THE WIDOWS TWO MITES

 After going through today's devotional with my wife in which we talked about mercy, the thought of this blog entry from September 2016 came to me, this is about a man that we reached through Rayed Radio in the Ivory Coast, again I thought that only by the grace of God could this humble servant be relevant in the salvation of a family so far away, just like with young Pastor Chandra in Nepal I being able to message those followers in the fact that we are not born Christians, but the only way to salvation is to accept Jesus as our Savior and to have 7 new believers, 7 God's complete number again only through God's mercy have I been able to serve and will continue to do so while He keeps me in this earth.

Luke 21:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) "And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”"

This morning as I opened up my email I received not only a very big blessing,but a lesson in humility, and a message letting me know that the Lord is not only using the ministry and the station, to bring the message to those in need and in places that we would not even think of otherwise.

On Tuesday I received a prayer request for a man and his family through the station, when I replied with the prayer the fellow sent me a photo of himself and family, they live in Ivory Coast along with a message stating that he could not even offer a donation and felt ashamed, I responded to him that a donation was not necessary, but to continue faithfully praying himself for his family.  That I would continue praying for them and would pass along his name to Little Willie G so that he could include him in his prayer on today's program.

This morning I got a great lesson in humility number one, and a blessing that will live with me for ever, as I opened my emails I noticed a donation had been made via PayPal last night, the donation amount looked a little strange and I honestly thought there was a mistake on PayPal's end however when looking closer I noticed the donation was in the amount of $1.87 yes One Dollar and eighty seven cents.  I did not recognize the email associated with the donation,  however  at around 8:30 this morning I get the following email "Pastor, this is Thomas, thanks again for your prayers, I was able to put together a donation for your ministry, you should receive it some time today they told me.  I pray it can help someone in need like we are"  I immediately double checked the email associated with the donation, and it was the same man who had written in asking for prayer.

The only thing that came to my mind was "the widow's two mites,"  I thank the Lord for these teaching moments that we receive, and think to how we complain about our lives and how are we going to meet tomorrow's needs, yet here is this man living under conditions that none of us probably have ever experienced yet he found it within his heart to think of someone in need.

Pastor David J Barberis 

3 TYPES OF DATING VIOLENCE

Dating Violence can be complex, and there 3 types of abuse that will occur in a dating relationship, and escalate if not addressed, they are: verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual.

Emotional & Verbal Abuse:

Emotional abuse is the result of the aggressor wanting to be in control of the other person’s behavior and or feelings. The abuser tries to limit his or her partner’s ability to act independently, undermining their confidence. Verbal abuse includes all lack of respect towards a partner, usually begins with swearing at a partner, insulting then belittling them, and finally threatening them with words.

Physical Abuse:

In most cases, males use physical force to show they are in control (I only hurt you because of how much I love you), while females use it to protect themselves, to retaliate, or fear of being assaulted. Physical abuse includes hair-pulling, biting, shoving, slapping, choking, strangling, punching, kicking, burning, advancing all the way to using or threatening to use a weapon, and holding a partner hostage.

Sexual Abuse:

Sexual abuse includes unwanted sexual touching, force, or pressure (you will do it if you love me) to get a partner to consent, rape or attempted rape, and attempting or having sex with a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

In light of the horrific and tragic death of Gabby Petito days ago, I am reminded of the critical need to educate youth and young adults about healthy and unhealthy relationships.  How can we turn a blind-eye when we know the consequences? 

 

 

I am a college Social Work Professor who has found it incredibly surprising that the majority of my students have not received information about dating violence and unhealthy relationships. Even kids of amazingly informative and loving parents are being threatened, hurt, or worse by their boyfriend/girlfriend. I’ve had three opportunities to talk with teens or college-aged students, and each time, I was approached with a story of presently being in an unhealthy/violent relationship. 

Our youth and young adults need education, our support, and connection to all of the services they need.  Prevention and intervention are critical. We cannot assume youth have the tools to avoid unhealthy relationships or know the resources for those in the midst of one. Further, many may know or have known a friend or relative trapped in an unsafe relationship, and need help. Let us be fountains of love, grace, support, and wisdom.

In my teen years, I felt that I had no resources or persons to share my troubles with regarding being in an abusive relationship. I suffered in silence with mountains of anxiety and depression. Dating violence was not discussed at home, by friends, or at school. Most likely, I was not the only one from my high school suffering in silence. As I look back on those years, I believe that shame and low self-esteem prevented me from reaching out. Our communities need to know the “red flags,” and how to help.

Let there be no more tragedies such as that of Gabby Petito. 

