A better way to lead up to Easter....

So Lent starts tomorrow---I’ve never bought into it besides the fasting part which is something we regularly do anyway and not one time of year.

Then today I thought about how the media and society respects Lent—they take it seriously because makes them feel Christian or spiritual.

So I thought how about if I use Lent to speak to others about God, Jesus and faith??

so I have to choose something to fast from—no red meat, I do that normally so that wouldn’t be anything special.  I could fast from chicken but I’m like NO WAY!! I love it too much and I don’t mind eating just fish I ate fish for a whole week 2 weeks ago J

So then I thought ok here is what I’m going to fast from for 40 days leading up to Easter!

1.    My own strength in overcoming defeating thoughts.

2.    Fear/anxiety and doubt with regards to unanswered prayers.

3.     Negative words.

4.    Self-defeating words towards others and myself.

5.     Red meat

6.     Soda

7.     Impatience

I think if more people fasted from issues of the heart we’d be a better city, state, and peoples.

I want to share with others what my fast will entail because that can start a faith based conversation.

Keep me accountable and in prayer!

I challenge you all to do the same thing as me---

Adelante y Avanza!

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Freedom

“Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.  So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.  Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”---Gal 3:23-25 NIV

“Before this faith came, we were all held prisoners by the law. We had no freedom until God showed us the way of faith that was coming. In other words, the law was our guardian leading us to Christ so that we could be made right with God through faith. Now the way of faith has come, and we no longer live under a guardian.” New Century Version

What a revelation for me!!! What a renewal and refreshing thought!! I used to always think and believe the law in the Old Testament was something so how you say limiting and demanding.  But no when it was in effect it was to be a guardian!! It was to say “hold people down” until Jesus came—until the fulfillment of faith came—until it was time to believe and live freely.  Now that we are living in the grace of Jesus, we live a life in freedom but not a freedom in our flesh but a freedom in spirit!  Our flesh’s version of freedom will not please God—it will please itself. That’s why the law was needed—so flesh pleasing wasn’t running wild and ruining people’s lives.  Now that we are justified by faith it means we are made righteous even though we are not always righteous.  This sounds so simple but God has been revealing this to me; so man I am understanding salvation more clearly. A result of this revelation is I’m loving more…I’m loving the lost more---I’m judging less. I am not thinking things in my heart that is condemning people no matter who they are---I’m not always successful in this, but I am allowing God to work in me.  I believe many of us especially those of who were born in the church need to have a revelation of true salvation and how it works. We need to understand the concept of grace and Jesus justifying us.  We like to justify ourselves all the time, but how does Jesus justify us? We no longer need a guardian we have Jesus, and our relationship with Him isn’t one of guardian and person needing guardianship but rather a love relationship with passion! A Passion for prayer and the word and passion for spreading His gospel. The reason I wouldn’t  and couldn’t evangelize before was because I didn’t have a true understanding of salvation and God’s gift etc. But man the past 2 weeks I’ve had such eye opening revelation on this topic---its given me the chills no joke. I have felt the fear of God like never before and a reverence for His work---its unexplainable. Yesterday I had an experience I was sitting down with my Bible and prayer journal in hand and started writing. All of a sudden as I was writing I started to weep and something took my hand and I kept writing. They weren’t my words—they were God’s words.  I wanted to stop writing out of fear---but kept doing it---and when I stopped read what I had written and God again spoke to my life. He was writing me notes on this topic based on my devotional time.  I was fed so much I went to church stuffed!! I kept thinking about this topic of faith and being justified by faith.  What justifies me is my faith---if I believe in Jesus for salvation I must believe Him for everything else. The enemy attacks our faith because that is what justifies us and opens us for blessings! 

We are no longer under a guardian---so why act like we need one??? In our intimate relationship with Jesus we know what we can and can’t do but it’s not a burden to us—but rather out of our love and devotion we just do!  We don’t desire anything of this world—we don’t desire the off limits---we want nothing to do with it.  So why would we act like we need a guardian?? We have Jesus and He has us;  there’s nothing more spiritually romantic that this!

