GATHER YOURSELF AND KEEP IT MOVING

By Irving Serrano Sr

In my daily work, I often find my self on the roads, and highways. Recently while directing traffic, around a minor accident. I noticed how the traffic started backing up, simply because on lookers would slow down to take a closer look. Most people call this "rubber necking". In our Daily walk with Christ, we all come to a point where something crosses our path. The lost of loved ones, troubled marriages, rebellious teenagers etc. It really does not matter what we encounter, in our daily walk with Christ. Everyone can relate to some type of difficulty, they have ran across. Some may possibly be in the midst of a situation, happening right now. When you have Christ in your heart, this is always something that will happen. We who keep our faith in Christ, acknowledge that some things do not have clear, and immediate answers. Our sights should always be on the mission that our Lord Jesus, has set before us. The enemy (Satan) tries to use these turmoils, trials and tribulations to deter us from our faith. In the Old Testament, in our Bibles, we read about how a man holding the high`est position in King Davids army. He was demoted. In his place was put the very man, who held the high`est position in the opposing side. The new man in charge procrastinated, at the kings orders, and time was being lost. The Man who was demoted, put his army together and set forth to carry out the Kings order. While in route, both men met on the road at a cross point. The demoted man dismounts from his horse, meets the new man appointed. And as he greets him with a kiss. He stabs him at the same time. The dead mans army, had a decision. Acknowledge that the man they were following had his own agenda, and continue without direction. Or unite with the army, who had shared their same convictions. Sheba took advantage of Davids,  weakened position after Absalom's failed rebellion, and the conflicts between Judah, and the other Ten Tribes. "WE', have no share in David, nor do we have inheritance in the Son of Jesse". As an effected slogan promoted by Sheba. This story teaches us that popular and plausible catch phrases, aught to be received and acted upon with great caution. Some may think, or say the Tribes of Judah treated the other Ten Tribes unfairly, but "Injustice" is never corrected by a yet deeper wrong. Some may say; it is mans nature to divide and conquer. When we live for Christ, we have to be held together, by the Holy Spirit. References found in (2nd Samuel 18; 40-43) (2nd Samuel 20). The Apostle Paul, landed at an island, after a ship wreck. He was being watched by natives. While preparing a fire, he was bitten by a snake. Paul had traveled far, and He had determination to proceed with his mission. (Spreading Gods word). The natives had a change of thought, when they saw the snake hanging from Paul's hand, as He shook it off into the fire. (Acts 28:3). In life we all have set backs, things do`nt always turn out the way we may want. You can choose to live with out Christ, and loose it all. Or you can choose to live through Christ, and though having nothing. Possess it all. We should imitate the loyalty Judah, showed to their King. This means we must be loyal to Jesus, in spite of the mocking of the multitudes. We must be loyal to Jesus, in spite of the rebellion of the flesh. We must be loyal to Jesus, in spite of when it feels, that He seems distant from us. Never let situations hold you back, from what God, has asked of you. When these similar situations cross your path. The enemy thinks; ' This will stop him/her, now they wont pray, now they will loose faith in their God! Gather yourself, in the presence of danger, in the midst of a jacked up marriage, in grief, sickness or what ever your in the middle of. Gather yourself and keep it moving! Follow through with the mission that the lord has set before you. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.  

AN ETERNAL LOVE

By Irving Serrano

It appears we have started a New Year, and we had a pleasant winter. Unlike other years when Jack frost, would hit hard then linger on. Now we`re in the month of May. Everyone starts to look forward to the summer season. Spring is in the air. And now as everyone celebrates Easter, their is a large number of people all throughout the world that acknowledge the pass over, and the upcoming days as the celebration of Jesus Christ, resurrection. We can read through the four Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. From the birth of Jesus Christ, his days on earth. His brutal Crucifixion, and his glorious resurrection. All through these different Gospels, we can clearly see that Jesus, knew suffering, he knew pain, he understood torment. And though he never knew sin, he died for the sin of all mankind. When we read pass the four Gospels, we come to the book of Acts, where we`er introduced to Paul of Silas. Otherwise known as the Apostle Paul. And like many other prophets and disciples before him, have so much to share with us. All these things that were said and written many, many years ago. Yet all these messages are as pertinent, as they were then. But I would like to point out with pride, something that was written, and said by our President Obama, just a few days ago. " This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of a Savior, who died so that some might live. And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to follow his examples. We might rededicate our time on earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God ". It truly is a pleasure to quote anyone who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. As I wish everyone a Happy Easter, I leave you with this prayer; God our Father, by raising Christ your Son, you conquered the power of death, and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the spirit that is within us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr. 

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TO BREATHE UNDERWATER!

