Waters from His Well...

YouTube Demo for my Film Project

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:57:00 +0000

Get the book! Now available on Amazon, here: Mary Magdalene: A Historic Novel

Sneak-A-Peek of my film theme/music through this short Demo clip. The Mary Magdalene film by Sandra Cerda is in Development and Team Building! Join us! More, here: https://youtu.be/_G7pvIEo yfk

Facebook Page: @MaryMagdaleneFilm

Magdalene: For Life & Love (c) 2017 by Sandra Cerda. All Rights Reserved. Music, Mary'Cry (c) by William Camilleri. All Rights Reserved.

My Film Project in Development!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:42:00 +0000

The Novel is now available in Paperback and E-book on Amazon,

here: Mary Magdalene: A Historic Novel

My Book/Film Project, Mary Magdalene: A Historic Novel, is a biblical and historically balanced story embracing the legacy of Mary Magdalene, is nearing Pre-Production.

Be sure to Subscribe for E-newsletter Alerts and more, here: I Want E-Letter Updates!

See the video demo on Mary Magdalene YouTube Demo, here.

On Facebook @MaryMagdaleneFilm

Thank you for your Support!

KITE

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 09:37:00 +0000

Recently on a trip to the edge of my borders, boundaries and blessings, I grabbed a kite and headed for the Texas beach just a short drive away. With my little ‘Star Wars’ kite in hand, I darted for the crashing of the waves over the crashing of toxic relationships. I was going to
fly my kite on the banks of Galveston Island.

I couldn’t soar above my circumstances in the natural, but I could in prayer; I just needed a little silence, a capsule of time between me and my Way-Maker, with no one around but the wind. I could rise toward heavenly places piercing the works of the prince of the power of the air, up there.

Taking the long roll of string in hand, fumbling with the forcefully gentle Texas wind flapping the wings of my kite smack into my face, I persisted toward unraveling the lengthy cord and carefully fastened the parts.

My ‘Star Wars’ kite soared higher and higher as if to lift me from the sand between my toes. Gradually, my thoughts turned heavenward, and I made my way toward the waves. Silence was broken only by breathing-like sounds of waves crashing over my borders, as my Way Maker made His way toward me; louder and louder the sound of His nearness crashes over each troubling thought, as peace clears a resting place within me.

It’s all I needed; just a capsule of time alone with my Way Maker. In a place where His voice can be

heard, the course of any circumstance changes; even the course of your life. Poisonous, venomous piercings of toxic words that cut so deep; of actions that can never be undone, can only be done away with, One way. A soft answer turns away wrath, and one can always turn the other cheek, until you have no more to turn. Yielding at the place of surrender has always been a home-run outcome for me… why do we resist the yielding, I often wonder? Why, when God speaks in a way that we recognize and cannot deny, do we turn the cheek in ignorance as if it wasn’t Him we heard?

Let the waves of His mercy come crashing over my restless places as He seeks to search me through; let the sound of His voice thunder right through me and may He have His way, my Way Maker and my Lord. Never failing to lift and relieve, closer than a brother and nearer than my heart, a place where love, joy and peace abound this side of heaven is a real place indeed.

“Come away,” He says, and so I do; it might take a bit longer sometimes, when stubbornness has crept and slept a while throughout the chambers of my heart; a heart He knows so well, a brokenness He’ll not despise. There’s more than a remedy to be found in the Presence of that voice; more than a quick fix or crutch. He settles me.

KITE is featured in the July Issue of Sibella Publications, Sybil Magazine. Read it here, and get your FREE copy today, at Sibyl Magazine

Kite (c) 2017 by Sandra Cerda. All Rights Reserved. Contact Toll Free 1-866-939-2309 for Information or to Schedule for Ministry.

Sandra Cerda is an Author and Publisher, Founding Director of New Life Ministries, and Strategic Organizer for The Gathering of Warrior Crusades. For more on her work, visit the website at
New Life Ministries
Sandra is a contributing writer for Sibella Publications, and Manly Training Ministries.
Follow the links for more on these wonderful ministries.

A young woman is sought out by the Lord, and ministered toward her New Life in Christ, and effective ministry for the Body of Christ. Watch and listen to the sweetness of the Lord that sweeps over her! Follow on YouTube for the latest in video clips and more: Sandra Cerda on YouTube

An Evil Man

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 09:50:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of National Health Executive

Taunts and haunts are the first images; first recalls from a memory bank shrouded over with thinly laid layers of tears that have dried up in their place. The fierceness of fear gripping the heart of a child, just three. The frigid grip on that heart, as it’s ripped from its sleep, night after night. I remember the screams of my mother. I remember, at twelve, screaming,
“I will never be like you.”