Adelante!!

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

The Easy Sin to Fall into---

Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.-Prov 19:2 New CenturyVersion

 Even zeal is not good without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily sins.-Holman Christian Standard Bible

 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet. NKJV

 I was led to this verse this morning---wow---I provided 3 different versions because I know some of us get it better with different wording. But we can’t get away from the King James Version---we can sin if we act quickly without knowledge.  Not because God doesn’t like quick decisions but because when we make them we don’t wait on the knowledge of what God wants or doesn’t want—that’s how I understand it. I’m sure there are also other reasons why---but wow we can sin from a hasty decision!! I’m still chewing on that---I normally don’t think a quick yes or no can lead me to sin . It could be a sin because I am making the decision without trusting in God or making it in anxiety or fear.  And what about the big one decisions made without faith—and anything done without faith is a sin! Wow serious business here.  The knowledge of God’s will and plans is easily found in His word and in moments of intimacy with God.  We can’t tell people what to do or what decisions to make, but we can speak into them about the knowledge of God.  Today more than ever, I am equipped with Word and knowledge from God on how to deal with different situations and circumstances. On my own strength and my own knowledge, I am helpless and sinful.  This morning I was inquiring of the Lord for specific situations---I inquired and now I’m in silence listening to His leading. It’s amazing how He answers---it’s not too long before He begins to pour into me. And in different methods and different avenues but all of it is in agreement.  Whether I like what He has to say or not He is speaking.  Like with Elijah He can speak to guide me in any environment—wind, rain, earthquake, or silence.  He can speak in any element or season.  I must be listening no matter the circumstance or environment.  

It’s so easy to make hasty decisions especially when we think certain ones don’t need our inquiring of God---but I found the David method of inquiring for anything is simpler and much more precise. The will of the Lord will prevail anyway why waste my time where God’s will isn’t and be hurt and frustrated?  I’ve experienced both before--I find when I inquire of Him even for small matters God is gracious to me and gives me favor in those small things.  It’s when I begin to feel rushed and pressed for time I risk making the wrong hasty decision and falling into sin. It’s when I feel I know what I’m doing and am in “God’s will” I risk sinning by making a hasty decision. (MY OWN KNOWLEDGE CAN LEAD ME TO SIN whereas GOD’S KNOWLEDGE IS ALWAYS GOOD) There are so many of us believers in a hurry…let’s slow down and enjoy God’s timing and peace. Rom 15:13 says may I hope while I trust.  This means waiting and trusting in God can be a season of peace and Holy Spirit hope which brings results and is power.  

Think on this word today—let God speak to the specific need/area where you have acted rather quickly.  Keep in mind knowledge from God is different than human knowledge so when we read this verse let’s not be fooled into thinking this refers to human knowledge we already possess etc. Don’t want anyone missing out on what God has for you in His Word by faulty interpretation.

Aprovecha y Avanza! 

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Grieving...

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.  So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”—John 16:21-22

I believe in this month God is calling us to a month of spiritual anguish and grieving. Not because something is wrong but rather because we should birth something in the Spirit world. What we birth should carry us ministerialy the whole year!

This weekend I was at both prayer meetings on Sun and there was a heaviness in my heart. A grieving of sort in the Spirit. I didn’t understand it. I knew why---I was grieving in the Spirit and asking God how do we pray for the young men and women of your body struggling with heavy addictions? How do we pray for those who simply want nothing with you? But there was such a heaviness of heart in me as if it was my own children or brothers struggling almost even as if it was my own struggle. This was Sun morning at prayer. God had me quiet in His presence for 2 hours. Not giving Him any fancy wording of praise (I’m good at it).  He just said stop and contemplate. It was at the end of that session that the heaviness of heart came.  He was speaking to me; He was making me grieve.  Why?? Because before I can birth or receive anything of the Spirit I have to have a time to grieve.  That is what He is telling the disciples.  You will grieve…you will not be celebrating like the world is—vs. 20 says, “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”  The world started the year celebrating in their own way. Many including believers have not made this month one of consecration or separating themselves with God—they are still celebrating from December.  Some are not celebrating but in their hearts is a sadness and grieving of the flesh not the spirit so it’s useless in that it won’t birth spirit plans.