THREE SHORT MONTHS

Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV)

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,
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Romans 8:4 (NKJV)

that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Our God is a very jealous God

Yes, our God is a very jealous God, while He gives us the ability to decide, He also warned us of consequences that we would face his wrath. Knowing that God was, is and will always be should be enough to forewarn us that we will pay for our sins, and as we pray for his will on heaven as in earth there is then the assurance that we will pay for our sins also on this earth.

Today with this pandemic that we are facing, we are to be reminded that just like the Great Flood, and the plagues of Egypt, today God has acted and has taken away those things that our society worships.

Our society worships athletes, musicians, actors, money; ok lets shut down stadiums, theaters, music halls, and the economy, and since going to church seems to have become a social gathering rather than a place of worship, we might as well shut down churches as well.

In three short months just like the plagues He has allowed for them all to be shut down, thus, taking away all that we worship in place of Him.

Way back in the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 7:14 written by Ezra in the 5th century BC roughly 2, 520 years to when this current pandemic hit us, just as for Israel’s forgiveness of sin and healing of the land would be theirs, today as per Romans 8:4 forgiveness of our sins and healing of the land will be ours not because of the flesh but according to and because of the Spirit.

More than a vaccine to get over this season what we need during this time of forced isolation from the distractions of this world is to pray in order to have a personal revival while focusing on the ONLY thing that really matter, JESUS, our salvation, and to love one another.

David Barberis

The Beacon Lighthouse

God’s Answers To Our Thoughts

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly, but don’t lose heart. God is constantly and consistently at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. For all the negative things we may say to ourselves, God has a positive answer.

We say, "It's impossible.”

God says, “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)

We say, "I'm too tired."

God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

We say, "Nobody really loves me."

God says, “I love you.” (John 3:16)

We say, "I can't go on."

God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We say, "I don’t know which way to turn."

God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:6)

We say, “I can't do it."

God says, “Through Him we can do all things.” (Philippians 4:13)

We say, "I'm not able."

God says, “I am able.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

We say, "It's not worth it."

God says, “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)

We say, "I can't forgive myself."

God says, “I forgive you.” (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

We say, "I can't manage."

God says, “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)

We say, "I'm afraid."

God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

We say, "I'm always worried and frustrated."

God says, “Cast all your cares on ME.” (1 Peter 5:7)

We say, "I don't have enough faith."

God says, “I've given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

We say, "I'm not smart enough."

God says, “I give you wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

We say, “I feel all alone.”

God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

David Barberis
U Be The Change

METHAMPHETAMINES

Recently during my morning walks I was walking behind a young man who kept turning back to his left as well his right even going to the point of pulling his backpack and holding it in a menacing offensive manner as he continued looking back towards me. I realized the young man was suffering the effects of methamphetamine use one of paranoia, mind you I was not following him at all. To my surprise he walked towards a close building and was watching me all the time, I just put him in my prayers at that very moment.

Now this morning there was a car in front of me when I pulled out my phone to read a message I had just received when the driver of the car came to a stop and in a very threatening manner accused me of following him and taking his information, he even told me what he would do as he would kick my posterior. Earlier in my life I would have probably reacted in a very defensive manner and taken things into my hands, but I leaned on my Lord and my experience and just moved on, now I was concerned so I called a friend and asked that she remain on the phone in case this person came back and to call 911 if she heard anything.

After praying on the matter I did see the individual when he came back to his place and I did approach him first to assure him that I have no reason to follow him nor to report him to the authorities if he is not doing something wrong and as a matter of fact that I was there to help him not hurt him and that I had a message for him, well it lead to my being allowed to pray for him and offer my services to him. Thanks be to God for using me and allowing me to react in this manner and win another soul.

Because of that experience I would like to offer the following on the topic of Methamphetamine use in our society;

Methamphetamine is a very strong stimulant. With some methods of administration, there is a fast “rush” of euphoria followed by a long period of less intense euphoria. When meth is ingested, there is no rush but the high may last for as long as ten hours.

The user has more energy than normal and will not be able to sleep until the drug wears off. If he has plenty of the drug, he may continually re-dose until he has been up for days. If he runs out of the drug, he will crash and sleep around the clock. He will not have an appetite, meaning that he will probably lose a lot of weight. Heavy meth users become gaunt and look pale and unhealthy. He or she will probably appear unusually active but may also act nervous and anxious.

The user’s body temperature will go up and he may appear hot and sweaty without the environment being hot or his having been physically active. Pupils will be dilated and blood pressure will go up. He or she may become sexually excited.