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  By Irving Serrano Sr

  
  

  
  

  A woman once told me a story about a dream she had. At first, I was distracted and was`nt paying attention. As she went on telling me how an apparent boat she was on sank. I started to listen closely, because I knew this woman didn't swim. She said to me; the water was cold and dark. She went on to tell me how she could here other people screaming, in the distance. As her body sank towards the bottom, she saw sharks grabbing bodies, as if it were a feeding frenzy. Though it was dark, she said she reached the bottom. So she started walking towards a light. To her understanding, this light was the way out. As she walked forward, the light seemed to move ahead of her as to light her path. She said she saw some children, floating by her and struggling in panic. She grabs them, and they too followed along behind her. She would tell me how she would look around her, and behind. But only to see darkness, and the screams in the distance. She continued walking and came out to shallow water. Bringing with her several more children. They all came out from under the cold frigid waters. Each child holding the hand of the next, onto the safety of dry land. Mind you, all the while she was repeating; " There is power in the blood of Christ "! Today, twenty eight years later. I still remember the many stories this lady taught me. This lady was my Mother. She walked with no shame of the Gospel of Christ. And at the hint of any danger, she was quick to yell out " JESUS ". Everyone has had dreams. And in dreams, it seems that all things are possible. I personally believe that this dream, my mother spoke of, was depicting the reality of what we all still face today. The sinking vessel, is the current world we living in. With the economy dropping, security all throughout the world being challenged. The darkness  and the sharks, grabbing up people, takes me to 1st Peter (5:8) Where the Apostle Paul said; " be sober and vigilant, because the enemy (Satan) Prowls around like a lion, waiting to see 

  • who, he can devour. I also look at the children, that she reached out to. Could this had been my brothers and sisters, including me? I like to think that for her, it was all the people she ever taught, or gave witness to. Either way it brings me to (Exodus 20:12) "Honour thy father and thy mother, that your days may be long upon the earth. Once again, clinging to Gods promises. (Romans 1:16) " Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation... On television or in dreams, you might experience an impossibility. But if you confess Jesus Christ, as your lord and Saviour. You will live the impossible, you will proclaim the impossible. Because what ever is impossible for man, is possible for God.

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

WHAT ARE YOU TIRED OF?

By Irving Serrano Sr.

Are you tired of being tired? Do you find yourself getting headaches because of so many worries on your mind? Does it seem like no matter how much you try to get ahead in life....different things keep holding you down? I'm sure alot of people can relate to this. And if there were a magic mystery pill being sold, for this. Many people would jump up and purchase it. I would like to tell you, there is a remedy for these matters....and its not a pill. Nothing to purchase, it doesn't cost you anything. The price was paid in full! Some may read this and say; Oh God, here we go again. For those, that response should put your mind in check. For others, they would read onto hear me out. The formula for a well balanced and prosperous life is simple and direct. Many people believe in God,but they stop there. They have no relation with God. Others believe and try to live decently, belonging to a Church, helping others out when they can, but ultimately, fitting in God. Only when its convenient for them. Christ said; " Seek ye first the kingdom of God,and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mathew 6:33). If we study this passage, its clear what is first, but let us notice he says;" and his righteousness"! If we fail to seek his righteousness, or conduct ourselves living a life, showing ourselves to be approved by his word. Then we cancel ourselves from the benefits of being a child of God. The Apostle Paul, took great pride in living as an example , that he once said; therefore I urge you to imitate me, as I imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:16). Follow my examples as I follow the examples of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The passage concludes, that all other things would be added unto you. It doesn't say some things. Note; he means all things. He also said "shall", not might. We need to trust in our Lord with all our might,,, his promise is to grant us the desires of our heart. We live in a world where pills are purchased to aid us in dieting, sleeping etc. I thank God, for allowing man to be brilliant enough to invent such  products. But after all, this ability was also a promise given to man. (Ephesians 4:24) Man, being created in the image of God. He gave man all authority over every living plant, fish in the sea, every bird in the air, and every creeping thing on this earth. And to put on the new self, created to be like God, in true righteousness and holiness. Despite our daily responsibilities with our families, work or other interest. Our main and first focus, should be on the one who gives us breath of life everyday. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When you have a set back, or someone says; you can`t. Gods word says; "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me". Don't walk around feeling defeated by anything. Stand strong, rebuke the enemy, when you need to, and thank God for the armament and the authority, he has given you. Pray about all things, and seek Gods direction. He always answers. It may be yes, no or wait. But as long as its sanctioned by God, you will only exceed. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr. 

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OVERCOMING THE ENEMY

By Irving Serrano Sr.

