takers and not givers. If giving does not come normally to you, then you have to transform your way of thinking about it (Romans 12:2). Once you do that, then you will be able to purpose in your heart what to give, how much to give, why give, when to give, where to give, for what purpose to give, and who shall be the recipient (2 Corinthians 9:7). WHO IS CHANGING WHO? April 8, 2016 The intent of the Christian church should be to change the world, so that people would spend eternity with God and for the will of God to be done on this earth. The opposite is happening; the church is changing. In order to be politically-correct the church started accepting divorcees (during Moses’ time) and now it accepts corruption, gays, abortions, pedophiles, and who knows what else? There is not much the church is not accepting anymore. We have no idea what it will accept twenty years from now. Yet God says, “I am the same yesterday, today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 DO NOT FLEE FROM YOUR PROBLEMS You may think that you are the only one who has problems. Guess what? All of us have them. Don’t feel sorry for yourself and don’t run away from the problem. It will not go away by itself. Find out what the real problem is; not the symptoms. Once you know that, come up with a plan how to solve it and put the plan in operation. March 31, 2016 GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT HIS DENIALS (March 17, 2016) You may have been praying for something for a few years, you have seen no results, and you are about to give up. One thing you must understand is that God’s delays are not necessarily denials. He sees the total picture and you don’t. He could be waiting for the proper and perfect timing. Sometimes there are many factors involved and things have to fall in place. Your miracle could be a day, a week, a month or a year away. Don’t give up! Keep on praying and believing. A THOUGHT IS JUST A THOUGHT(March 10, 2016) A thought is exactly just that – a thought. It only becomes alive when you put action to it. Therefore if it is a bad thought, discard it immediately and it will not produce any bad results. On the other hand, if it is a good thought, put action to it, and one thing is sure… somebody will benefit from it. THOUGHT OF THE WEEK – March 3-9 Your future does not depend on your yesterday. It depends on your today and your today depends on you. Leave the past in the past, start a new leaf and plan for a better tomorrow YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM (February 25, 2016) Your are not a victim of your circumstances. You are paying the consequences for the poor decisions you made in the past. Make better decisions from now on, and your consequences will be positive ones. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS (February 18, 2016) Political correctness is completely destroying absolute truths. The latter are very few in existence. People are afraid of speaking absolute truths for fear of being politically-incorrect and being accused of being prejudiced, racists, sexist, hateful, out of touch with reality, a discriminator, old-fashioned or of all the above. WHICH ONE ARE YOU? (February 11, 2016) Are you an encourager or a discourager? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Do you see the good in people or do you just see their bad points? Are people happy when you arrive or when you leave? This gives you something to think about. BE KNOWN FOR YOUR INTEGRITY (February 4, 2016) Two of the definitions that the dictionary gives for integrity are: moral uprightness and wholeness. If you are not a person of integrity, can you look at yourself in the mirror? If you leave a legacy of having displayed excellent integrity throughout your lifetime, it will be because you will have lived a righteous life. WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST? (January 27, 2016) luos ruoy tub ,yenom ruoy ron ,sdneirf ruoy ,boj rour ,yfimaf ruoy eb ton dluohs tI. Read it from right to left. If that is not what you value the most, you should reorganize your priorities. YOUR TRUTHS (January 21, 2016) Your truths may not be absolute truths, but they are your truths and you live by them for better or for worse. They determine your quality of life. If you want to change your quality of life, you have to change your truths. VALIDATE YOUR EXISTENCE (January 14, 2016) You can validate your existence before men by being a good son, a good spouse, a good parent, a good grandparent, a good worker and a good citizen, but to validate it before God you have to live by faith trusting Him with your life and soul, follow Him unconditionally and do good works. WE CAN BEAR IT (January 7, 2015) In our lives no matter how high the temperature gets or how much pressure is applied we should be able to handle it. God does not give us more than we can bear. