We Are In For The Long Haul!

10/27/201610/24/2016Leave a comment

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11-13)

Olivia, now three, has developed very well in her thought process. While at an activity farm she decided to conquer a hay maze all by herself. I showed her where to start and also the exit; she dashed. That little girl was like a rabbit; hitting turns, lanes, roadblocks etc… However, the dead ends frustrated her and she began to climb over the hay walls avoiding blocks.

Isn’t that how we approach this journey without proper training and discipline? We get approached with trails and uncomfortable circumstances; we duck and dodge until we miss the lesson God is trying to impart.

The writer of Hebrews was addressing weariness that happens in the journey. He compares the Christian walk to a race and an athlete that has been trained or disciplined himself to compete. Have you ever seen a professional athlete train, workout, eating habits, rigorous schedule; they are equipped.

The Christian walk is not always a dash; in fact, it sometimes is referred to as marathon. And if we are going to continue being a light in a dark world; train yourself to manage through this life with patients, endurance, zeal, boldness etc…

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 146; Proverbs 27

Daily Quote: The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ~F.B. Meyer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ~Philippians 3:7

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Praying Powerfully – Part #1

09/28/201609/26/2016Leave a comment

And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God…” (1 Samuel 7:8a)

This verse speaks to a people that were in dire need of their God; and they prayed. Prayer is powerful, a vital part of our Christian walk. We need it, and if we claim that we are in an intimate with relationship with Him, it shouldn’t be burdensome. In this first Power of Prayer, I want to share the power of praying for our wives or significant other. The power here starts by being intentional.

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Peter 3:7)

I first started this with a counselee, to encourage him to change his perception on his wife. But God! He showed me it was me that needed adjustments. Prayer is where the real fights are won. This is the channel that allows to us to express our love and protection over the women God put in our lives. It reminds us that God, and Him alone, is center of the relationship f

Is it hard to pray for your wife, or do you struggle what to pray for, or are you praying for her in a way that would benefit you? Try taking her needs to the altar.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 120; Proverbs 28

Daily Quote: Time spent in prayer is never wasted. ~Francis Fenelon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

⁸We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— ¹⁰always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹¹For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ~2 Corinthians 4:8-11

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You Were Created for so Much More!

09/14/201609/13/2016Leave a comment

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

The book of Romans packs a plethora of wisdom and discernment that clarifies many doctrines. I realized that it’s a concise version of the Bible and it is not for the faint hearted. I studied chapter-by-chapter, verse by verse and was blessed beyond measure of the revelation that God gave me. A good book to study if you are looking for meat. Let’s look at this one verse.

And we know: A lot people like to separate and unpack the doctrines of election and free will. But and the end the day We Know. And since we know we can rest assured that rest of this verse pertains to us. Who knows? Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ know.

Who love God: Are you a Lover of God? Simple answer; “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”(Jesus) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)

All things work together for good: Are you resting that God is working it out?

Let’s let the Bible answer this!

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. (Psalms 119:67)

“It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalms 119:71)

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Who are called according to his purpose: Do you fully understand the Call on your life?

It is an effectual call, from self and the world to God, Christ, heaven, as our end; from sin and vanity to grace and holiness, as our way. This is the gospel; that the love of God, ruling in the hearts of those who once were enemies to him, proves that they have been called according to his purpose.

God is very clear and intentional about the call on your life. He has created you for good works and indulging in pointless sin does not help accomplish His divine will. Yes, there are liberties and yes, the grace God is flawless, but is it wise to use our God given privilege for its intended purpose? God bless you saints. You Were Created for so Much More!

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 106; Proverbs 14

Daily Quote: No one can get Joy by merely asking for it. It is one of the ripest fruits of the Christian life, and, like all fruits, must be grown. ~Henry Drummond

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?³⁶As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

~Romans 8:35-37

Shine Jesus Shine!

09/08/201609/07/2016Leave a comment

Beautiful nature at morning in misty spring forest with sun

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

I still can remember the excitement on the first day of school when I was able to wear my new school clothes. We didn’t have a lot of resources and those were the few times I could have a new article of clothing to show off. I couldn’t imagine having those new garments and not displaying them on those first days. Or to have a precious piece of jewelry and keep it in a drawer.