Meth abuse results in the following adverse effects:

• Deterioration of appearance 
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat 
• Erratic, changeable moods 
• Aggressive behavior 
• Paranoia that can become severe 
• Confusion 
• Insomnia 
• Damage to teeth 
• Rough skin with sores 

Meth is highly addictive. Some people have stated that just one or two uses was all it took for them to become addicted.

David Barberis
U Be The Change

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Today I bring the topic of the Christmas Tree since last year I received some comments on a posting on Facebook about my home getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ criticizing me for having a pagan symbol in my home and imploring me to read Jeremiah 10:3-4.

With all due respect the first thing I have to say is that when we quote a biblical verse, we should cite it in the context in which it was written and complete.  That text I will quote below:

Jeremiah 10:1-5 (NKJV)

Idols and the True God

“Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel.  Thus, says the Lord: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are [a]futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; They must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”

In this context, Jeremiah is referring to a form of Idolatry practiced at the time in the Judean community which wanted to predict their future (as many would like to know today) and to discern "the signs of in the heavens" worshiping those Idols and creating their likeness with the wood but cut from the forest.  Very clearly the Prophet refers here to the images chiseled and adorned in wood or clay.

I have seen a pastor criticize having a Christmas Tree in the house and the habit of exchanging gifts as pagan customs, and during the study, before that same service his wife initiated a collection for the pastor’s Christmas gift (hypocritical is it not) then the pastor is preaching his great criticism about the Christmas Tree in the houses without mentioning the three Christmas Trees behind him in the pulpit, the pulpit!

In my humble opinion we should practice what Paul teaches us in Romans 14:1 to 15:13 as today as in the early church, Christians often disagree with each other and create problems for each other. In Romans 14:1 — 15:13, Paul addresses this issue. First, it deals with differences of opinion regarding rules on food and days (14:1-12). Then he asks Christians not to stumble among themselves (14:13-23). He then tells them to focus on pleasing the other person instead of themselves (15:1-6). And finally, he makes it clear that the Gospel is for Jews and Gentiles alike (15:7-13).

For this Paul is more concerned about the way we deal with differences than the fact that we have differences. Christ does not oblige us to agree on every subject, what He does do is call on us to love each other. In chapters 14-15, Paul provides guidance on the actions that love Christians should take, even when they disagree.

Paul does not mention Jews or Gentiles until the end of this section. Having done it before would have further polarized the Jewish and Gentile Christians he was writing to, and his goal was and still is to bring us all together instead of driving us apart even more.

In this 21st century, the issues that divide Christians are different from those of the first century, but divided we are and every day more. The guide Paul gave Roman Christians would serve us very well today if we pay attention. Paul calls us to welcome those with whom we have differences (v. 1) — not to stop each other in contempt or to judge each other (VV. 4, 10). He calls us to recognize our essential connection as brothers and sisters in Christ (VV. 10 FF.) — to recognize that each of us is responsible to God (V 12) — and to trust in God because He does his perfect work.

Given the Great Gap Existing In the church today, particularly on topics such as the celebrating of Christmas, it is very difficult to do what Paul calls us to do. It is very difficult not to believe that our position is correct and the other is wrong, terribly wrong. It is very difficult not to judge other Christians and to hold them in contempt. It is very difficult to welcome Christians who don't think, praise or act different than us as Christian brothers and sisters, and accept the possibility that God will welcome them as well. It's very hard to love them. It's very difficult not to demonize those on the other side.

For my part, I celebrate with my tree the blessings that the Lord gives me, as the opportunity after so many blows to be alive and enjoy the people who He has placed in my life, I give grace for that special person He sent me to complete my life, my children, family and friends, and those around me, I prefer to go out and smell the sheep and be able to bring those derailed to salvation.  That is what to me that Christmas Tree symbolizes, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this human flesh as a man, a man who gave us the greatest of gifts, dying on that cross to pay for our sins and give us eternal salvation , that is the greatest gift we can have in this and every Christmas, as for the rest of us let’s pray for those who do not know Him.

David Barberis

U Be The Change

Waxahachie, TX

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

OVERCOMING THE PAST

2 Corinthians 5:17 With God we can overcome the past...

The past is locked away in a vault. The vault of the past cannot be fully opened. We can see in the vault. We can, through numerous means, sift through the contents of the vault. However, we cannot fully unlock the vault because the past is not with us in the here and now. The past is gone and gone forever. We cannot change the past. We cannot remake the past. Much as we might want to go back and make things over, we can never go back. Tragically, we can live every day thinking "If only I…", "If only I hadn't...", "If only I could have..."
"If only I weren't..."