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible tells us: “ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Therefore don’t give in to temptation of any kind, to pressure, to threats nor to anything else that is not from God, but that is coming to you from the enemy which, of course, is the devil. DO YOU WANT TO SUCCEED? (January 1, 2016) If you want to succeed where you have never succeeded before, you will have to think as you have never thought before, and you will have to do things you have never done before and probably do them in a way you have never done things before. WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION? (December 10, 2015) Let’s start with a basic question…What is your most valuable possession? Let me give you a clue. It’s not your wealth, your house, your family, or your position in the corporate ladder. It’s not even your health, although that should be high on your priority list. Your most valuable possession is your soul because it is eternal and because it can either rejoice with God eternally or because it might spend eternity suffering with the devil in the lake of fire. No one can set a price to it. It is invaluable, priceless and it’s unique. There are not two alike in the history of mankind. How valuable is it? It is so valuable that Father God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to suffer, die and resurrect for it. He rescued your soul from sin, from the devil, from hell, from the lake of fire, and from the second death, which is complete and eternal separation from Him. Although Jesus paid the ultimate price for your soul by giving up His life, if you don’t receive that, you will still wind up in the lake of fire. Let me give you a similar example: Supposing your father left you in his will ten million dollars, but either you didn’t know about it, or you did not bother to withdraw it, that money would not do you any good. In order for you to receive the most valuable gift, which is salvation, you have to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You can do that now by praying in faith and sincerity the following prayer to God: “Father God, I repent of all my sins. Please forgive me. The same Jesus who died to pay for my sins and resurrected on the third day, I make Him my Lord and Savior and I ask the Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank You, Father. Amen.” OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE (December 4, 2015) Our main objective should not be to invent a new product, to reinvent the wheel, to become famous or to accumulate as much wealth as possible. It should be to find ways to help all of us to have a better life. By doing that we will be serving God and will be doing His will for our lives and that is exactly the reason why we were born. GOD WANTS YOU TO BE FRUITFUL (November 26, 2015) God wants you to be fruitful (Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:5, Romans 7:4). That means you should be giving fruit. By the way, since you are not a fruit tree, we are not talking about fruit, such as pears or oranges. We are talking about the fruit of the Spirit. According to Galatians 5:22-23, they are: “Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” The question is…is the fruit of the spirit present in your life? If it is not, you have to drive out whatever is not allowing it to happen. That could be hatred, unforgiveness, envy, false pride, jealousy, lack of repentance, being stingy or anything else that would be a sin against God. THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE (November 19, 2015) The threat of violence to our country, the United States, being what it is, do you think it is wise of our President to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees to come and live with us? Do you think it is wise for any country to receive Syrian refugees taking into account that some terrorists may be among them? We should give that question some serious consideration because it could bring some disastrous consequences to us. THE FEAR OF THE LORD (November 12, 2015) All of us need wisdom to live our lives. True wisdom can only come from one entity and that entity is God. Wisdom comes from hearing, learning, believing and putting into practice the word of God (Romans 10:17). Proverb 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One (Jesus) is understanding.” Job 28:28 “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’” Proverb 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Proverb 15:33 “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” Proverb 14:26-27 “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverb 10:27 “The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” Proverb 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.” Psalm 34:9-10 “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Luke 1:50 “His (this refers to God) mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.” Proverb 22:4 “By humility (this refers to the people who follow Jesus Christ) and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverb 8:13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverb 3:7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverb 16:6 “In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.” Hopefully this helped you understand the fear of the Lord and what it can mean to you in your life. SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND (November 5, 2015) Wisdom comes through knowledge. Knowledge comes from seeking. Seeking comes from a desire to know. The desire comes from being doers. We are doers because that’s our essence. Our essence depends on the character we have been able to develop through the experiences we have had because of circumstances beyond our control and because of the ones we chose to participate in because they were beneficial to us. