Like Mary

Have you considered the fact that you have things in common with Mary, the Mother of Jesus?

Mary was blessed and highly favored by God and so are you. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You! …" (Psalm 84:11-12)

The Holy Spirit miraculously impregnated Mary, producing a virgin birth. Upon accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you were sealed with the same miracle working Holy Spirit. "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise…" '(Ephesians 1:13)

Mary gave birth to Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God’s gift to the world. God wants to use you to give birth to His plan to a dying world. The Holy Spirit has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, a sound mind and gifts to be used for His glory to co-labor with Him, to assist in bringing sons and daughters into the kingdom. Like Mary, answer the call in faith and let it be done to you according to His word for your life, which has the potential to impact the world. (John 3:16, 2Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Luke 1:38)

The Angst of Rejection by Aileen Florez

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” There’s nothing easy about rejection. Rejection feels lousy. It stings, increases anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy, sadness and unhealthy behaviors. It causes sweaty palms, tense voice, labored breathing, increased heart rate, and even panic attacks.

My struggles with rejection began at a young age and lasted into adulthood. I became a people pleaser. I found it impossible to say “no” even when saying yes caused inconvenience or hardships in my own life. I was so passive – oftentimes I went out of my way just to avoid confrontations. I refused to ask or even speak up for what I needed. I simply shutdown and pretended my needs don’t matter. I developed a scripted way of life acting as though everything was perfect, hiding my true self to the world. God used my fears to help me become compassionate and to make a difference in the lives of others. Despite all the ugliness of rejection, my fear turned out to be a blessing. I am so grateful for God’s grace. God used my pain and suffering to help me grow stronger, to rise above, have more faith and trust in Him. I am healed. Rejection can be a tool and a blessing that humbly brings out the best in us. Don’t allow the fear of rejection to hold you back. Instead, let’s focus on God who rescued us and learn how to love ourselves as Jesus loves us. Let us be reminded of the times and ways Jesus was brutally rejected and still loved us. Praise God, for he heals and helps us forgive those who rejected us. With God we are not rejected, we are ACCEPTED!

Nothing to Fear by Jose Florez

And He Said:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21

Praise the Lord Jesus, All the glory to HIM because without HIM I would have not been able to make it through that storm. All along he was with me during the time my mother ended up in the hospital with Covid.

I was suffering and I had so many fears. My heart was crushed (Psalm 34:18). My mother spent thirty days in the hospital and I was only able to speak to her twice. I didn’t know where I was headed, My life began to fall apart with one loss following another. I didn’t have time to fully recover from one wave of grief before another hit. I began to believe GOD turned away from me. I felt like I had fallen because I was so weak. I was so scared for my mom because she was not saved.

During those difficult times I remember hearing dark voices speak - "And you preach JESUS to everyone". I was so angry with GOD, I remember asking GOD, why He was allowing this. But there was no response.

I remembered the story of Job. He lost everything including his children and he continued to praise GOD. But as for me, I wasn’t there yet. I was angry and I was losing faith in HIM.

I remember the day my mother ended up in the hospital I went to sleep so early because I felt so weak. That day after falling asleep I woke up two hours later and sat on my bed and GOD spoke to me. "Go to your mother’s room and pray". After hearing GOD'S voice, everything started turning.

I began to cry and pour out my heart to HIM. I was filled so much happiness that I knew not only does GOD love me, HE also loved my mother and HE wanted her to be saved. I hoped that she was going to live - only if it was HIS will.

For thirty days the LORD woke me up to pray in mom’s room. On the thirtieth day she passed away. I know she is with JESUS.

During this journey GOD made me realize I was just thinking about myself. Since that time, HE has empowered my prayer life.

My mom was in the hospital at the same time my daughter was giving birth to twins (Noah & Jacob).

All the glory to GOD. I know HE is with me and you no matter the situation. Now I know that as long as we have faith, we have nothing to fear.

Isaiah 41:10