We can spend time trying to overcome what we did or did not do in the past but what we cannot do is change what we did or did not do. What we can do is focus on the here and now and change what we do in the here and now. We cannot change what happened in the past but we can change the way we deal with what happened in the past.

If the obstacles of your present life are obstacles from your past, your best chance of success are dealing with your present obstacles in the here and now. You can only live today, not yesterday, not last week, or last year, or ten years ago. You can only fix problems you have now, even if your present problems are from ten years ago.

Change what you can change today because you cannot change what you did or what happened to you yesterday. For example, today you can forgive in order to erase the hurt from yesterday.

If these words have been a blessing to you please forward them to a friend.

David Barberis
Be The Change

Waxahachie, TX

DESPIERTA AMERICA

“La justicia engrandece a la nación; Mas el pecado es afrenta de las naciones.”  (Proverbios 14:34 RVR1960)

Me encanta el olor de la tierra cuando comienza la lluvia, este olor despierta nuestros sentidos especialmente en la mañana. La esencia que emane de nuestra tierra es una señal increíble que nos despierta anunciando un nuevo comienzo con el proceso de la limpieza.

Es hora de que América despierte y huela esa esencia ya que al mirar los acontecimientos de los tiempos finales en la Biblia encontramos la superpotencia reinante en la faz de la tierra, América no está inmune a la cadena de eventos en los últimos días.

Encontramos a las naciones de Israel e Irán, y creo podemos hacer bastante buen caso que Rusia y tal vez China se encuentren en ese profético escenario, pero no encontramos allí a América.

Toda nación tiene un comienzo, un mediado y un fin, todas las naciones tienen un tiempo útil. Babilonia solo duro 86 años y Persia un poco más con 208 años.

A los 268 años Grecia fue superada y la poderosa Roma gobernó por casi nueve siglos.  El imperio Británico estuvo en poder durante 250 años y en estos momentos América ya tiene unos 235 años. Toda nación tiene sus días contados.

Proverbios 14:34 nos dice “La justicia engrandece a la nación; Mas el pecado es afrenta de las naciones.”

No nos apartemos de la rectitud, porque al apartarnos de Dios estaremos invitando duras consecuencias. Si abandonamos a Dios, si lo olvidamos tendremos aquí en América también consecuencias que pagar.

David Barberis

El Perdon de Dios

El perdón de Dios

En este día de la resurrección de nuestro Señor Jesucristo presento este mensaje acerca del perdón por nuestros pecados y actitudes por la justicia por Cristo a todos los confiamos en Él come el hijo de Dios, quien con su sangre pago por nuestros pecados, faltas e injusticias.

Empecemos con uno de los versos mas poderoso en la Biblia.

1 Juan 1:9 – “Si confesamos nuestros pecados, él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados, y limpiarnos de toda maldad.”

Ya que Dios nos ha perdonado tanto, es importante razonar que es fundamental que aprendamos o que escojamos perdonar a los demás, tal vez estos versículos bíblicos sobre el perdón de Dios nos ayuden a ser capaces de perdonar a los demás más fácilmente. En el libro de 1 Juan, leemos sobre el hecho de que todos somos pecadores. El apóstol Juan menciona nuestra purificación de pecados, pero este versículo (1 Juan 1:9) se coloca justo antes y después de una clara declaración sobre que somos pecadores, y que "Si decimos que no tenemos pecado, nos engañamos a nosotros mismos, y la verdad no está en nosotros" (1 Juan 1:8) , y de nuevo, " Si decimos que no tenemos pecado, nos engañamos a nosotros mismos, y la verdad no está en nosotros." Entonces el primer paso a seguir para poder ser perdonado es reconocer el hecho de que somos pecadores necesitados de perdón, ya que “Si decimos que no hemos pecado, le hacemos a él mentiroso, y su palabra no está en nosotros.”  1 Juan 1:10.

La Biblia en Efesios 1:7 nos dice “en quien tenemos redención por su sangre, el perdón de pecados según las riquezas de su gracia”.

El perdón o la purificación que Juan escribió acerca en 1 Juan 1:9 sólo es posible debido a la redención que recibimos a través de la sangre de Cristo cuando murió en la carne en la cruz. Ninguna acción que hagamos nosotros nos sirve a ser redimido, como nos dice Pedro en 1 Pedro 1:19 " sino con la sangre preciosa de Cristo, como de un cordero sin mancha y sin contaminación”. Esta es la razón por la que Jesús vino. Él dijo en Marcos 10:45 que " Porque el Hijo del Hombre no vino para ser servido, sino para servir, y para dar su vida en rescate por muchos. Adicionalmente el Profeta Isaías escribió en Isaías 1:18: “Venid luego, dice Jehová, y estemos a cuenta: si vuestros pecados fueren como la grana, como la nieve serán emblanquecidos; si fueren rojos como el carmesí, vendrán a ser como blanca lana”, entonces aquí puedo presentarle que está es la misma justicia de Cristo ofrecida a todos los que vienen a él y confían en el hijo de Dios.