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus Himself tells us: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” I don’t believe this could be any clearer. FACE YOUR FEARS (October 22, 2015) I don’t know what phobias, fears, uncertainties or doubts you may have, but whatever they are, you have to face them. If you don’t, they will torture you for the rest of your life. If you meet them head on, you will find out that they are not as dangerous, powerful or atrocious as you thought they were. After you defeat them, you will be free the rest of your life. Good luck! FACE YOUR FEARS (October 22, 2015) I don’t know what phobias, fears, uncertainties or doubts you may have, but whatever they are, you have to face them. If you don’t, they will torture you for the rest of your life. If you meet them head on, you will find out that they are not as dangerous, powerful or atrocious as you thought they were. After you defeat them, you will be free the rest of your life. Good luck! SHOULD I PLAN FOR THE FUTURE? (October 15, 2015) Because there are many uncertainties in this world, young people are asking themselves, “Should I plan or not plan for the future?” Yes, you should plan for the future because it is going to get here, regardless of what you do. If you plan for it, you will be in a better situation tomorrow. Another thing you can do is pray to God for Him to show you how to prepare for a better future. Not only does God know what is coming in the future, but He knows what would be best for you. He is willing to help you. He’s just waiting for you to come to Him. Read Hebrews 4:16. WHAT DO YOU SEE? (October 8, 2015) When there is an obstacle in the way, some people see a roadblock, others see an opportunity. What do you see? What you see depends whether you will be a successful person or just a mediocre one. CAN A RICH PERSON ENTER HEAVEN? (September 18, 2015) Jesus said In Matthew 19:24: “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Was Jesus saying that wealthy people cannot enter heaven? Not at all! Some TV evangelists give the idea that God wants everybody to be rich. Is that true? Not at all! God gives us talents in different areas. What He wants is for us to use our talents to advance His kingdom. Some Christian wealthy people donate millions of dollars for God’s work on this planet. Of course, they will go to heaven. Other wealthy people are using their money for pleasures, sin, corruption and so on. Of course, they will not be in heaven. Some pastors or TV evangelists that are just doing it for fame, glory and wealth may not make it to heaven. God cannot be mocked. God looks at the heart of man. Everything else is secondary. In spite of your age, race, language, country of residence, social standing, educational level, sex, religion, physical attributes or lack of them, talents, God wants you to seek first His kingdom, His righteousness, so that everything you need can be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENCY (September 11, 2015) As time goes by the United States keeps moving farther and farther away from God. As it does that, God’s blessings are being removed from it. Because Donald Trump may be the best candidate to be our next President, he may be elected, and if he does get elected that may move our country farther away from God. The reason being is that the people will put their trust on him and not on God. Donald Trump is a mere man, but God is God. If you are an unbeliever and disagree, don’t write to me because at this time it is only a mere supposition that Mr. Trump may become President and that the people will put their trust in him. Of course, only time will tell. DO NOT WISH UPON A STAR (September 4, 2015) Walt Disney would probably tell you to wish upon a star making no difference who you are, but I am here to tell you that that is pure nonsense. If you must wish upon something or someone, wish upon the one who made all the stars – that, of course, is Jesus Christ. Not only did He make the stars, but He made everything else (John 1:3). Jesus tells us that whatever we ask Father God in His name (Jesus Christ) that the Father will do (John 14:13, 15:16 and 16:23). Of course, whatever we do ask has to be in God’s will. WE SHOULD TRY TO CHANGE SOCIETY (August 20, 2015) There is no doubt that society has become too tolerant, too permissive, too flexible and too accommodating to the whims of the people. We, the Christians, should not strive to blend in, to fit in, or to go along with the flow. We should not allow society to go astray and where it already has, we should not participate in that at all. If our society keeps disobeying God’s rules, principles, laws and His will, sooner or later His judgment will come on us. Because it rains on the just the same as it does on the unjust (Matthew 5:45), we will also suffer the consequences. Think about: “If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.” ARE YOU POLITICALLY- CORRECT? (August 12, 2015) If you are always socially and politically-correct, I actually feel sorry for you. If you are that it only means you follow the herd. If you follow the herd, you don’t think for yourself. You let others do the thinking and you just follow the herd. Some advice: think for yourself, step out of your comfort zone and don’t necessarily follow the herd. Follow it when it is correct, but don’t follow it just because it’s popular or socially and politically accepted. Be your own person! THE BIGGEST NEED (August 6, 2015) The biggest need a person has is to feel loved, wanted, needed and appreciated, while the biggest disappointment is to feel unloved, unwanted, unneeded and ignored. Think about it and you will agree. If you feel unloved, unwanted, unneeded and ignored, in a reasonable manner, do whatever it takes to change it. One of the ways to change the way you feel is to remove the focus from you and think of ways to make others happy, find ways to make them succeed, and to find pleasure in being a