THE GIFT

         By Irving Serrano Sr

In the day`s of the Bible, times of great joy were often accompanied by the giving of gifts, one to another (Nehemiah 8:10, Esther 9:22, Revelations 11:10). This ancient custom, practiced commonly in all nations throughout history, finds its greatest expression today at Christmas time, when the joy of the wise men (Mathew 2:10) and the joyful tidings of the angels (Luke 2:10) echo in millions of family circles around the world and even where Christ Himself is not known, people share the joy of giving. Fathers take pride in naming their sons after them. Parents teach, and protect their children. All because of a spirit of giving of ones self. The Bible tells us God made man, in His own image. He takes great concern in us. God, gave us a gift. He gave us Christ. " For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotten Son, (Jesus Christ) John 3:16a. Now; Christ's gift to us is Heaven. " That whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus Christ) should not perish ( In Hell) but have everlasting life( In Heaven).(John 3:16b) A person could go through life, work hard and be kind to others. But without the gift of God, these persons will perish. Having wealth, or giving gifts will not get you a ticket to heaven. In Mathew, we read what Christ, said to Nicodemus. Some people say God's greatest gift to man, was the woman. A gift, a companion yes, but far from the greatest gift. The ultimate gift God gave to man was Christ, who paid the ultimate price. So that we (everyone) can have the opportunity to go to Heaven, when we leave this earth. (James 1:17) " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning". Just as sure as you plan on what you intend to wear tomorrow. I urge you to think a minute, and understand that you must make a choice. Please accept Christ,  the gift of eternal salvation. Understand, by not taking action, by not speaking to God, asking Him, to be your Lord, and Savior, You would otherwise be making the wrong choice. God says, Your either for Him, or against Him. I hope you choose eternal life.

May God bless you.

Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

REMEMBERING WHY I THANK GOD

By Irving Serrano Sr

In a few days it`ll be Thanks Giving, A day where families unite to visit and have a big dinner. Along side of the music, laughter and children playing. In alot of homes, You could here prayers. Some spoken out loud, and others softly whispered. Never the less, prayers of thanks. People just thanking God, for His mercy. Thanking our Lord and Savior for all the wonderful blessings in our lives. A few days ago, while on the job. Some friends were reminding me of a few accidents Iv had, be it on a motor cycle or some type of vehicle. As they exchanged stories, my mind wondered back in time. Approximately about ten years ago my wife Damaris and I, managed a dollar store in the City of Philadelphia. My wife would always walk the owner out when he`d come to pick up the deposits. On this day, for some reason I decided to accompany the owner out. His vehicle was parked just in front of the store. When he went to open his door a box of papers was falling out, he sat the money bag on the floor as he fan dangled with this box of papers. I picked up the money bag, so as not to leave it on the ground, Suddenly a man grabs me from behind and starts trying to grab the money bag. I gripped him up & wrestled with him pinching his body between me and the owners truck. All the while the man was asking me to let him go, but he still wanted the money bag....for a strange reason the owner had not felt the commotion, it wasn`t long before I felt a cold piece of steel behind my ear, turns out the man had a gun. He reminded me he asked me to let him go. I guess i surprised him when I had a good grip on him. It happened so fast no one saw to come give me a hand, and that's funny too cause I'm usually never alone. I told the owner; Hey! you see whats happening? then he looked up and said oh, yea. At that point I just went limp and let the man unravel the money bag from my hand, I still didn`t want to just give it to him. As he grabbed the bag he turned to run, I was two steps behind him. My boss yelled out to me No, just let him go. At that moment the man turned around and fired right at me.....Well thank God, the shot went low and right between my legs. By then we drew a big crowd, and there was plenty information to give to the police. Later witnesses asked me; Why did I fight a man holding a gun? I told them; truthfully I never saw the gun. I thank God because the strength I had was not mine, but His. The enemy sent a demon to murder me, but our God did not allow it. Everyday we wrestle with the enemies lies. He tries to make us loose sight on our walk with God. Constantly trying to make us loose focus with our faith, and communication with God. I urge you as this day of thanks Giving approaches. Take some time, think about some of the things God, has done for you, and your family. Lets all thank Him, for His mercy. And for our salvation. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

BEING THANKFUL TO GOD...A DAILY AFFAIR

 By Irving Serrano Sr

There is a coolness in the air, the leaves are dropping from the trees. Everything around us reminds us of the change in season. The birds in the air fly south, to enjoy the warmer climates. They fly for hours at a time, and some how never get lost. they stop, rest, eat and continue on their way. I am convinced that God, has a hand in this. He tells us in His word; he cares for every foul in the air, and He goes on to point out:' how much more are we important to Him'. He gave us free will, yet we some times forget to thank him. He says to us;" this is the way", but we some times decide to go our own way. He gave us the authority over every plant, and everything on this earth. And still, some of us get caught in the web of deceit, the lies of the enemy. As the Holidays approach, lets take the time to remember Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Lets thank Him, humbly, as if we were just one of His birds, in the air. Remember, if His eyes are on the sparrow, you just gotta know, He watches over you. On this ' Thanks Giving', lets show God, our creator and provider, whose guidance and care, go before us. And whose love is with us forever. Let us make this Thanks Giving, a time to reflect on the changes, to remember that we too, grow and change from one season of life to another. Despite what circumstances we face. Continue to trust in Gods word. Hold on to His promises. Thanking Him daily, as He guides our every path. Allow Him, to sanction any decision, any ideas or interest. As we thank him for our families, our friends, let us thank  Him, for giving us breath of life. For allowing us to be called His chosen. May God bless you.

 Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

BORN INTO THIS WORLD

By Irving Serrano

There are times we read articles that appear to poke, or pic at there readers. Some people are intrigued by this, and continue to read on. Others decide not to bother. They choose not to invest their time in what they think the subject is about, or even if the information they receive, would be of any help to them. We live in a fast-pace world where we often find ourselves adapting to new technology. If you were able to talk to someone like George Washington, or Abraham Lincoln, and said; I transport myself with a vehicle that has double overhead cams, 32 valves, throttle body and a five speed transmission.' They would look at you as if you came from another planet. Providing, they could understand your language. All through the ages man has always taken an interest in the stars, and wondered of the possibility of life on other planets. We have counselors of different types who use the metaphors, suggesting Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus. There are so many gimmicks, and trickery used in our world. So many people buy in to overnight get rich scams. Truth is hidden behind deeper, and deeper. Many know and understand that it`s just the way we humans roll. I personally like new things also. And it doesn't bother me if someone says to me; your a nut, or you must be from another planet. I know, I am from this planet we call Earth, because I was born here. We are all born into this world, but we are not of this world. God created the heavens and the earth. Satan, was cast down along with his fallen angles. Everyone born into this world has a pre--paid ticket, to enter Gods Kingdom, we call Heaven. Jesus, saw to that when He died on the cross, for our sins. It is sad that there are many who have yet to redeem their ticket, their Salvation. In the Bible, we read about Noah, and the Ark, he built. Everyone laughed at Him. No one believed. But he persisted in His quest, he obediently followed instruction. He actually prepared salvation for himself, along with his family. All because he had faith, in what he believed in. (Hebrews 11:1) Tells us: " now faith is  confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see". Many people live regular lives, and are very decent with their fellow neighbors, alot of us even go to church, on a regular basis. However still have their trust in what their own understanding is. On what our eyes tell us. The Bible tells us; "Lean not on our own understanding". Some people say; Aww I go with what my heart feels. Well,don't fall down, because the Bible lets us know our own heart is our big`est deceiver. Lets face it! We are only vessels passing through. God, will bless you and your family, with any need, and every desire of your heart. Providing you except His gift of salvation. His Gift of faith. Acknowledge Jesus Christ, as your Lord and savior. (Hebrews 11:6) "and with out faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him, must believe He exist, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. We may have been born of this world, but we are not of this world. Ask God, today; for forgiveness of any action, word or thought that might have offended Him. Allow Christ, to let you have a new beginning. Do you have trouble with your spouse, are your children incorrigible? Turn it to the Lord in Prayer. Expect the change, in Jesus name.

 May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.