Confesemos a Él, nuestros pecados en este día de Resurrección para que se pueda cumplir en nuestras vidas ese perdón por nuestros pecados prometido en 1 Juan 1:9 y confirmado por la sangre derramada en aquella cruz.

Celebremos hoy la victoria de Cristo en nuestros nombres al vencer al pecado.

Amen

EL ARBOL DE NAVIDAD

Hoy traigo este tema de el arbolito de navidad ya que en una publicidad que he puesto en Facebook acerca del que ya estamos casi listo para celebrar el nacimiento de nuestro Señor Jesucristo me han criticado por tener un símbolo pagano en mi hogar, implorándome a leer a Jeremías 10:3-4.

Con todo el respeto merecido lo primero tengo que decir es que cuando citamos un verso bíblico, debemos citarlo en el contexto en cual fue escrito y completo.  Cual texto aquí citare yo.

Jeremías 10:1-5 (RVR1960)

Los falsos dioses y el Dios verdadero

“Oíd la palabra que Jehová ha hablado sobre vosotros, oh casa de Israel. Así dijo Jehová: No aprendáis el camino de las naciones, ni de las señales del cielo tengáis temor, aunque las naciones las teman. Porque las costumbres de los pueblos son vanidad; porque leño del bosque cortaron, obra de manos de artífice con buril. Con plata y oro lo adornan; con clavos y martillo lo afirman para que no se mueva. Derechos están como palmera, y no hablan; son llevados, porque no pueden andar. No tengáis temor de ellos, porque ni pueden hacer mal, ni para hacer bien tienen poder.”

En este contexto Jeremías se refería a la idolatría de aquella época cuando la comunidad en Judea quería predecir (como muchos quisieran saber hoy) y de discernir “las señales del cielo” adorando a aquellos ídolos que creaban de la madera que cortaban del bosque elaborándolos en el parecer de aquello que se ve en los cielos.  Muy claramente se refiere el profeta aquí a las imágenes cinceladas y adornadas en madera o barro.

He visto pastores que critican el tener un árbol de navidad en las casas y la costumbre de intercambiar regalos como costumbres paganas, y antes de ese mismo culto la pastora había iniciado una colecta para el REGALO NAVIDEÑO del pastor (se ve hipócrita verdad) pero veo aun cuando el pastor esta predicando la gran crítica sobre el árbol de navidad en las casas que él no menciono los 3 arboles de navidad que estaban detrás de él en el pulpito.

Por tal es mi humilde opinión que debemos practicar lo que nos enseña Pablo en Romanos 14:1 a 15:13 ya que hoy como en la iglesia primitiva, los cristianos a menudo discrepan entre sí y crean problemas el uno para el otro. En Romanos 14:1 — 15:13, Pablo aborda esta cuestión. En primer lugar, se ocupa de las diferencias de opinión sobre las normas sobre la alimentación y los días (14:1-12). Luego les pide a los cristianos que no se hagan tropezar entre ellos (14:13-23). Luego les dice que se concentren en agradar a la otra persona en lugar de ellos mismos (15:1-6). Finalmente, él deja claro que el Evangelio es para judíos y gentiles por igual (15:7-13).

Por esta Pablo está más preocupado por la manera en que nos ocupamos de las diferencias que por el hecho de que tenemos diferencias. Cristo no nos obliga a estar de acuerdo en cada tema, pero él nos llama a amarnos unos a otros. En los capítulos 14-15, Pablo proporciona orientación sobre las acciones que los cristianos amorosos deben tomar, incluso cuando están en desacuerdo.

Pablo no menciona judíos o gentiles hasta el final de esta sección. Haberlo hecho antes habría polarizado aún más a los cristianos judíos y gentiles a los que estaba escribiendo, y su objetivo era y sigue siendo unirnos en lugar de alejarnos más.