Moreover, what a tragic to have the answer to all the world’s problems and not share it. This is how I am when I’m in mixed couple with nonbeliever and have no desire to share the gospel. I’d like to believe that I’m absent minded because the alternative is that I don’t care that much about people souls.

Jesus is the light in a very dark world. People are hurting, others are confused, while many are fighting a losing battle to satisfy an empty void with the pleasures of this world. Furthermore, there are lost soul needing regeneration. Lets shine the light of Jesus. This week challenge yourself with the question; Am I being a light? Than do something intently to reflect that light?

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 100; Proverbs 8

Daily Quote: “Never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God.” ~Craig Groeschel

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.~Romans 8:33-34

The Privilege to Serve

08/30/201608/29/2016Leave a comment

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

While watching a television program where an actor, playing the President, was sharing to his Vice President that he was human and he was ok with making some immoral/emotional choices. She rebuked him immediately and mention we voted for you to be different your position doesn’t allow you the privilege to indulge as the commoners.

It was clear what God was communicating to me at that point. I was created for something more. It’s a call that doesn’t give me the privilege to do as the world does. Furthermore, the call on my life doesn’t allow me to do what other Christians do as well. It’s not how about many liberties I gain under the grace of God, rather the call that God has created me for.

God foreknew the work he designed or marked out for you before the foundation of the earth. He has designed plan and purpose for you that are intimately graphed in the way he designed you. We are not just existing and our lives or not our own.

“For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

God is very clear and intentional about the call on your life. He has created you for good works and indulging in pointless sin doesn’t help accomplish His divine will. Yes there are liberties and yes the grace God is flawless, but isn’t it wise to use our God given privilege for its intended purpose? God bless you saints.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 91; Proverbs 30

Daily Quote: Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love. ~Billy Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ~Romans 8:31-32

Trauma Care

08/24/201608/23/2016Leave a comment

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

After 9/11, the level of security and fear escalated in America. People understood that we weren’t exempt from the extreme evil of the World. It actually made us think a little different about our comfort zones. It affected us in various practical ways; the way we renew our license, passports, traveling, schools, etc… Americans flocked to churches, government officials, clergy, counselors, therapist, medicine, and the like…it really shook us.

That happened on a universal scale, but how about the trauma in your personal life? Most men, in my dealings, won’t admit or deal properly with the trauma in their own life, moreover stay in denial that it even existed. Wake up, stuff happens! Loss of a spouse or child, divorce, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse, even the lack of meaningful love can be detrimental and traumatic. Whether we like or not if we don’t pay attention to these areas, they will manifest themselves in other compartments and behaviors, Ask the people closest to you? Unchecked trauma will only produce drama.

However, we can experience true freedom when we invite God to walk us through those traumatic issues. He reminded His people, in this passage and many others, that everything has purpose, even pain. Don’t waste your experiences! Life will get messy but God is faithful to see you through, and to use it for His glory and your good.

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 85; Proverbs 24

Daily Quote: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.” ~Dwight L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. ~Romans 8:28-30

Righteous vs. Evil

08/18/201608/18/2016Leave a comment

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

When I hear a metaphor like, ‘The eyes of the Lord’ or ‘his ears are open’ I used to wonder if God has a physical eyes, ear, or any other characteristics like humans. Moreover, because of my disobedience, I didn’t want that eye or ear to see or hear some of the things, in which I was involved. Can that eye see my heart or what I’m thinking? These are the questions I would ask myself along this bumpy journey.

But as my relationship with God develops and my understandings evolve, this metaphoric language is revealing God’s continual guardianship and care over my life. He is the protector of His children and as a concern parent he wants to be engaged with the wellbeing of His Creation. Good or Evil!

The verse juxtaposes God’s position; providing confront to one group while rejecting another, nevertheless He is still over all. The warning is strong and His wisdom is infinite, and His love endures. For the saints, be Holy as He is Holy, however we should also have a hunger for sharing Jesus, because that sets the two groups apart. Are you going to tell someone about Christ this week?

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 79; Proverbs 18

Daily Quote: “Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike?” ~John Wesley

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~Romans 8:18

Spirit of Unity!