After the prayer yesterday morning I was going to go have breakfast but couldn’t because I just wanted to keep grieving. It was strange!! This morning when I read this passage I knew what was going on---I was in the time of grief over the temptations and sin these young people are facing. How can I celebrate when my brothers and sisters are dying in sin? How can I use this time to celebrate while mothers and fathers are losing their sons and daughters to immorality, pornography, and party spirit? In the Old Testament there is a song the children of Israel sang where they ask how can we rejoice when our cities are destroyed? A Psalm where they ask how can we sing songs of laughter while we are in captivity?? There is no rejoicing  in my heart. I clarify its not a sadness in the flesh. I am not upset, bothered, or lacking in my life—God is good and is being good to me. He is taking care of my needs. The Lord is my shepherd and I am not in want---this is a Spirit led grieving. I am to birth something this month! This is my time to grieve.  But then Jesus tells them…”your grief will turn to joy.”  A joy a satisfaction that comes from knowing God is working in the lives. A joy that comes seeing Spirit led breakthroughs.  A joy that comes from the Holy Spirit that surpasses all circumstances.  The Holy Spirit would come and these men and women would come to know joy---real joy!! He would raise their spirits. He would be the answer to their problems!! Hence the joy coming…

It’s nice to know my grief can turn to joy. It would be helpless to not know this---Is God calling you as a member of the body of Christ to grieve in the Spirit? Does He want you to take time away from celebrating with the world?  Ask Him.  Ask Him what He has for you?  God is good in that although He had me grieving in the morning prayer set I was given time to praise Him in the night prayer set!! So I got to praise Him.  If I would have not been available to go into God’s presence by way of prayer I would have missed out on that blessing!! Don’t ever think you’ve prayed too much, praised too much, given too much---there is a blessing every time we dig deeper and go the extra mile. 

Adelante!

-Bea

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Good Advice

“Be careful what you listen to for the standard that you set will be measured to you.”--Bill Johnson.

If you live with standards of what you are willing to entertain that standards attracts what you want…if you like gossip you will attract gossip. Those who have attract more.  If you have the favor of God you attract more favor of God.  If you entertain and listen to people who constantly complain and aren’t moving forward in their Christian walk; people who believe “its always someone else’s fault”---well guess what?  That is what you will attract for your spirit life. I learned this a year ago and started editing what I listen to and what I accept into my life. Especially when people are talking and sharing. There would be times after a conversation I would reject in my heart and spirit what I would hear and sometimes it was things I would hear from my own circle of friends or family! That’s how much I DON’T want to attract negative favor or enemy favor. I want God favor not enemy favor!! This new year start pressing your thoughts on moving forward. I was talking to a group of women last night and sharing how if they are still living in the past that means they aren’t moving forward!! Its not rocket science!! So many immature believers who want to be treated like babies (some of those grown men) who need to grow up and seek their own spirit growth. Get away from those kind of believers they are highly contagious and call enemy favor into their life. Until they allow the Spirit of God to grow them up and they can enter into a life of forgiving others and dying to self it will always be “someone else’s fault.” I don’t need that this year---that won’t help me achieve my goals or favor! What do you have more of that you want more of…what are you lacking that you do want more of?? Well start doing some editing early on this year---set the standard of favor in your life—Good favor!

Adelante!!