En este siglo XXI, los temas que dividen a los cristianos son diferentes de aquellos del primer siglo, pero divididos estamos y cada día más. La guía que Pablo dio a los cristianos romanos nos quedaría muy bien hoy si le pusiéramos atención. Pablo nos llama a acoger a aquellos con quienes tenemos diferencias (v. 1) — no a detenernos unos a otros en desacato o juzgarnos unos a otros (VV. 4, 10). Él nos llama a reconocer nuestra conexión esencial como hermanos y hermanas en Cristo (VV. 10 FF.) — reconocer que cada uno de nosotros es responsable ante Dios (v 12) — y confiar en Dios porque El hace su obra perfecta.

Dada la gran brecha existente en la iglesia hoy en día, particularmente sobre temas como el celebrar las navidades, es muy difícil hacer lo que Pablo nos llama a hacer. Es muy difícil no creer que nuestra posición es correcta y la otra está equivocada, terriblemente equivocada. Es muy difícil no juzgar a otros cristianos y detenerlos en desacato. Es muy difícil dar la bienvenida a los cristianos que no piensan, alaban o actúan diferente que nosotros como hermanos y hermanas cristianos, y aceptar la posibilidad de que Dios los acoja también. Es muy difícil amarlos. Es muy difícil no demonizar a los del otro lado.

Por mi parte, yo celebro con mi arbolito las bendiciones que me otorga el Señor, como el poder después de tantos golpes el estar vivo y disfrutar de las personas que ha puesto en mi vida, le doy gracia por esa persona especial que me envió para completar mi vida, mis hijos, mis amigos, y aquellos que me rodean, yo prefiero salir a oler las ovejas y poder traer aquellas descarriladas a la salvación.  Eso es lo que simboliza para mi ese arbolito navideño, el nacimiento de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo en esta carne como hombre, Hombre que nos dio el mas grande de los regalos, el morir en aquella cruz para atinar por nuestros pecados y darnos la salvación eterna, ese es el regalo mas grande que podemos tener en esta y todas las navidades, el resto oremos por aquellos que no lo conocen.

Les deseo a todos unas felices navidades y un prospero año nuevo.

WOMAN STOP PUTTING PRESSURE ON YOURSELF

WOMAN STOP PUTTING PRESSURE ON YOURSELF

Proverbs 31: She is not Perfect, only Jesus was PEFECT!

The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother

Proverbs 31:1  (NKJV) “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:”

You know when really looking closely at Proverbs 31 after being taught that the woman that King Lemuel’s mother spoke of is really an example for you to follow as you pursue being a woman after God’s heart, so that you can be an encouragement to other women who aim to have a closer relationship with Jesus, no to put pressure on you to be perfect for only one was “perfect” on this earth, Jesus.

In today’s world, many of you are fearful of becoming that “Virtuous Wife” (Proverbs 31:10) for fear that you will not be able to succeed, having your weaknesses show through thus God not seeing you as the perfect woman – stop you will never be perfect – none of us ever will be, therefore concentrate on being a woman after God’s heart so you testify by your being rather than who you want to be.

So you can give birth, you can clean, you can carry the home that is all fine, however it is not because you are a great wife and mother, that is your responsibility, no, it is your fear of God that will make you that “Virtuous Wife”, your perceived perfection does not come to life from all your good deeds, no your perfection is the result of your belonging to the One God who gives you your breath, your soul, and who lives within you, thus the only perfection is within you and that is The Spirit of Him who lives in you.

Do not for one moment believe that your husband, family or good looks are your hope in your endeavor towards meeting the expectations of the “Virtuous Wife” no that hope is only possible through God.

That “Virtuous Wife” (Woman) is not perfect because of her deeds, no, King Lemuel’s Mother was telling him that she would be the perfect wife, not that she is THE perfect woman, she would be the perfect wife because of her relationship with Jesus!  You then would fulfill your role and be a testimony to every woman around you who wants to please God, first by being an example to any woman single or married for just like you and us all the same she goes through trials in her life needing His grace and guidance.

So, in reality we see that the woman described in Proverbs 31 is but a guide for us God fearing men to base ourselves on when looking for the ideal wife, and to both us men and you women not to be pressured into being perfect, for once again may I remind you that only One was PERFECT.

Put God first and focus on your relationship with Him whether you are single or married all He is asking for is for you to be devoted to Him, that He be your first love, it was His blood that was shed for yours and my sins, and that is worth more than all the rubies referred to on Proverbs 31:10, you my dear sisters not one of you needs be perfect to please Him, all you need is the desire to please God and act upon it.

Pastor David J. Barberis

Rayed Redemption Ministry

His Grace Is Sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”


Let's be like Paul who did not walk around thumping his chest or showing that he was Jesus’s best disciple, Paul did not play that game. Although he had a very good religious education and Jewish lineage, he preferred to recognize his weaknesses in which God had triumphed over his limitations.