One must wonder what life may have turned out like for those children, of whom I was one. It’s not like growing up without a father; it’s growing up with a drunkard you absolutely fear; a stranger I kept calling daddy. I knew as a child what I was learning from this man I would never teach to my own. I knew I would never hurt my children like this. I knew I would never touch my wife, like that. All I knew, was I would be better than him.

I learned the ugly side of a man’s nature, without God. I learned brutality, cruelty and hate, beyond the bounds of evil at the hands of this wretched abuser. I learned not to hope. I learned not to want. I learned not to cry. A hardened heart, callous to the sight and smell of blood; I knew as a child how to do what I was told regardless of the horror. Yet, something on the inside kept me knowing I could be better, as I lay aside impulses brought on by a murdering spirit… yes, that man had a murdering spirit and it wanted a place in me; the plans my young mind would imagine, in desperate hope of saving my mother and sisters. My earthly father was an evil man.

How generous is the Spirit of the Lord, my Father in heaven, and Keeper of Light in me? Somehow, through valleys of shadows of death, screams in the night and rage that promises to kill, God has brought me through. I have learned the empty heart of a fatherless child; hated, yet shielded by an unseen force; the Love of my heavenly Father. I have learned that evil never has the final word in any matter; and the rescuing love of a Father, always available, firm yet never cruel was how I would live before mine. I learned how to hear the heart of my wife, and set a boundary on my lips to not allow my words to cut her; to speak without words when we see-eye-to-eye, and when we don’t. I learned how to be a son that trusts his Father. Trust, was an issue for me.

Photo Courtesy of ABC News Dane Meale

My earthly father never told me he loved me. I have no memories of his love for me. I have no memories of his happiness for me, or for anyone. I cannot remember a time when he played with me, as a father might with the son he loves; tossing a football, flying a kite, or showing me how to keep a car maintenanced, I learned by watching other fathers with their sons. I knew as a child it was wrong; I knew I could be better.

As a young father, I came to repeat the same painful acts I had learned were the norm, as far as rigid discipline; I saw myself turning into the very man I swore I would never be. I was angry and overbearing, quick to speak and slow to hear. I wasn’t a verbal abuser, but I had my ways and they were far short from what I knew in my heart they could be. I had a heavy hand, a hardened heart and had yet to learn how to be a child of God. I was taught, “boys don’t cry”, and the very first thing that happened to me when I surrendered myself over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ was to cry, as if for the first time; the wounds had gone far deeper than I could have ever known.

When, decades later I would find myself with the unseen Love I had hoped was always there… I was brought to my knees. To hear for the very first time, the sound of a Father’s love move through my very being; to know the warmth of healing love, smooth out the rough places of who I had become, patiently; a degree of kindness I had never known before in my entire life. When as a child suppressed of expression, physically abused for doing things little boys do, such as mischief and bad report cards, I had to unlearn the bad habit that had formed within me, to suppress others. Religious conformity was the new proper, quickly becoming a weapon of choice. The Lord would not let me get too far with that, and I have long since realized it’s the power of relationship that conforms a person; that softens the most callous of hearts, the most wounded of souls. Years have passed, and the generational curse that might have continued, has died. My sons and daughters have never witnessed the horrors of abuse and domestic violence, nor is it shown to theirs. Love and the heart of love, in its most fragmented of pieces is still more than enough to undo the vicious cycle of sin and death. A new legacy has begun, and it started with me.

This article was originally Published for Manly Training Ministries "My Father's Legacy" tribute. For more on Manly Training Ministries, visit their site, here: Manly Training Ministries

Taken from the book, "She Said My Heart Was Black", by Al Cerda. Not yet Published. (c) 2017 Sandra Cerda. All Rights Reserved.