There was a loud scream. A horrific scream that awoke the natives of a Peruvian tribe, deep in the jungle. The sounds of mumbling could be heard, as the local tribesmen lit their lanterns and looked out their tents, and humble shacks. They all had the same question; what was that scream? And as it was a response on Que, the loud scream penetrated the quiet night, as if a terrifying murder was being committed. Some of the tribesmen gathered and ran towards the direction of the screams. It was Alfredo, rolling around on the ground, his eyes were red, his head bruised from bumping the rocks, and trees in the midst of the jungle. At plain sight, one would think it was an epileptic attack. But in reality, it was entirely a different matter!.........It all started earlier that evening. Alfredo, could not sleep. It was right after he had a heated argument with his wife. Ever since his wife started to visit with some local Christians, that offered a night of Bible study.He was sad and worried. Alfredo was a man that cherished the old ways, the customs of his tribe. He drank heavily, and he chewed cocoa leaves as stimulants as he performed his rituals. He was also an avid hunter. He was always feared and respected by the tribesmen. For he was the authority, and everyone feared the thought of him, pointing a finger at any one of them. These tribesmen customarily  were of a superstitious nature, they would honor the rituals, and spilling of blood, all under the direction of Alfredo. So this issue that Alfredo had, regarding his wife attending Bible study was some thing he could not allow. In his mind he thought; how do these strangers live? They don`t drink, they don`t chew cocoa leaves. Plus they have already infiltrated my tribe. If my wife continues to visit with these people, this is going to cause me alot of trouble! Alfredo just didn't believe in the Bible. He had alot of pride and he followed in the foot steps of his Father, who also had the same disposition towards what they called; "them Hallelujahs". He did not know of the great power of God. He was unaware of how God can touch, and soften the most hardest of hearts. One day Alfredo was walking along the jungle, his mind was tormented, frustrated because he had just struck his wife, following another argument regarding them Bible toting hallelujahs. As he walked through the heavy brush, leading towards theriver. He heard noises, people screaming. It was a small craft that had struck a rock, and was sinking. Those that could swim were trying frantically to reach the shore. Woman and children were holding on to the sinking vessel. Several tribesmen swam out and rescued everyone in the water. Then they stood at the rivers bank to see if anyone else might still be out there. In the rivers of the jungle it is normal to see someone go under, then come up again down stream, due to the rivers strong currents. Alfredo stood at the rivers bank. With a watchful eye, not missing a single move. Suddenly he see`s something black in the distance. He says could this be someones head? Without hesitation, he jumped in and started off in that direction. With each stroke of his arms cutting through the water, he swam out and grabbed the black item. As he approached the shore he realized this black item was a Bible. As he sat at the rivers bed catching his breath. He rationalized, how did the personal items sink in the river, yet this Bible did not sink? Later that night he went out for a walk, this Bible that he retrieved from the river had him confused. He wondered to himself; is there some thing more to this? Could there really be another God out there? Is this God trying to tell me something? He was really bothered, because for face value this is the Great which Doctor, who hated the Bible, and those who chose to follow it. But he also was convinced that there was a great mystery in this black Book. So he entertained the idea of reading through it a little. And just as quickly his pride awoke in him. And he said to himself, if I start reading this, I would be admitting that I was wrong, and my wife was right. Then he started to think about how would the rest of the tribesmen feel, He would be loosing their respect. In this world , their are alot of people like Alfredo. They hear God`s voice talking to their    hearts, but they choose to harden their hearts instead. They let themselves get overrun by their pride and predispositions. Nevertheless God says; " I have loved you, with eternal love, therefore I have prolonged mercy towards you" (Jeremiah31:3). God's Divine mercy towards Alfredo, was very patient. This was a man who sincerely, served his Gods, demanded rituals to be carried out with every specific detail, as the way he was taught, by his father. But on this day, He was confronted by a Bible. He discovered the God, who made the heavens and the earth. He started to realize that the Gods he served were smaller and smaller, in relation to the God who created the universe. It was very hard for him to admit. what the Bible says; "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handy work" (Psalm 19:1). "Look up into the heavens. Who created these? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by it`s name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing" (Isaiah's 40:26). Alfredo had conviction. Realizing that all the rituals he`s done through out his life, were merely acting as an agent of the devil. The love he had toward nature, the sun, and the moon, was fine. But he felt so small and ashamed because, now he had no doubt that God is greater than all. He walked and battled with these thoughts. Hounding his mind...tormented by the hate he allowed to grow inside him. Now once again he felt alone, almost to the point he felt faint. This is because the enemy whom he inadvertently served, did`nt want to release him. The Apostle Paul affirms this in (Ephesians 6:12) " For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but principalities of darkest, governors of high places, lucking in our midst". There are many Demonic spirits that lurck around us. Just looking for the opportunity to discourage anyone who wants to get close to God. In some cases they attack a person who has a fragile, or innocent mind, such as Alfredo. In other cases, they corrupt an individual by the entertaining of drugs, thus making  the a slave to the product they ingest. Thus making one feel, that they are unworthy of Gods graces. Satan's demons have one purpose; to try to keep anyone from coming to Christ. This is why The Apostle Peter advises us in (1st Peter 5:  " Be sober and watch, because our enemy (Satan) watches us like a lion, waiting to see who, he can devour". Alfredo was taken out of his humble hut, in his confusion, he did`nt realize it was like being carried out by the invisible hands of the enemy. He fought this battle with his own strength. He had not yet been acquainted to the armament of God. (Ephesians 6:10 &; 11). So he was screaming out as he ran into trees, busting his head open, dragging himself on the ground. As the tribesmen approached him, they started to join in with those of the faith in Christ. They knelt down and cried out to God. Alfredo, bleeding from the head wounds found his way off the ground, and went onto his knees. He asked God, to clear his thoughts, and become his Savior. The demon's that evidently were trying to destroy Alfredo, had left him. The enemy tried to tempt Christ, and He has shown us; if you resist the devil, he will flee from us. 
May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