servant. Remember; Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:44-45). WHAT ARE YOU PURSUING? (July 30, 2015) Whatever you pursue, you will catch, and whatever you catch, you will have. Whatever you have may even have you, and it may affect your lifestyle. Many times your lifestyle defines who you really are. If you are unsuccessful in your own eyes, if you are unhappy or if you are unsatisfied, it is only because you have been pursuing the wrong thing. Solution: start pursuing what really matters to you and what truly brings you joy. ESTABLISH A GOOD REPUTATION (July 22, 2015) It takes a lifetime to create a good reputation, but it only takes a very short time to destroy it. Do the best you can to acquire an excellent reputation and to protect it. If you do, you will leave a wonderful legacy behind and your descendants will be proud that you were one of their ancestors. WHICH PRINCIPLES DO YOU FOLLOW? (July 15, 2015) Do you follow the godly principles that are outlined in the Bible, which are permanent and will never change or do you follow society’s principles, which are politically and socially correct, but are constantly changing? Do you have a criteria of moral ethics or do you go with the flow? WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN RELIGION? (July 9, 2015) Why do you believe religion? No religion has any power. The believers may ostracize, chastise, incarcerate and even kill in the name of religion or their so-called god, but religion has no power whatsoever. The one who has the power is the God who created the heavens, the earth (Genesis 1:1) and everything that exists. Think about it! FIND SATISFACTION (July 4, 2015) Elvis Presley had a “Blue Christmas,” and if he is not in heaven, he is having many more. After almost fifty years, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones “Can Get No Satisfaction.” Paul McCartney of the Beatles found out that “All You Need Is Love.” I don’t know if he ever found it, but at least he knows what he needs. If you don’t want to have a blue Christmas like Elvis Presley, want to get satisfaction like Mick Jagger (he hasn’t found it yet) and you have come to the realization as Paul McCartney did that all you need is love, then come home to Jesus. He is waiting for you. WOULD WE HAVE LOST OUR FAITH? (June 27, 2015) Let’s say that we had followed Jesus, that we were His disciples, maybe even His best friends, and that we had believed that He was the Son of God – God in the flesh. Then when He was arrested, tortured and even killed, where would we be? Would we have quit believing in Him, in God and even in the scriptures? Would we have quit going to church or the synagogue as was common in those days? Only God knows! Fortunately for us, we have the Bible with a complete history of what actually happened. We don’t have to lose faith, because we know that Jesus resurrected on the third day, that He appeared to over five-hundred people in His resurrected body, that He ascended to heaven, and that He is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. THE SILENT MAJORITY (June 20, 2015) The majority of Americans (the silent majority) do not agree with the path this country is taking, but since they do nothing, the boisterous minority keeps on getting its way. Examples: 1. We no longer allow “The Ten Commandments” in public buildings. 2. Abortion is legal. 3. We cannot mention God in public settings. 4. Pot is legal in several states. 5. Judges are marrying gays even in our country’s capital. 6. The President does as he pleases. He does not do the will of the people. 7. The TV programs show nothing but garbage. ie…sex, gays, violence, disobedience. crookedness, plotting and everything else that goes against God, good morals, correctness and so on. Unless the silent majority wakes up this country is going down, just the same way every other world power has collapsed. Examples: Babylon, Rome, Greece, Persia, Spain, France, England, Russia, Japan, Germany and a few others. Wake up, America! SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT (June 4, 2015) While in line at the grocery store, a lady was talking on her cell phone in a language other than English. The man in front of her waited patiently for her to finish her conversation, and when she did, he confronted her: “Lady, if you want to speak Mexican go back to Mexico. Here in America we speak English.” The lady looked at him and said: “I was speaking Navajo, my native language in my native country. If you want to speak English go back to England.” MAKE THE PROPER ADJUSTMENTS (May 28, 2015) Don’t adjust the word of God to fit your lifestyle; adjust your lifestyle to comply with the word of God. You see, life and the world do not revolve around you, they revolve around God. You are just a speck in the universe. Think about it! WHAT DO THE COLORS OF YOUR FLAG REPRESENT? (May 20, 2015) The American flag has three colors; red, white and blue. The red represents valor and the blood that our soldiers have shed for our freedom. The white represents purity, innocence and peace. