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New Clothes

Fernanda C — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Colossians 3:8-10

When out to buy new clothes, most of the time we wish to find something that will be delightful to our eyes, comfortable, and that will give us a nice, presentable appearance before people. New clothing changes our appearance but does not change us internally.

In today’s reading text, there is a list of sins which are recurring in our life: anger, indignation, filthy language. When driving in traffic, we may feel irritated or angry with irresponsible attitudes taken by other drivers, and in our thoughts, we may say filthy things or wish something bad would happen to that irresponsible driver for the erroneous attitude he or she has committed. These are pieces of evidence that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). There is no possibility on our own to change the inclination we have towards evil. It reaches the core of our being, making our attitudes and thoughts reflect on the evil that lives within us.

However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be “clothed” with new garments that do not just change our external appearance. The only way we can be made similar to Christ is believing that His blood shed on the cross cleanses and purifies us of our sin (I John 1:9). The new “clothes” we receive when we believe in Christ, give us the possibility to fight against our evil inclination because the practices that belong to the old life (our “old clothes”) are thrown out and substituted with a new mentality, a new character: the character of Jesus Christ (new clothes).

Because of Christ, we can control ourselves when we get irritated in traffic; we can even get angry but there is no more desire to insult the other driver. Sin is smoldering within us, but we no longer desire it: our desire for life is in Christ.

Jesus gives us completely new clothes… Are we going to get it filthy with sin? Why?

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The Bible

Fernanda C — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Psalms 119:33-40

It is interesting that the majority of people have a Bible in their home, but, probably only a portion of them really know what the Bible is. How many people seek to take time off from their day to really sit and meditate for some time on what the Bible says? How about you? Have you been reading your Bible? Do you know of its importance? If you do read it, have you been seeking to practice what it says?

The Bible is not a decoration utensil in the home, nor an object to bring good vibes in the atmosphere it is in. In addition, much less a disguised horoscope (open the Bible randomly to see what God has for me that day). The Bible is the Word inspired by God, the manual of life left by the Lord so that human beings will know how to live better, beneath God’s guidance and divine care. That is why it needs to be read and constantly practiced.

Today, we read a portion of Psalms 119, an interesting and important text because it is a reference to the Word of God itself and has a lot to say about it. In the beginning of the Psalm, we read that blessed or joyful are those that are blameless, walking according to the law of the Lord, obeying His divine commandments, seeking the Lord with all their heart and not practicing sin (verses 1-3).

Who lives this way, in other words, in accordance to what is written in the Bible, will be joyful! This is such a contrast with the corrupt world that we live in! Still in Psalm 119, there is a question directed to the youth, but also fits in for all of us: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” (verse 9). The answer is: “By living according to your Word” (the Word of God). In other words, according to the Bible.

This is the only way to not become corrupt and to please God with our life. Therefore, ask the Lord for the necessary understanding to maintain His Word in your mind and your heart, put it into practice, and keep your eyes from useless things.

In order to please the Lord, it is necessary that you know and practice His Word.

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Imitating God

Fernanda C — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Ephesians 4:25-31, 5:1-2

The means of communication are becoming more and more efficient as the days pass by. We are in a huge global village, if you will, where everyone knows what happens with everyone else, all the time, and at all places. The information we receive is many and diversified. Some are actually good, while the majority is horrendous.

As the days pass, the following biblical declaration becomes more evident: “… the world around us is under the control of the evil one” (I John 5:19). Horrific wars, corruption, lies, nature aggression, oppression against the weak, generalized immorality, disrespect with children and the elderly, etc., play a huge part in the world we live in.

Doing what is good has become a rarity when compared to the general attitudes of people that when someone is honest or acts in favor to the well-being of another, they are subject to being in the news and/or receive prizes. The tendency to do what is evil is not new. Human beings have been corrupt ever since they withdrew themselves from God. This situation is more evident now because of the increase in communication. The Christian stance or attitude before the above-mentioned negativity should also not be new. It needs to continue to be the same just as the Bible has taught us for a long time.

As God oriented and guided the people of Israel into the Canaan by living a different life than everyone else based on His own model of holiness, He also guides us throughout the whole Bible to live a holy life amidst corruption.

As people of God, we need to resist the negative influences of the world. By looking up to Jesus, the ultimate expression of God, we need to imitate Him as the Word of God teaches us, making a positive difference where we live.

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Beginning of the Year

Fernanda C — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Proverbs 15:3 / 16:1-3,9,20,25 / 19:21

It is fair to say that we are still at the beginning of the year – 2014. So many changes in every area have taken place from the creation of the world until now…

We, human beings, make several plans throughout our life: plans that fail, but also plans that work. We need to understand God’s will for our life and know that whatever we think or do, we need to do it for the glory of God by committing our actions to the Lord and asking that only His plans prevail in our hearts.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3).

Christmas, New Year’s, the running around, the celebrations, the end of the year 2013 – it’s all gone! Now what? New life? Old life? Routine? New plans? New goals and objectives? What are you going to do? Who has the final word in your life? Who are you letting guide it?

There is nothing wrong with making plans. In fact, you should have plans and present them before God. Ask for His blessing and approval for your plans and dreams, and if they are something He would approve of. We know what God likes and dislikes if we read the Bible to get to know Him better each day. We need plans and targets to achieve and dreams to be pursued in order to live life objectively.

As mentioned in the verses for today’s reading text, we need to completely trust the Lord, our God, because His purpose will prevail. Therefore, it is better to seek His guidance so that we walk according to His will. How do we do that? By praying (talking to God), by reading His word, the Bible, and by seeking guidance from people that truly devote their life to God.

Remember: God sees and knows everything – There is no way you can trick or deceive Him! Let God have the last word in your life. Safe plans are the ones guided by Him!

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A New Time

Fernanda C — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Isaiah 43:18-19

God is faithful! Maybe you’ve heard this expression before or read it somewhere. However, there are certain moments in our life that we look at the circumstances around us and they are so contrary to this statement that we feel our faith shaken. We start thinking that God has forgotten about us and we start looking into the future with fear.

In those moments, under difficult circumstances, we need to recall what brings us hope because the Lord is our inheritance and we hope in Him! (Lamentations 3:24).

Don’t feel discouraged. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will create a pathway in your desert because His plans for your life are better than your own plans. He has no limitations and is never late!

God has a new time in your life for you! Trust Him, seek Him, pray to the Lord daily and constantly. He desires to hear your voice! In midst of all the challenges you may be facing, God is even more willing to leave His mark and trail of faithfulness along the way. He will always be with you when you turn to Him.

We have a limited vision. We cannot guarantee we will survive beyond today and be alive tomorrow continuing on with our daily activities. So, let the Lord Jesus Christ help you and guide your life with love. Open your heart to Him if you haven’t already done so. If you are not sure how to do that, send us a Prayer Request today and we will help you with your next step.

It does not matter if you’ve had a good or bad past. Live your present and let God take care of your future! God is faithful at all times because He cannot go against His own Word. Try Him today! Tomorrow might be too late…

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