Jesus Is The Gospel

JESUS IS THE GOSPEL

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19 (KJV)

Just as Paul did not ask for prayer for his own well being when he was chained in that prison. I ask the Lord to continue endowing me with the courage (determination, resolution, decision, effort and bravery), and fidelity to continue proclaiming the gospel to those who have not been saved regardless of what cost may come to me for preaching the Truth, and the existence of a God who WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

I HAVE MET AN ANGEL FROM GOD

I HAVE MET AN ANGEL FROM GOD!

The Bible tells us that God’s angels are also spirit beings. They are ministering spirits.

Throughout history God’s angels have appeared to people many times. The Bible is full of these kinds of stories from the Virgin Mary, to Daniel, to the apostle John in the Book of Revelation.

However, the Bible also warns us that Satan and his demons can appear to us as angels of light. Thus, you will need proper discernment from the Holy Spirit if an angel were to ever appear to you.

The false religions of Islam and Mormonism, as well some cults that hide themselves in Christianity are perfect examples of demons appearing as angels of light to the people who started these false religions, sects or cults.

If those people would have known how to properly test a spirit appearing to them, those demon angels could have easily been stopped dead in their tracks and those false visions and beliefs could have easily been prevented from ever having started up.

When an angel suddenly has appeared to me, the first thing I do to do is properly test it out. 1 John tells us exactly how to do this. Here is the verse:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.

And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-4)

What this means is that you directly ask the angel to identify who his Lord and Master is. And that angel better say that it is Jesus Christ. Then I ask him or her to confess that Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh.

If that angel cannot make this direct confession to me that Jesus Christ has already come to our earth in the flesh, then I would know that I am dealing with a real, live, demonic spirit masquerading as an angel of light.

At this point, I command the demon to now leave me in the name of Jesus Christ.

In addition to the above test, we all can receive a strong discerning of spirits direct from the Holy Spirit. Immediately sensing that something is not right with this angel, picking up with a strong inner knowing that this is not an angel from God.

How did I know that this an angel came from God, because I feel a sense of peace and comfort coming in from the Holy Spirit, as He should be bearing witness that this is one of God’s angels.

Our Father loves us endlessly and He showers us with blessings sometimes material, sometimes spiritual, sometimes in the form of a light and some times in the form of a beautiful human being, well I have met that Angel, and that Angel is right here on this earth right now.

DO WE NEED INTERCESSORY PRAYERS?

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Question: Do We Need Intercessory Prayers?

Answer: Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed as believer in Christ to pray to anyone other than God, nowhere is it mentioned or are we encouraged as believers to ask anyone in heaven for their prayers. To ask for anyone other than Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit to intercede for us is blatantly unbiblical. Hebrew 4:16 tells us that we as believers here on earth can “approach the throne of grace with confidence.”

First Timothy 2:5 very clearly states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." There is no one else that can mediate with God for us. Since the Bible tells that Jesus is the ONLY mediator, then none other mediate our prayer requests to God. Further, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ Himself is interceding for us before the Father: "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25). With Jesus Himself interceding for us, why would we need anyone else to intercede for us? Will god listen to someone else more closely than to His Son? We are told in Romans 8:26 that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. So if the 2nd and 3rd members of the Holy Trinity are already interceding for us before the Father in heaven, what could possible lead us to believe that we need to have any other entity interceding for us?

Some say that Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him and that is correct, however if we examine that claim. First the Apostle Paul does asks other Christians to pray for him in Ephesians 6:19. And many Scriptures describe believers praying for one another (2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:19; 2 Timothy 1:3). However nowhere does the Bible mention anyone asking for someone in heaven to pray for him. Second we are absolutely not given any indications in the Bible that anyone else in heaven can hear our prayers. There is none other than God who is omniscient. Even while some are glorified in heaven, they are still finite beings with limitations. How could they possibly hear the prayers of millions of people? Bible references to praying to or speaking with the dead, are in the context of sorcery, witchcraft, necromancy, and divination, all activities that are strongly condemned in the Bible (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-13). There is one instance when a "saint" is spoken to, Samuel in 1 Samuel 28:7-19, Samuel is not exactly happy to be disturbed. Therefore it is clear that praying to anyone other than God in heaven is completely different from asking someone here on earth to pray for us.