TRUSTING IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE

By Irving Serrano Sr.

A child stands at the deep side of a pool. His Father say`s to him; " jump in, I got you". With out hesitation the child jumps in, after a big splash, the child comes up from the water with a big smile. Simply because he is in the arms of his loving Father. There are times in our lives when the road ahead seems uncertain; when the answers we desperately seek are illusive. As long as we depend on our own understanding and reasoning, our faith will waiver. (Proverbs 3:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Being a part of Gods Divine plan for our lives, involve our willingness to be obedient to His Holy Word. To step into Gods way of of doing. He doesn`t force his plan on our lives. (Isaiah 1:19). There are many Christians who have secured their salvation with Christ, however still live a life of troubles and despair. Faith activates God, and fear activates the enemy. But if your trust lies in God, then as Christian's we need to keep a positive attitude towards your daily walk with God. After all your not alone. (Isaiah 54:17) No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Christian people with the right positive are  not attitude blind to the problems and challenges in life. They may have as many, if not more than others. But those with their faith in Christ, have the positive attitude that helps them approach life with acceptance and faith. They have a can-do attitude. They believe they can have joy in the face of trouble, and can heal if they can`t be cured. They extend their positive view to others and life in general. Gods ways are incomprehensible: " My thoughts are completely different from yours, says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.... my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55: 8-9). We are so precious to God that His highest thoughts are about us; they can`t be counted. (Psalm 139: 17-18). In (Mathew 11:28) Jesus said; " Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest". We read in (Jeremiah 31: 25) " I will refresh the weary, and satisfy the faint". I urge you today to cling to Gods promises, put your faith to work. And develop a positive mental attitude towards your daily walk with Christ. Knowing that God is our loving Father, makes it all the easier to release control of our lives to Him. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr. 

A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE

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  By Irving Serrano Sr.
  
  

  People often say; "I'm going to start eating healthy", or " I'm going to get more sleep". It`s often we hear someone say how they intend to change, or do some thing to better their life......It`s very common to hear people talk this way on New Years Eve. They make all sorts of resolutions, and in many cases, these good intentions are later forgotten. Christians, also make resolutions, and like creatures of habit, they also can fall short in following through with similar claims. How often do you hear someone say; " I'm going to get closer to God". When is the last time some one said to you; " I feel guilty, I left in such a hurry, I forgot to pray". Most Christians will say they want to get closer to God. However, it is all to important to understand, that the want alone is not enough. As Christians we draw closer to God in prayer, in worship, and in His word the Bible, we are encouraged, because He loves us. ( Jeremiah 31:3) The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying; " I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness". Could you imagine an athlete, showing up to the" big game", but didn't take the time to train, or practise? How about a pro-boxer, stepping into a ring for a match......fully admitting, he laid around like a couch potato for the past six weeks. As Christians, we step into a new game every day. We take on a fight, for our salvation, and the ability to stand against the enemy at all times. Walking with Christ, on a daily basis, we must strive to seek God`s involvement in everything we do. Our speech is different not because of our education, but because of the Holy spirit, who leads us. (Psalm 55:17) Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. Jesus modeled prayer, and He taught His followers to pray. Paul spoke often of his continued prayers. The Apostles in Jerusalem "gave themselves to prayer" (Acts 6:4), Today is up to us Christians...to continue a solid relation with God, through prayer. Drawing closer with each prayer. (James 4:7 & 8) Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will draw to you. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

  
  

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