THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

By Irving Serrano

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a parable told by Jesus, and is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke ( 10:25-37). A Jewish traveller is beat on, robbed and left for dead along the road. First, He`s found by a priest, then a Levite. Both pass the man by, avoiding any form of contact. Finally, a Samaritan comes by. Samaritans and Jews generally despised each other, but the Samaritan, aided the injured Jew, and carried Him back to town to safety. Jesus is described as telling this parable in response to a question regarding the identity of the "neighbor" which should be loved. (Leviticus 19:18, one of the Great Commandments). In our everyday lives, once we leave the comfort of our homes, and begin our travels to work, or other to do`s. Most everyone can see someone in some sort of need. But there are some who leave their comfort zones with a different mind-set. A state of mind that just doesn`t let them see other people around them in need, nor do they care. This care, or concern I speak of is not about race, although in this year of 2011, we can still see prejudices blatantly. For the many who serve Jesus Christ, there is a natural concern for our fellow man, or woman. When a true Christian sees a person in need, it`s just a person in need. Our interest is never swayed by race, political views, economic values, or even religion. Clearly I don`t suggest that you go out on a mission to save the world. In the upcoming days, perhaps we should test our selves. I am convinced that anyone who starts out their day by first thanking the Lord, for a new day. Giving God the praise and thanks for the blessings they have, no matter how little or how much. Will also have the proper mind-set to do the right thing when you see someone in need. If your heart is in the right place, your mind will allow you to acknowledge the Holy spirit, which will guide you, and protect you. For unbeknown to you, if you may have helped an angel. My prayer is that you continue to allow God's love in your hearts. Yield to His Holy Spirit for direction in all things. Little do you know if a relative, friend or neighbor, may be in desperate need for you to share; the greatest story ever told, God's love for us. And they can have the same joy, by accepting Jesus Christ, as their saviour. May God bless you.

Love always,
 Irving Serrano

THE EVERLASTING FATHER WHO CARES FOR US

By Irving  Serrano

Over the centuries there have been many misconceptions about God, and His true nature. He has been misrepresented to us by legalistic religious leaders, and angry earthly Fathers who have, by their lifestyles, distorted His true image. It was Gods original plan in the garden of Eden, that Adam and Eve, would live all their lives in the presence of their Loving Father, and would in turn reflect His love to their children. It was the Fathers hope that each generation would grow up in the light of His love. Never knowing a day of rejection or pain. As a result of Adam and Eve`s actions, a new deadly disease called "sin" infected humanity. The world that God, originally intended to be perfect and full of love, was now wrought with pain and suffering because of the consequences of sin. Hurting people tend to hurt others, which in many circumstances a legacy that gets passed from generation to generation. Since God, created us for love, we are born with a great expectation to be loved and accepted. It is a scientific fact that babies who are not shown a loving touch in the first few months of their lives can be physically and emotionally affected for the rest of their lives. Many of us have grown with love deficits in our hearts. While we may know we are missing something, we might not be able to identify the emptiness that resides in the deepest part of our being. There is only one place where we will find the true love, and acceptance that we are looking for and that is a personal relationship with God. We were all born with a God sized`hole in our soul`, that can only be filled by God himself. Many of us have tried to fill this void with other things, but it is like putting a square peg in a round hole......it just doesn`t fit! God wants a relationship with us, more than we want a relationship with Him. The one who knew us before we were conceived ( Jeremiah 1:4) and knit us together in our Mothers womb, wants to be our Heavenly Father.( Psalm 139:13) While we are His offspring by creation, His desire is that we might become His children through redemption. God the father, made a way for us to come home by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth over two thousand years ago. To take care of the"sin" issue that had kept us separated. In obedience to His father, Jesus bore upon himself the weight of our sin, nailing it to the cross so that we may be born into His wonderful Family. His Resurrection from the dead signalled the victory that would allow many Sons and Daughters, to come into glory! (John 14: 6) Jesus says; "I am the way, the truth and the life, No man cometh to the Father except through me". Our access to the Father is through Jesus alone.His sacrifice was the only price that could be paid for our redemption and restoration into the Family of His wonderful Father. If we receive Gods gift of His Son Jesus Christ, we receive the right to become children of God. Question; Would you like to accept this gift? ( an eternal relationship with God)? Jesus Christ has secured a way for you. All you need to do is tell God that you want to be saved. You are saved by believing, and the words below might help you express your thoughts to God. Its not the exact words that will save you, but the attitude of your heart towards God. Oh heavenly Father, I'm coming home. I turn from my sin, please make me your child. I accept your forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ by His death and Resurrection. I place my faith and trust in Jesus alone. I receive Him as my saviour and Lord. I want to follow and serve you. Let today be the beginning of my new journey as your child, and a member of your Family. Thank you for making a way for me to come home. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Allow me to welcome you to the Family of our Heavenly Father. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano.