Bea
Generation Glory
Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Wisdom & Understanding

Job 28----what a passage!!! Below are some verses from the chapter…WOW! We as humans as mortals we have no clue or idea where wisdom comes from---even death asks about it!! WOW…death!! Why would death want wisdom?? I’m glad death is functioning in stupidity!!   Imagine if it had wisdom??  Wisdom and understanding go hand in hand---sometimes I ask myself why believers who have known God for years don’t have understanding for the scriptures?? Or why some lack wisdom to know how to speak to the lost or to other believers?? Some who have known God for years don’t have wisdom to pray according to the needs. They don’t  understand why God wills certain things in lives or why He works or better yet how He works. Why?  The answer is here!! They don’t know where to find wisdom. Are they even seeking it? Only God knows about wisdom. It’s not a trait we can learn or achieve in school or through experience.  We love to feel very knowledgeable in different areas and even get upset when people don’t believe or trust our judgment but that’s not wisdom!! We know the Bible and can interpret the scriptures but is that wisdom??  We can read people but is that wisdom?? NONE OF THAT IS---Read Job 28 and analyze each word.  God tells the reader what wisdom is and how to achieve it.  I love this chapter---God has things He keeps to Himself and only lets those in on them who seek Him out and dig deep into His word---let’s be those people---let’s be people of wisdom!

There is a mine for silver

   and a place where gold is refined.

Iron is taken from the earth,

   and copper is smelted from ore….

But where can wisdom be found?

   Where does understanding dwell?

No mortal comprehends its worth;

   it cannot be found in the land of the living.

Where then does wisdom come from?

   Where does understanding dwell?

It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,

   concealed even from the birds in the sky.

Destruction[b] and Death say,

   “Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.”

God understands the way to it

   and he alone knows where it dwells,

And he said to the human race,

   “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,

   and to shun evil is understanding.”

Before you plan your 2012 goals....

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”—Phil 3:14 NIV

We are on the last days of the year---what a great time to meditate on God’s goodness and mercy the whole year.  That’s where God has had me these last weeks of the year just reflecting on His goodness toward me and my family and ministry.  As I continue to do this I also want to go before the Lord and have Him lay out His plans and purposes for 2012. Not all of them will be revealed as we seek His face in 2012 He shows us what He wants from us and for us---it doesn’t all have be revealed at once; we go from glory to glory.  What is important to keep in mind is the verse above. Whatever I press towards in 2012 let it be heaven focused and a call from God.  This doesn’t mean its all ministry related---God is a part of every area of my life. So there will be God calls on my life that will include my personal and family life.  I don’t have separate compartments anymore I am one in the Kingdom.  I am one whole person spirit filled and life breathing.  As a result when God makes calls on my life it isn’t just for ministry/church projects.  But I must know what God is calling me to and what His goals will be for me.  Let’s not get caught up in making our own plans and calling them God plans. Dive into the word and prayer!! Seek God’s will for your plans and resolutions. I don’t doubt we all have great ideas and plans but God centered ideas are better than ours!! Heavenward ideas are better than anything we can come up with or do!  Let’s be people that when we press toward the goal---we are sure this is a goal that is building the Kingdom and moving towards heaven!!  And more importantly this goal is God birthed and blessed!! In order to get pregnant there must be intimacy. In order to birth God plans we must go into intimacy with Him.  Jesus’ key to having God answer His prayers was “reverent submission” to the Father’s will (Heb 5:7).  Jesus literally even to death told the Father “your will be done.” (Mk 14:36) Even Jesus didn’t dictate His own plans He submitted to God’s plans for Him.

Be purposeful, be mindful of your time in intimacy so you can become pregnant with God plans and visions for every area of your life.  Have a blank sheet of paper, clear out the clutter in your mind—let the Master plan your year.  Let the master organize your calendar and agenda for 2012.  Let the Master breathe His approval in your decisions and resolutions for 2012. And once He has and once you are preggos with God stuff---birth it!! Then “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Adelante means push forward!!

-Bea-

Generation Glory
Iglesia Cristiana Adonai
Youth/ Young Adult/ Singles Pastor