Al Cerda is an Ordained Minister through the laying on of hands, by the late John Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. Experiencing firsthand, life as a child of Murderous Domestic Violence, Blackmagic Witchcraft, Severe Child Abuse, Childhood Alcoholism, as well as over 25 years of severe Drug Addiction and more, Al seeks to reach the prodigal. Raised in the Occult, and a former 7-fold Backslider, Al Cerda has the unique gift of reaching those others cannot reach. His transparent, compassionate yet bold ministry is rewarded by a powerful anointing, that sets men free! His powerful testimony of the delivering power of God has allowed many to be freed in Christ Jesus. The boldness in his preaching has stirred many to repentance, with desire for a closer more intimate walk with the Lord. God has anointed Al Cerda in the Ministry of Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare.

For more on Al Cerda’s story or to contact for Ministry, visit www.cerdaministries.org
Contact Toll Free: 1-866-939-2309

© 2017 Sandra Cerda. All Rights Reserved

Death and The Quickened Child

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 16:13:00 +0000

Gently slipping my hands beneath her little face, I lifted it from the sweltering heat of 3rd Streets surface, that hot summer day near Houston. She had been singing and dancing for Jesus all morning that Sunday only moments earlier, and hadn’t stepped out too far when the ¾ ton Ram Van tore her from her mother’s hand. Church had just let out.

Her hair was caught in
the headlight but I still hadn’t noticed, as my eyes fell on the tire tracks left behind, reaching the length of her entire back and neck, her twisted leg snapped unusually out of place; and then I saw her eyes. They would have to reverse the nearly full ton van to get her free from its hold.

Blank. A stare back seemingly right through me as if calling out mid-sentence; as if her scream were somehow frozen in time. The shrill screams of gatherers and her parents running aghast, none knowing where to turn, spun in disbelief and horror. The piercing screams faded away, though, with each step I took drawing closer to this child, I’ll call Lily. She was three years old.

When my assistant draped her little body with his Ushers coat and turned to help calm the crowd I realized there had been no movement, no sound, no breath. I held her face softly and lowered my head toward hers, drawing my lips near her ear to whisper to the Lord, “she’s yours, Father,” and spoke to His heart.

In the distance, no ambulance screamed, no sirens filled the air, as my heart searched for the sound of life; for the sound of help on the way. Only desperate gasps, pleadings and wails of shock ascended the heavens that unforgivably-hot afternoon. Texas heat is always hotter than hot. So was the blacktopped street she lay on with her twisted summer shorts and torn up little shirt; her hand held her coloring page from class.

How long can a child hold their breath, and lie motionless after suffering this trauma? How long

could vitals not be found, after such an event? She had spent the morning loving on the Lord, singing, and dancing before Him when this happened. Where was God now?

Without warning, Lily raised her torso up from the street and gasped for air, as if she were coming up from the depths of what did not want to turn her loose. Just as quickly as her torso lifted, so did her leg swing back, snapping into place. Those who had gathered on both sides of the street screamed in one voice, their shock and relief.

Way off in the distance a faint siren could be heard, and before long the jagged vibrations of the cities Life Flight helicopter drew near.

I took Lily’s face and calmed her back down; everything happened so slowly. Within hours, she would be home with a bruised lung and scrapes. Lily was touched by mercy that day. God is good.

Sibella Circle Member & Visionary Leader, Sandra Cerda writes for Sibyl Magazine. Get your Copy of this Wonderful Magazine, here at www.sibylmagazine.com

Contact Toll Free for Scheduling and Information, to 1-866-939-2309

STRETCHED: Make Room for More

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 17 May 2017 15:55:00 +0000

Once a stretch mark, always a stretch mark! Have you been stretched? I know our flesh often is, but what of who we are in spirit? My life is marked with the stretches of my...

faith, or in other words, "my faith has stretch marks!" and I'm so glad! I've not always been alert to the times and manners by which I'm often pulled into what I once thought were adverse situations, untimely circumstances or trials; now, I see the pattern.

Pioneering is never without a hint of peaked adrenaline shrouding the trembled vibrations of what flesh fights to fear. With no trace of visible success from earlier successors, answering an invitation to tread the horizon of faith, where dreams dwell, is a stretch all by itself. These paths are never lined with cheers of supporters; not everyone who is with you is for you. Despite the narrow road before you, there is not much left that can be used against you, as you make your way forward toward the outpouring of the Lord. If you're going to be filled and bursting at the seams with a thing, may it be with all that God has for you, and not what many would overload you with.

