Keep Believing For Your Family

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

I did a posting back in April about how many of my family members had been surrendering their lives to Christ Jesus. (You And Your Household Will Be Saved) At that time my father still had not taken that step of faith. He had been going to church for about two months and receiving the Word, but there was an awful battle going on for his soul. Every time the altar call was made we could see by his expression that he was having inner turmoil. We all knew that he was tired and stressed out from the path that he had chosen, but he kept listening to the tormenting spirits that would give him every excuse as to why it was not time to surrender.

My husband and I knew that there were demonic forces that were tormenting his mind, so we continued to fervently pray, along with many others believers, for my father to turn from His wayward lifestyle and receive the gift of salvation. About two months ago when the altar call was made I looked at my dad and he nodded his head and reached his hand for mine, we stood and began to walk to the altar. He knew that the Lord was calling him and that it was time to go to the foot of the cross to seek refuge and to be transformed. He knew he could no longer go on doing things his own way.

At the altar he repented and confessed Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. When I heard him say the words, “Jesus change me” I began to cry and cry and praise God. Even as I write this I am crying because for anyone that knows my father knows that this was truly a miracle. Maybe one day I can share more of his testimony.

From that day on he has not been the same. As a result our family has not been the same either. We are stronger now then we ever have been. We have been sealed together by the blood of Christ. It is awesome to go to church with all of my family. For those that don’t know I’m Puerto Rican. Puerto Rican families roll pretty deep. Our church had a night of worship and between me and my husband’s family there was 25 of us shouting, dancing, praising and worshipping God. It was AWESOME!!

I think the icing on the cake for me was this past weekend when my father, step-mother, three of my brothers, sister, niece and future sister-in-law all meet up at the beach where our church was doing baptisms. My father was the first to be baptized. Then the men that baptized him told him that as the head and covering of his family that he should baptize his wife as well as his children. So he did. I watched has he prayed over our family. His face was full joy and honor. I stood there knowing that generational curses were being broken. We were entering a new season in our lives. Things will never be the same. They will be better even through the trials and tribulations that we will have to face.

By the time he got to the last person. I saw a new man standing there, a new father. The old had gone and the new had arrived. God had given me the desire of my heart to see my father saved and renewed. I knew that I needed to allow my new father to re-baptize me. When I walked into the water he looked surprised and he said, “You?”. (tears)

I am telling you this so that you can be encouraged for your family. He can save the toughest of people and soften the hardest of hearts. That is what has happened in my own family. Nothing is impossible for Him! Don’t stop praying and interceding. Don’t stop believing. Most of all don’t stop sharing the love of Christ with them. They will be drawn to the love of Christ in you, not the religious spirit who is always hounding them. LOVE is the key! Learn to develop the fruit of the Spirit in your life and they will not be able to deny the fruit that see. They are watching you. When they need someone to turn to for help, encouragement, advice, and even prayer they will know to come to you. Don’t get tired and give up. You will reap a harvest in due season. Keep believing that you and your entire family will be saved. (Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 6:9)

Family Ministry First

Last night my pastor told a story of woman who lost her husband and two children in a train accident. I can only imagine the thoughts and the emotions that this woman must be experiencing. I wonder what were the last words they spoke to one another? Was there a kiss goodbye before they left each other? Are there any regrets? I can’t imagine losing my husband and children. I can’t imagine my life without them.

I lost my mother when I was just sixteen years old. It was so sudden. It devastated my life. I had so many regrets about the way I treated her and how rebellious I was. I wished that I could take back all the mean words and terrible behavior. I hurt her so much. Now all I have are some pictures and memories that I hold close to my heart. Sometimes I wish I could just hear her voice, but it’s too late.

We must never take our families for granted. We have to show them how much we love and appreciate them. Maybe we have allowed ourselves to become so busy that we don’t make time to just sit and sincerely listen to what our loved ones are saying. Maybe we are impatient, short tempered, or insensitive to their needs.

We have to stop and evaluate ourselves often. God has entrusted us with this blessing and gift called family. They are our number one responsibility. Are we building up our family or are we tearing it down? Do we say loving things or are our words harsh and critical? One day we will give an account to God for every idle word spoken. So let us be careful of what we are saying to the ones we are suppose to be showing love. (Matthew 12:36-37, Ephesians 5:2)

Often times we want to go and save the world. We want to feed the starving children in other countries, minister to lost teenagers, encourage our brothers and sisters in the congregation, or visit inmates in prisons. This is great, but we must remember that ministry begins at home. Do we have the same desire, motivation, and fire to save, serve, and love in our own home?