08/05/201608/04/2016Leave a comment

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6)

When I first read the phrase ‘spirit of unity’ I ask myself is that the same meaning of the unity of the spirit. Anyhow, I guess that can be a study for another day. As believers we are called into one body, the body of Christ Jesus. Striving for unity among ourselves, in all things. Unity: the state of being one, single minded, condition of being one, combination into one, harmony, Like Minded with Christ etc…

Is this possible or a theory?

It is! As we renew our minds to the endurance and encouragement of the scriptures, unity is offered or a by-product through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it will take an effort on our parts to dwell or yield to the spirit of unity. We all come from diverse background, ethnicities, testimonies, theological standpoints: but wen all have a mutual love, a mutual Savior, a common praise; may look different, nevertheless there should be no divisions. Living harmoniously, out of love, for each other in one accordance with Christ Jesus.

Can we be honest and transparent to admit that we are in dark times in our country? The enemy seems to have reached his peak and evil is so ever present. These are the times when we, when I, need to lay aside the theological positions and trust in my brothers and sisters in Christ, for comfort, for joy, for fellowship, for support… the list goes on. What would happen if we simply for time, just focused or desired to contribute to His building up His kingdom in holiness and love?

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Psalms 34:1-3)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 66; Proverbs 5

Daily Quote: “The world is not a playground; it is a school-room. Life is not a holiday, but an education. And the one eternal lesson for us all is how better we can love.” ~Henry Drummond

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

¹⁷Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
¹⁸Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

¹⁹The Lord God^[a] is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

~Habakkuk 3:17-19

The Heart of a Teacher

07/28/201607/27/2016Leave a comment

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)

I believe my perspectives on teaching are probably the most fresh that it has ever been, however, that’s not much because I never been much of a teacher. I believe teaching is vital, but to be transparent, I admit that teaching has never been on the top of my gifting. But God has been stretching me in this area situational.

Ezra was the high priest during a confusing time for the Israelites and who ministered to God’s people in distressful era. He was a very learned man, professionally trained, developed, and able to properly teach Old Testament Law. Yes, we know Ezra was under the old covenant and the Law and we also know the law was fulfilled in Christ. But one concept we can learn about the diligence of Ezra is that he set his heart to study the Word.

The question: are we setting are hearts to study and to communicate God’s truth? Or maybe you’re thinking I’m never going to be in a teaching setting. The writers of Hebrews challenges, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food. (Hebrews 5:12)

Jesus Christ taught in fields, by trees, on boats, by the sea, in the temple, by a well, on the mount of Olive, on mountaintops, in valleys, and just about everywhere He went. Jesus also taught in people’s homes, (Martha and Mary’s). Teaching is way we can be intently studying the Word and to communicate God’s Word, but it is also good accountable to measure our growth in the Lord.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 58; Proverbs 28

Daily Quote: If you’re alive, there’s a purpose for your life. ~Rick Warren

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“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.

~Isaiah 55:8-9

Death is Defeated!

07/19/201607/19/2016Leave a comment

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Anyone who is involved with the ministry of addiction or substance understands that ultimly death occurs. We receive random calls and our grieving is put to side because comfort is needed. We loved them, we pray for them; we invest our lives in then. But the abrupt loss of Joe Catalano hit me personally and my response was heavy hearted. But there many are lessons to learn from death; here three.

Appreciation:

We are still here; therefore God is not done with us yet. Kiss your wife, children, mother, father, sister, brother etc… And let them know how much you appreciate them. And thank God for being loving, kind and graceful towards you. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

God is Control:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) This requires faith; faith that can reach passed the external elements and process clearly that the Creator of the universe has everything in balance.

Everyone will Die:

This is the one reality we all have in common; physical death is inevitable. While watching an episode of House a nurse irately runs into Dr. House and cries, “If we don’t do something the patient is going to die.” House gently replied, “ We are on going to die, the question is how soon.” The minute we are born, we all are facing death. The questions; what are we going to do with this life, what kind of legacy we are leaving, what are people going to remember us by?

And as for death, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 48; Proverbs 18

Daily Quote: “To love someone means to see him as God intended him.” ~Fyodor Dostoevsky

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. ~Isaiah 55:7

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Tag: juan mendez

We Are In For The Long Haul!

Praying Powerfully – Part #1

You Were Created for so Much More!

Shine Jesus Shine!

The Privilege to Serve

Trauma Care

Righteous vs. Evil

Spirit of Unity!

The Heart of a Teacher

Death is Defeated!