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen original colonies, while the fifty stars represent the fifty states. Our flag is very symbolic – what about yours? Let’s take a different look at the American flag. The red can represent the blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross for our salvation. The white can represent God’s love, peace, harmony and the heavenly light that Jesus brought into the world. The blue can represent the skies and heaven. The thirteen stripes multiplied by three will give you the thirty-nine stripes that Jesus received on His back for our sins. The fifty stars can represent all the galaxies in the universe that God created. thelivinglights.com laluzviviente.com [email protected] DON’T BLAME OTHERS (May 14, 2015) Blaming others comes easy, but in most cases the fault does not lie there and it is not the right thing to do. Do not blame others for your lack of preparation, your lack of planning, and your lack of making the right decisions. In many cases, you have no one to blame, but yourself. Instead of blaming others, blaming the circumstances, and trying to justify your past failures, start planning, preparing, taking positive action and going forth with it. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU EDIFY? (May 7, 2015) Many people think that life is about how many people one can beat, knock down, defeat, cheat or destroy. That is totally and unequivocally wrong. Life is about how many people one can edify, lift up, help and bless. After all, when everything is said and done, there is more merit in giving than receiving (Acts 20:35). WHAT IS LIFE ABOUT? (May 1, 2015) Life is not about being wealthy, famous, talented, being envied or admired. Life is about being happy, living in harmony, having peace of mind, being confident, feeling good about one’s self, knowing that our life is making the world a better place, feeling well physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, having a relationship with God, and knowing that we will spend eternity with Him. YOUR FUTURE (April 23, 2015) For whatever the reason, you may have had a bad childhood or a bad past. One of them or both of them may be affecting you now. They may be keeping you from being all God designed you to be. The reason for that is that your past is affecting your now and your future. It is never too late to start a new life. Now is the perfect time for you to make positive changes in your life. Don’t make excuses – just do it. You start by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2). Instead of saying, “I am going to try,” say, “I am going to do it.” Don’t say, “I don’t know if I can do it.” Say, “With God’s help, I know I can do it.” Do not fall into thinking, “I may not deserve it.” Instead think, “I deserve it as much as the other person and maybe, just maybe, even more.” Do not fall into the trap of saying, “I have to do that.” – whatever it may be. Say, “I have the privilege of doing that.” instead of being a dreadful chore, now it is a pleasure to do it. In conclusion I want to say: “Don’t let your poor past affect your now, much less your future.” Good luck! Let me know if this short article helped you. thelivinglights.com laluzviviente.com [email protected] ENJOY YOURSELF! (April 15, 2015) Enjoy each moment as much as you can, but don’t infringe on somebody else’s life, privileges, rights or happiness. They have as much right as you do to enjoy themselves. Those people can be your family, friends and the general public. REFUSING SERVICE TO A CUSTOMER (April 9, 2015) Should a business owner have the right to refuse service to a customer for a good reason? Let’s look at a few examples: 1. Supposing to an expensive restaurant that caters to very wealthy customers a homeless family comes in, wearing no shoes, and being quite smelly, should the owner have the right to serve them? 2. What if two ladies dressed as prostitutes, exposing what they should not expose, came in to a business where there were families with children, would the owner have the right to tell them to leave? 3. Let’s just suppose that to a Christian church, on any given Sunday, two homosexuals came, sat in front and started kissing and hugging each other, does the pastor have the right to ask them to leave? 4. What would happen if two men with ski masks or hoods covering their faces came into a business, would the owner have the right to tell them to leave, or maybe to call the police immediately? The question is…does the owner have the right to refuse service to a person or not? I know the customer has rights, but does the owner have any? I am just posing a question. All of us will have to deal with situations like these, sooner or later, so it would behoove us to think about it in advance. WHAT CAN STOP IT? (April 2, 2015) Whether we want to admit it or not, this country (the USA) is on a decline, descent, downfall and skidding downward financially, physically, popularity, credibility, morally, spiritually and probably in other areas, as well. What can stop the downfall? The politicians? Of course not! The movie stars? No, no, no! The overpaid athletes? Definitely not! The gays and lesbians? Not on your life! Religion? No way! God? Of course, He can. If the people of this country would turn back to God, He would heal this land (2Chronicles 7:14). THE BALANCE (March 26, 2015) You may be one of the ones who think God has a balance by the entry to the pearly gates in heaven. Maybe you think that He will put your good deeds on the right side and the bad deeds on the left side, and if the right side is heavier you will get to stay. Nothing good be further from the truth. Suffices to say that the only way to enter heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That was a word to the wise. Are you wise? IT’S NOT ABOUT THAT (March 19, 2015) It’s not about how intelligent you are, how wealthy you may be, how much power you may have, how popular you may be, nor how handsome or beautiful you may be. It’s about how much you love God, how much you depend on Him, how much you