Since I started the WeUsed2bu Girl Advice ministry I began realizing that I could not ever allow my WeUsed2bu girls to take precedence over my own teen daughters. Sometimes I find that I am on the computer for hours counseling young girls and woman, sharing the love of Christ. One day as I was sitting there being slammed with questions my youngest daughter says, “Mom get off the computer and watch a movie with us. It’s raining outside and it’s a perfect movie day!” I began to explain to her that these girls really need me. Then I realized that my own girls are also the WeUsed2bu girls. They need me too. They need me more and they must come first! No excuses! So I finished up my last response and enjoyed movie time with the girls. I’m glad I did..Imagine the hurt and rejection that could have caused them. Perhaps that would have even caused my girls to have resentment towards the ministry thinking that the ministry is more important than them. This could have affected their own ministry in the future.

We are all called to reach out and minister the gospel, feed the poor, and visit prisoners. However our primary ministry will always be our family. If anyone does not care for his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8) Our ministry and service to our families can be a witness and testimony to others. We have to set the example out in the world, in the church and even behind close doors. We are called to be good stewards of what God has given us at all times, not just when we are in a good or ‘spiritual’ mood. We are to love and care for our family at all times. Our family ministry must come first

Happy Father's Day!

This Father’s Day I would like to honor an amazing man, my husband. He has been faithful over the years to put our family first. He is the most determined man I have ever known. He has awesome dreams and visions that could have only been put in him by our Heavenly Father. He motivates and inspires me with his words of wisdom and encouragement. Although he is far from perfect..lol; he is perfect for me and our family. I can not imagine my life without him. Our family would not be complete.

I love the way my four year old son looks at him with so much admiration. My husband still talks to him in that baby voice that drives me crazy but Isaiah doesn’t seem to mind. It’s awesome to see our fifteen month old twin baby girls’ eyes light up as they begin to point with excitement when he walks through the door after an 11-12 hour day of work. I think it’s hilarious that our eight year old and thirteen year old daughters have gotten him to faithfully watch America’s Top Model with them. He doesn’t miss a show. I wonder if he truly realizes how they treasure those times with him? He has helped me raise my oldest daughter as his own since she was three years old, comforted her when she was sick, joined the PTA at her school, and immersed himself in her soccer activities.

He never gives up on us and he never let’s me give up either. I have felt safe in his arms since the very first time he held me close. No matter what disagreements we may have, big or small, he asks forgiveness with a true repentant spirit. He always has my back and I can count on him to keep it real with me. He longs to make me happy and always gives good gifts. He is my best friend.

Over the past ten years I have watched God change him. He has given him wisdom, revelation knowledge, and favor with many. I see God working mightily in his life transforming him to the man He made him to be. I am honored to be called his wife and proud to have him as the father of my children. Our family is bonded together because of the determination of this man.

Happy Father’s Day My Love!

Love,

Your Honored Wife

King Solomon - One of My Favorite Father's

One of my favorite father’s in the bible is King Solomon. I can see him in the movie screen of my mind walking through the palace talking with his son. “My son, never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions.” (Proverbs 3:1-2) He wanted to impart wisdom to his son. He wanted his children to develop good judgment and common sense. (Proverbs 4:5) He was specific in the advice that he gave explaining the benefits of wisdom.

“The person who has Wisdom.. is loyal and benefits with a long and satisfying life."
"The person who has Wisdom.. is kind and finds favor with God and people."
"The person who has Wisdom..trusts the Lord and has a reputation for good judgment."
"The person who has Wisdom..puts God first and has success."
"The person who has Wisdom..turns his back on evil and has health & vitality."
"The person who has Wisdom..knows right from wrong and has riches, honor,pleasure, peace."
"The person who has Wisdom..Listens, learns, & does what is right and has protection ."

(See Proverbs 3 & 4)


He spoke to his son about honoring the Lord with his money (Proverbs 3:9-10), debt (Proverbs 3:27-28), meditating on the Word (Proverbs 4:20-22), warned against sex with prostitutes and encouraged faithfulness to his wife. (Proverbs 5:1-23)

Fatherhood is a great honor and privilege with great responsibility. The principles that Solomon taught his son can be applied in any lifetime. In fact ALL scripture is give of God, and is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instruction in righteousness; that the man (or woman) of God may be completely equipped for all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Fathers you can become the dad God wants you to be by meditating on the Word daily. If your earthly father did not set this example it is ok. God your Heavenly Father is the perfect role model. Let Him help you become the godly role model your children need so that they will learn to love the Lord with all their hearts and desire to do His will in their life.

May God give you a desire to search his Word and teach your children to reverence Him. In Jesus name..Amen.