God answers prayers if they are asked according to His will per 1 John 5:14-15 He does not answer prayers based on who is praying. There is absolutely no basis or need to pray to anyone other than God alone. There is no basis for asking those who are in heaven to pray for us. Only God hears our prayers. Only God answers our prayers. No one in heaven has any greater access to God's throne than we do through prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

Rayed Redemption Ministry

Euless, TX 76039

www.rayedredemption.org 

LEAD WITH INTEGRITY

John 7:3-4, NKJV

“His brothers therefore said to Him, Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things show Yourself to the world.”

At first Jesus’ family had a hard time believing in him, even though some of his brothers like James would eventually become leaders of the church. At one point they were even embarrassed by him. They knew He could perform miracles though and as such they tried to pressure Him into going to the Feast of the Tabernacle and put on a performance by wowing some into rebelling against the Romans. Jesus could have followed their advice, put on a performance and possibly even launch a political career, what better place than “The Feast.”

Jesus though was not a crowd pleaser or a performer, He knew what his mission on earth was, and that was to redeem people of their sins, not to put on performances, pleasing his family, or winning fans. Again He knew his purpose and He kept that purpose in mind. Jesus was not persuaded to turn away, not even for that one day of what would have been certain earthly glory and fame.

As leaders of the church we should follow Jesus’ example and not follow others agendas, we need to stand firm and keep our goals in focus our missions dealing with integrity knowing that we cannot allow ourselves to be persuaded to cave in to others people pleasing, glory grabbing decisions. Pursuing our goals and doing our service while leading with integrity may not be the easiest or most popular path, however it normally proves itself as the wiser path to follow.

Whatever our call or ministry is, whether mopping up in the background, or delivering the grandest of sermons, we are leaders and counselors, we are a reflection of our Lord and Savior to others, specially non-believers who take a cue from our actions therefor we should lead with wisdom and integrity without fanfare or self-aggrandizing, keeping our service and goals in mind, to share the Word, plant the seed and let them know that they could be redeemed of theirs sins.    

Rayed Redemption Ministry

Euless, TX 76039

www.rayedredemption.org  

Set The Church On Fire Message

Set the Church on Fire

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Matthew 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Rayed Redemption Ministry

Euless, TX 76039

www.rayedredemption.org

MISAEL'S TESTIMONY

Very Powerful Testimony from 11 year old Misael.

Last Sunday just before service started, this young man came up to Carmen and I and introduced himself, after very graciously going through his introduction, he asked us if we were interested in hearing his testimony.

The recording you can witness here is the result of his approaching us to tells us and my being so impressed by him as a young man and by his testimony that I asked him if he would be interested in sharing it with those that I minister to.

After meeting his parent to get permission, Carmen recorded him both in English and in Spanish, yet the surprises were not done.

Once we were done recording him, he asked if now he could get permission to do something, to pray for Carmen and I and for our ministry which he did in a way that made tears roll down my face.

The Lord is using this young man like He does all of us in such magnificent ways.

I am so thankful to our Father that He brought Misael into our lives. Join me in praying for him that the Lord continues to use him and that his own ministry grows and edifies those that he comes in contact with just like he touched us.

Rayed Redemption Ministry

Euless, TX 76039

www.rayedredemption.org

THE LORD, ANANIAS AND SAUL

Acts 9:10, (NKJV)

“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am Lord.”

We know the story, the Lord speaks to Ananias advising him of Saul, yes that Saul who used to persecute Christians, Ananias even thought of his own imprisonment should Saul have his way. Imagine what Ananias would have thought, not Saul that is impossible, he could never become a Christian, everyone knew that Saul was bad news for Christians, his reputation preceded him.

Here the Lord was asking Ananias to go and meet the man who held the warrant for his arrest, Ananias could have just ran the other way, yet Ananias chose to obey God regardless of what negative possibilities might exist.

Every Christian was at the mercy of Saul until God stepped in. All of a sudden Saul felt blind and at the mercy of the same Christians, perhaps it was payback time, you know what goes around comes around. Not here God in all His might was turning everything upside down!

Imagine how Saul must have felt, the first experience he had was a total stranger calling him brother before placing his hands on and praying that his sight be healed. Think Ananias may have had second thoughts? What a lasting impression Ananias left on Saul that when he later became Paul and was telling a crowd of his conversion the only person he named by name was Ananias.

Even though Ananias role in Saul’s conversion was so small, think of the significance of this event. Ananias probably did not realize the importance of his participation. Just like Ananias we usually cannot imagine what God accomplishes through our small efforts. We are not asked to understand His entire plan. All we are asked is to be faithful as we do our part. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to do your part today, what impossible mission do you feel or sense that God will place in front of you today? Be obedient, have no fear, for with Him nothing is impossible.

Rayed Redemption Ministry

Euless, TX 76039

www.rayedredemption.org