"THE MASK"

By Irving Serrano

I would like to share a story with you. About a young man, born into a fairly large family. Like most people He had brothers, and sisters. At the head of the family were two loving parents, they worked and always made sure all of their children were clothed and fed. Though they lived modestly, they really never were in need of anything.Both parents were Christians, who believed in Jesus Christ, and made it a point to teach their children, about God, and the power of prayer. So this child, grew up to be a young man. Now in his teens, he acknowledged what Christianity was about, and he also had other distractions. He had seen things in the streets that would catch his attention. The language, the music, even the way people would wear their hair. One day, this young man decided to put on a mask. In his way of thinking, this mask would allow him to enter places he otherwise would not enter. Though he new right from wrong, he also accredited himself for curiously trying to engage in life as those he saw living differently. So by wearing this mask, it seemed he was accepted. Friends every wear, it appeared to be a cool thing, to fraternize with the fellas at the local hang out. Wearing the mask would make him feel as if he had more strength. Courage to go out and do mischief. There were times when coming home, he was scolded, and even punished by his parents. Little did he know, his parents did know what they were talking about. It wasn`t long before this young man found himself in some pretty dangerous situations. As time passed some of his friends were killed. Others were sent to jail. And most of them were never going to get back out. There was something looking out for this young man, but even he knew, it wasn`t him. He always knew there was no reason for him to be acting this way, and wearing the mask,, so that the apparent world would accept him. He knew that he needed to turn to the only one that could make things normal, make things right. He knew that he had to ask god, to forgive him for his wrongs. And ask for a new start. Now it`s often said; God doesn`t listen to a sinners prayer....but I believe He does. How else could a sinner repent. He listened to the cry of this young man. He forgave this young man, and gave him a new beginning. And despite any situations, experiences or lessons learned the hard way. God has always been with this young man. And still today God answers every prayer. I know this because, the man in this story is me. If I am alive today, it`s only because of prayer! When I awake in the morning with a back pain, I thank God, because I'm alive. God gave man Dominion over all the beast, and every living plant on this earth. Man should never be subject to surrendering to any substance that comes from plant life. I chose to leave the comforts of a christian home, where I was always safe with my siblings. I went out and gave in to the temptations, with out thinking of the consequences. But their were people praying. I rebelled, only to humble myself and ask for forgiveness. And God heard my prayers. This mask that I spoke of was not an actual mask. This mask was a mind set. A mind set one takes on when God, is not first in your life. When you put God on the throne of your life, every move you make is sanctioned by him. Christ said;' cast your burdens on Him, and He will give you rest'. And remember, no weapon formed against you will prosper. (Isaiah 54:11) We live in a complex world, we have to keep ourselves in balance. Our dependency should always be in God. If you want to be faithful in your marriage, be faithful to God. Do you need your employer to take notice of you? Say a prayer for him (or her). There should be nothing that should make you feel you have to achieve on your own. Anything and everything you involve yourself with, you should take it to the lord in prayer. Always remember; If His eye is on the sparrow, He also watches thee.

God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano.

VICTORY!

By Irving Serrano

Since the beginning of time as we know it. There has always been a competitive spirit, that compelled man to better himself, prosper or gather more riches. Be it by cattle, silver or gold. Since ancient times man has also competed in arenas, in many cases the winner would live, and the looser would die. I thank God, that in today's world. Man has the opportunity to challenge another, such as in sports. There are those who exceed and win, the other has just lost, for that moment. These men, are still men. Still Fathers, Husbands, brothers. These men, train and prepare no differently than those they go to challenge. However, until they claim a victory. They are sometimes called an under-dog. I would like to share a story about a man, who could have been looked upon as an under dog, yet He rose to be a great man. Who also showed mercy and compassion for his fellow man, when he rose to a high, and mighty stature. This story can be found in the Bible; book of Genesis. This man had to endure jokes made about himself. Often criticized for his comments. he was wrongly accused and put into prison. Probably his strongest memory as a child; was when his own brothers sold him, after they first threw him into a pit, and conspired to kill him. All this because this man, even as a child. Had a relationship with God. If his brothers saw, or understood a different relation with Him, and their Father, it was only because there father new that God found favor in this child. And so he appeared to be different. Humble, affectionate and spoke with piece in his heart, unlike his brothers. He had a gift; the ability to interpret dreams. He was a man of pure heart, and his faith was in the God of his father. When purchased and resoled as a slave, he ended up in the Pharaoh's dungeon, despite all the turmoil, the different people he was locked away with. He never changed, His faith in God remained. It wasn`t long before word of his ability to interpret dreams was known, and he was assigned to help his king, with the interpretation of certain dreams that was bothering this king. God, was with him,and gave him a clear understanding as to the interpretation he reported. Gods Divine plan went into affect all throughout each time he was asked to interpret. This is truly a powerful and moving story. It is the story of Joseph. Many can relate to the idea of rooting for the underdog, this story depicts not just a man with the status of an underdog, but also shows us the the faith, and trust a man had in God, and how God, never lost his love for this faithful man. I urge you to read this story in its entirety, and celebrate the moment when this child, grows up to be a man, and even though he is even to be thought of as a man of a different nationality, is reunited with his Father. A story that will remain in your heart, to pass on to your own children. A lesson of trust and faith, in the God, of our Fathers. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano.