A UNIT OF THE GALA FOUNDATION

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

IN THE MIDST OF A STORM

By Irving Serrano Sr.
 
In today's society we all have the comfort of being warned in advance, when there is an approaching storm. The New`s and Weather personnel, Police, Fire and emergency response organizations, get first hand information. Then they go on to share it with the general public. Each individual in society is given advice, and instructions as to what they might need, or where they should go. All this to keep them from imminent danger. After a storm, we hear the news. We hear the different stories, and testaments about damages, or losses. These are the times where most every one, feels that our lives are more important than our belongings. Our cars, and Homes could always be replaced, in the event that they are caught up in the path of a destructive storm. But Our lives, and those of our loved ones can not be replaced. There is always a calm, after a storm. People gather after  a severe storm. In a lot of cases, they go out and assess any damage to their properties. Yet all thru out this time. They have a calming and thankful spirit about them. I like to think it`s because they are together with their Families. If they have young children, or if they are with elderly parents, or loved ones. They are all together. Every one is safe and well. These are times where every one faces danger on an even playing field. When the lights go out. The rich, the middle class and the poor are effected the same. Every one has to acknowledge nature in it`s aggressive manor. And deal with the real consequences of it`s destructive path. This is an eye opener, for many people decide to call out to God, for his mercy. Then later go on to live their lives with out God, in their lives. In many ways our lives are in the midst of a storm, on a daily basis. It is very important to have God in our lives. Even when appears that all is well. It should`nt take the scare of danger, or the loss of a loved one to make you acknowledge God, and his purpose for you. When we reflect on our lives, and we inventory all that we posses, or all that we own. Our attitude should not be, "look at what I have accomplished". As if God had nothing to do with it. We should always keep a humbled heart, and acknowledge that because of God, we have what we have. Be thankful under all circumstancesBe content where ever your at. But most importantly, continue to communicate with God thru prayer. Ask for his Divine guidance in all you do. Knowing that our real treasure is with Christ in heaven. God blesses us in so many ways. And He protects us in ways that we can`t imagine. Remember; His thoughts are not like ours. He knows all things. He knows the exact amount of hairs on your body. Do you? I certainly don`t. Perhaps the next time we face a challenge in our daily life, we should look at it like a test. A test to see if we really believe in our faith. Is your faith in God? When you visit some one in the hospital, do you step up and say; let me pray for you, that thru Jesus Christ, you may be healed. Or do you take a back seat to the challenge? Hey! If you need a cop, you call a cop. If you need a loan, you go to a bank. All the tools are in place, and at our reach in our society. But the greatest tool, and the one with the most authority is your very own faith in Jesus Christ! He gives you the power and authority over all things. Walk hand in hand with his Holy spirit, little do you know how he moves danger from your path daily. Take head to his instructions. Live and conduct your self in such a way that is pleasing to God. I once heard some one say that God, dos`nt listen to a sinners prayer. I disagree. Christ died for us all, while we were yet sinners. For the purpose of us accepting Him as Lord and savior. So that we would live and not perish. We are His children today because he listened to the prayer of a sinner. It`s after we accept Him. It`s after we start reading His word. It`s after He gives us a taste of His Holy spirit. We still have free will, and that's where our daily battle with the enemy (Satan) who wants to destroy you. He presents different options, different paths of life. If you choose to walk with God, hand in hand with His Holy spirit. Then you will have the power and authority to function as a child of God. Dismiss danger from your side in Jesus name. And never worry about what to say, because it will be the Holy spirit in you spitting out the lyrics, as if it were a song. You will speak with a clear, vivid mind capturing way. Step up and show the people your surrounded by, that your faith is in Jesus Christ. And that you! Through Him, can do all things. (Philippians 4:13). In the Book of Proverbs; Solomon, pleads with his readers and shares knowledge that still applies today. All thru-out the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, speaks of how we aught not to be. And how we should conduct  ourselves. These are all challenges we face on a daily basis. After this recent storm, take a moment as we assess our homes, and properties. Take inventory of your self, and ask God to continue to find favor in you. Re--commit your self to Christ. Ask Him to sanction your every move, your every decision. Let Him bless you. Let Him remove the obstacles from your path of salvation. Keep a song in your heart, and you will have what you need for your daily walk with Christ. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.
 

Saturday, October 13, 2012

A NEW SEASON

By Irving Serano Sr.
 
There`s a cool breeze in the air. A change of season is in the making. The leaves are starting to fall, from the trees. Even the animals, are shedding their hair, and growing in a heavier coat. It appears in some places, people will be putting away their lawn mowers, and preparing their snow blowers to confront the snow that may fall upon the arrival of winter. As we prepare for a change of season, perhaps we could also share a very real concept. The Apostle Paul said; " I have learned to be content in what ever circumstance I may be in". Because" I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me". (Philippians 4:11b-13). Many people live their lives in a constant fear of what might happen, or what might not happen. They carry with them on a daily basis, excess baggage. Worries of all sorts. They endure sleepless nights because their thoughts are so overwhelming, that they become bad dreams. Have you taken the necessary step in asking God, to be your Lord and Savior? Perhaps now is the time for you to shed the unnecessary baggage. Understand that God will help you through any, and all circumstances you find yourself in. (2nd Corinthians 5:7) Tells us; " We walk by faith, and not by sight". ( 2nd Corinthians 5:17) " Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold; all things are become new". (Isaiah 43:18) " Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past". (Ezekiel 36:26) " I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh". It`s a wonderful thing to know that God exist. But it goes to no benefit if you don`t except Him, as your Lord and Savior. It`s all too important to communicate with God through prayer. Some people can see how God makes things happen for others, yet they sit back and wonder, why doesn't He do  things like that for me. Would you like to see God involved in your daily life, on a daily basis? I urge you to reach out to Him on a daily basis. You will experience the changes in your life immediately. You will catch yourself smiling, as you notice how even your language changes. Some changes are subtle, and some are drastic. The important thing, is that you let go, and let God. It`s not about being filled with church, it`s about being filled with God. Faith is a gift of God, a gift that will change your life. Faith that will make you a new creation. God gives us faith through His word. And as certainly as He called us to follow Jesus Christ our Savior. He has also called us to grow in faith. A Preacher once said; "Fear activates the enemy, But Faith activates God". I urge you to take a moment and speak to God. Do you have worries? Are you in need of anything? How`s your health? Let`s talk to God together. !OH God, I humble myself before you. I ask that you forgive me, for anything I may have done to offend you. I have lived a life where I felt I could`nt speak to you. I thank you for waking me today, and allowing me to speak to you. I thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who died so that I may live. Please be my Lord and Savior, and make the changes in me, so that I may do your will. In Jesus name, Amen. Let me welcome you into a New Season in your life. You will now see the changes in your life, and how you will impact those around you. Focus on your goals, and ask God to direct your paths. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.