pray, and how well you are serving Him. THE MAN WHO DOES NOT LOVE The man who does not love, in reality, does not really live. If he doesn’t really live, he does not touch the world, and most importantly, he does not even touch God. RELATIONSHIPS (March 4, 2015) For whatever the reason most of us miss one of the most important priorities we should have in this life. That, of course, is relationships. If we have good relationships, life is so much better for us. No man is an island. All of us need others, whether we admit it or not. Our most important relationship should be the one we have with God. After all, He is the one who gave us life, and He is the one who decides whether we spend eternity in the lake of fire or in heaven. The relationship we have or don’t have with Him is going to affect our eternity. If we had excellent or good relationships with our family members, neighbors, coworkers, bosses and other people, it would be great. There would be no divorces, no squabbles with neighbors, no fights at work, no shootings at schools, no wars, no road rage and no hatred. People would help each other and that would eliminate many problems. If you have a broken relationship or more, try to forgive, forget and reconcile with the other people. You’ve got nothing to lose but false pride. You’ve got a lot to gain. There’s no better feeling than knowing you are being appreciated, liked and loved. EVOLUTION (February 19, 2015) Julie Andrews, the star of the movie, “The Sound of Music,” would probably say, “Something cannot come from nothing. Nothing really could.” How can anybody believe in evolution? If there was nothing at the beginning, how could something have started from nothing? Supposing there was a big bang, as the theory implies; where did the matter that caused the big bang come from? Someone had to create it. Nothing will always be nothing. In order for some chemical reaction to take place, a catalyst is needed. There could have been no big bang without some type of catalyst. Where did that catalyst come from and who created it? No matter how you slice it, cut it, paint it, or look at it, you still need a creator. I prefer to believe in God as my Creator. Is your creator a larva, a worm, a monkey or a cell that could not have begun without somebody creating it. YOU WILL BE MUCH BETTER FOR IT (February 13, 2015) Learn about other languages, cultures and people and you will be much better for it. Prejudice normally comes from ignorance – ignorance from not knowing other languages, other cultures, or how people of other ethnic groups or other nationalities feel. THE FINAL RESULT (February 6, 2015) All of us will leave this world, sooner or later, and where we will spend eternity will depend on how we treated the Lord Jesus. In Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered: “You are the Christ.” WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN? (January 30, 2015) When does life begin? This is a question that should not be asked because the answer is obvious, but because it continues to be asked, I will answer it for you. First of all, I will tell you when it does not begin. It does not begin when you retire, when your last child leaves home, or when you finish paying your mortgage. Neither does it begin when the child begins to walk, talk or go to school. Although many people think that life begins when the child is born, it begins nine months earlier. Life actually begins at conception. If you are pregnant and contemplating having an abortion, it might be OK legally and by society, but you are committing a crime against God and against the fetus. If, for whatever reason you cannot raise the child, or you don’t want him, give him up for adoption. There are many couples wishing to have a baby, but they haven’t been able to conceive. DO SOMETHING! (January 22, 2015) Next time you think of complaining about anything, ask yourself the question: “What Have I done to make the situation better?” If you haven’t been part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. Think of how you can be part of the solution, and then take action. YOU HAVE NO LIMITS (January 15, 2015) Many people don’t accomplish much for the simple reason that they place limits, boundaries, and limitations on themselves. These, of course, become barriers that cannot be overcome because the people themselves have created them. Unless they change their way of thinking they will always be subjected to those limitations. If you have placed limits, limitations, barriers or boundaries on yourself, remove them, so you can move forward in a positive direction. The sky is your limit, but only if you really believe it and act on it. HUMBLE YOURSELF! Humility is a virtue and one that most of us need to have. All of us need help in one area or another. If we humble ourselves and admit that we need help, someone will probably help us and we will even find favor with God. We Don’t Appreciate What We Have (December 18, 2014) Many times we don’t appreciate what we have; instead we want what we don’t have. Some of us don’t appreciate the spouses we have. Instead we are looking elsewhere. Some of us don’t appreciate our country and the freedom it offers us, but if we were living in Cuba, Venezuela, China, North Korea, Iran or even Russia, then we would long to have freedom. Most people don’t appreciate the fact that Jesus Christ suffered, shed His blood on the cross and died for their sins, but when they find themselves in hell suffering and later on in the lake of fire, they are going to wish they had another opportunity. Unfortunately it will be too late for them. Don’t let it be too late for you!!! YOUR DEBT (December 12, 2014) You have a debt and either you or somebody has to pay for it. Your debt is the many sins you have committed. If you decide to pay it yourself, you will have to pass through hell first, and then spend eternity in the lake of fire burning, burning and burning. Your other choice is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and thank Him because He paid your debt in full on the cross. WOULD THE WORLD MISS YOU? (November 29, 2014) If you were to die tomorrow, would the world miss you? It would miss you if you have a good legacy, but if you have been selfish, mean, arrogant, unforgiving, and jealous, probably nobody would miss you. You know what? It’s not too late! Start working on being nice, thoughtful, caring, helpful and friendly and you may see positive results almost immediately. THERE IS MUCH JOY IN GIVING (November 20, 2014) If you are feeling miserable, unwanted, unloved, abandoned and worthless, start encouraging people, praying for them, helping them in any way possible, and looking for ways to bless others through your smile, friendship, godliness, warmth, and with your positivity. Your life will change completely. There is much more joy in giving than in receiving. OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE (November 13, 2014) Our purpose in life is to do the will of God, not ours. How do I know that? As long as Adam and Eve did God’s will, the garden of Eden and the world were perfect. When they decided to disobey God and sinned, God cursed the land (Genesis 3:17). Are you doing God’s will or are you doing yours? Is everything going well for you or are you living under Murphy’s Law? ORDER IS GOOD Wherever there is no order, there is disorder, and wherever there is disorder chaos reigns. If you are very disorganized, become more organized. You don’t have to be perfect, but you can do a lot better than what you are doing. When you are disorganized although you may not be hurting yourself, one thing is sure, you are hurting others. FACE IT Whatever you fear will eventually defeat you, unless you face it head on and beat it. Don’t run away from it. Run to it and conquer it. Once you do that, it will never be a problem to you again. Good luck! ARE YOU BELIEVING A LIE? Are you basing your destiny on a lie? Do you think that good works will get you to heaven? Wrong! Do you think religion will get you to heaven? Wrong! Do you believe because your family is saved you are saved too? Wrong! Do you think there are many ways to get to heaven? Wrong! There is only one way to get to heaven and His name is Jesus. If you don’t want to spend your eternity burning in the lake of fire, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE Change is not possible if you do not change your way of thinking and acting. However change is definitely possible if you change your way of thinking, study/analyze your situation, make a plan of action, leave your comfort zone and put your plan in action. You need to be determined, but, at the same time, you need to be flexible and willing to make adjustments to your plan when necessary. DO NOT LET IT AFFECT YOU (September 25, 2014) Do not let anything, such as; problems, anger, bitterness, hatred, sorrow, fear, stress, frustration, unrest, insomnia, nervousness, worries, turmoil or anything of the sort rob you of your joy. If you have some already, get rid of them. If you don’t have any, don’t accept them. If for whatever reason you can’t get rid of them, don’t give them any importance and ignore them as much as possible. Don’t let them steal your joy and happiness. No one has that right. UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR The backdoor of your life is completely opened and there’s an escalator leading from it straight to the gates of hell. If you do business as usual, do not close that door and do not receive Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior, you will find yourself going down that escalator. The front door of your life is locked from the inside and you are the only one who can open it. Jesus is standing outside knocking waiting for you to open the door. If you open it He will come in and dine with you (Revelation 3:20). Then since He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), He will open the gates of heaven to you. LEARN TO RELEASE Learn to release anything that is keeping you from moving forward in a positive direction. What could that be? anger, hate, fears, prejudices, biases, traditions, lack of forgiveness, failures, negative attitude, pessimism, ignorance, laziness, lack of motivation, lack of confidence in yourself, lack of faith in God, addictions, false religion, and even people who may be holding you back. TRY TO IMPROVE THIS WORLD (September 3, 2014) Some of the people who think there is life after death will do more to improve this world than the ones who think otherwise. On the other hand, some of the people who don’t think there is a hereafter will cause more harm to this world than their counterpart. Where do you fall in the scheme of things? This planet and the people in your life whom you have influenced will they be better off or worse off when you make the transition to eternity? A GOOD DEED (August 28, 2014) What have you done this week to make life better for somebody else? That somebody else could be your spouse, your children, your parents, your grandparents, a relative, a friend, or even a person in another country. DON’T DIVIDE, UNITE (August 25, 2014) Some people bring division wherever they go. Others are part of the problem because they are not part of the solution. Instead of criticizing give positive input and help solve the problem. Instead of dividing, help bring solidarity. INCREASE YOUR FAITH (August 14, 2014) We need to increase our faith in order to bring into existence what does not exist, to make the impossible possible, to make the invisible visible, and to bring the spiritual into the natural. PEACEFUL OR VIOLENT? (August 8, 2014) Is the Muslim religion peaceful or violent? Look at what religion commits the terrorist attacks, what religion denies the existence of the state of Israel and what religion incarcerates, or kills Christians, then decide for yourself. THE BEST PLACE TO BE (July 31, 2014) The best place to be is right smack in the middle of God’s will. When you are there, you are pleasing Him, He is guiding you, and you know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you will be spending eternity with the God the Creator of the universe. REALISTIC GOALS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED (July 24, 2014) If you set realistic goals, give your best, and with God’s help you can accomplish them. Don’t settle for anything less. Don’t sell yourself short, because the victory is within your reach. THAT’S NOT THE WAY YOU ARE You may be grouchy, cranky, fearful, nervous, stressful, stingy, unforgiving, lazy or something else, and you say, “That’s just the way I am.” No, that’s not the way you are; that’s the way you want to be. You can change and you should do it for your benefit and that of all the people around you. Change and don’t make excuses. DON’T LET FEAR DOMINATE YOU (July 11, 2014) What or who you fear governs and dominates you. Therefore don’t fear anyone or anything. Let the devil and his demons fear you (James 4:7), so you can govern and dominate them. You can only do that through the word of God. SUPPOSING YOU COULD CHANGE THE WORLD (July 3, 2014) Let’s just suppose for one moment that you could change the world. What would you? You know what? You can change the world, but it has to start by changing yourself, and then by helping another person change his or her life. We can change the world, but it has to be one person at a time. LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE It is of the utmost importance that you live what you believe. If you don’t, you will never find true happiness. There is a saying that says: “Let your conscience be your guide.” It is a very good rule to follow, but only if you truly have a conscience. IT’S NOT IN RELIGION Religion gives people a false hope of salvation, while a relationship with Jesus Christ gives them a definite assurance of spending eternity with Him. You may be a very religious person and wind up in hell. If that is your case, maybe you should read the first chapter of the Gospel of John in the King James Bible.

LOSE YOUR FEARS Many of us, for a variety of reasons, develop fears at an early age. Many of these fears remain with us throughout our lifetime. Fears, phobias and uncertainty paralyze us and, in many cases, prevent us from reaching our potential. The thing to do is to identify the fears, confront them head on, release them and free ourselves from them. We need not be hostages to them.

REAL PEACE IN YOUR LIFE Your love working together with godly wisdom and your obedience make you right with yourself, with people and with God. That, of course, will give you that peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

DON’T BE A HOPE BUSTER Never deprive anybody of his hope, and don’t shatter anybody’s dreams. That hope or that dream could be the only reason they have for living. Instead, encourage them and bring the light of God into their lives.

S U C C E S S Success does not depend on how many degrees you earn, how many titles they may give you, how much money you may earn, how many possessions you may acquire nor how many projects you may see to fruition. Success depends on how many people you help and touch in a positive way with the talents, abilities and resources you may have at any given time.

WHAT ARE YOUR TRUTHS? There are many truths coming from different places, from different people and in different ways. Some of those truths can destroy you, and others can lift you up. Let your truths come from God. Jesus Christ is the ultimate truth (John 14:6).

AN UNBELIEVER An unbeliever is like a homeless man whose father has left him a fortune, but he never knew his father, and therefore does not claim his inheritance. Your inheritance is your salvation. Let’s hope you claim it.

WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE? In attitude some young people are old, while some old people are young. Some poor persons are rich and some wealthy ones are poor in their way of thinking. Some individuals who are momentarily down are winners and some who are up are losers regardless of their recent accomplishments. To God some characters who seem strong to us are weak to him, and some who seem weak to us are strong in His eyes. What makes you a loser or a winner is the way you think. In Proverb 23:7, the Bible tells us: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” If you want to become successful, not necessarily in the eyes of the world, but in your point of view and in God’s eyes, change your paradigm – your way of thinking. You may have to change your priorities and set them in the correct order. Weekly Thought Two Read More Older Entries

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