Making room in your life for more of the things that lead to life and flourishing, such as peace, joy, and love require some spiritual ‘housecleaning' and maintenance for success. There is always room for improvement most especially where it matters, in the hidden heart of man; in the place of who we are when wrapped up in the heart of prayer and personal needs before God. It is a place of intimate soul-searching; a threshold one passes through when you've emptied yourself of your self's list of wants, we vainly refer to as "prayer time.” The God of heaven is so very patient with us all. Knowing the truest of blessings can only be found beyond the veil of our self-centered petitions, although they are often "very-real-needs/wants," they are only the traces of our nature and still weighted with carnality. It's good to get them out and before the Lord in your prayer time, but don't stop there.

Empty your heart before God in prayer until nothing else pours out, but don't stop there. That emptiness must and will be filled with something; ask God to fill you. At that very moment, if you will simply ask, it will begin something so very beautiful in your life; to the overflow, if you desire. Simply for the self-surrender of your heart before God, and honest request for an infilling; for an outpouring that will spill over into the lives of people you care so deeply for.

Often, many will stray in their thoughts first, then in their heart of hearts mistakenly believe that "it won't work." I say, "What if it does?" I know it will, by experience! Make room in your heart for more of God. A little stretching never hurt anyone!

Sandra Cerda

For More on my work, click here

Sandra Cerda is an author and publisher, minister and public speaker. Sibella Circle Member & Visionary Leader, Sandra Cerda writes for Sibyl Magazine. Get your FREE Copy of this wonderful magazine, here: Sibyl Magazine

DIGGING DEEP: The Fallow Ground

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 09:08:00 +0000

Sandra Cerda is a Contributing Writer for Sibella Magazine. For more on Sibella Publications, visit their website at: Sibella Publications

Trusting Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:51:00 +0000

Sandra Cerda is a Contributing Writing for Sibella Magazine. For more on Sibella Publications, visit their website at: Sibella Publications

www.cerdaministries.org Contact, Toll Free: 1-866-939-2309

Watch God Move!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:21:00 +0000

Shake off the dust, of complacency and excuse... it's Time to Rise! It's time to Fight. Take your position and Stand, and see the Delivering power of the Name of the Lord.

Sandra Cerda, Taking it by Force.

"And from the days of John the Baptist
until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers
violence, and the violent take it by force."
Matthew 11:12

www.cerdaministries.org

(c) 2016 Sandra Cerda for Sandra Cerda Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

STOLEN ME!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 10:54:00 +0000

I held her as tight as I could, shielding her from the 2x4 that was about to slam into my face... I was three months pregnant; she was five months old.

Read about my fight to survive with my babies, here: Fighting to Stay Alive!

My Interview with Jacob Airey!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 10:49:00 +0000

Please take a minute to read this JUICY interview! You'll discover
some hidden things, and some more personal things about me and my personal journey.

Click Here to Read my Interview!

I highly recommend Jacob to you! He's is a GREAT Connection to
have on any Social Media platform.

My 2017 Acceptance to Sibyl Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 10:45:00 +0000

Here is the article I submitted to Sibyl Magazine, gaining my acceptance to their prestigious board of contributing authors; I have been chosen to be one of sixty women authors
from around the world, for the 2017 Publication season! Here is my submission: My 2017 Acceptance Article

If you only knew what I've been through!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:11:00 +0000

I was born last Friday... today is Monday. I was not supposed to be able to be here. My mommy began to get very sick several years ago, while she was pregnant with my brother, just before me. He

turned 6 years old, just two weeks ago! She has been through so much, and it's been a long time... but she NEVER STOPPED WAITING FOR ME! FOR ME!

She has had to take so much medicine to help control her seizures, and she had a few when I was in her tummy. She is so very brave, and so very strong. She loves all her three boys, and her very strong husband: MY DADDY! ... and as for those boys... you already know!

I'm so glad to finally be here! I'm 3 days old today... I had to stay by myself overnight at the hospital, alone, because of my "levels"... what is that? And WHERE DID THEY PUT MY MOMMY! Boy that was THE LONGEST NIGHT OF MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!

Well I'm home tonight... I know because of prayer! I got home late this afternoon, and I'm FINALLY BACK WITH MY MOMMY, and she showed me this bed I heard her call a Crib, but guess what: Ain't happening! I'll just smile at her again and again, and soon we'll be cuddled up, and warm!

Life is good!

Caliana Rose
Born: 9/11/15

Meet our newest addition! Little Miss Caliana Rose!
Our grand-daughter!

Please Share!

NOT IN MY WORLD!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:22:00 +0000

She was offered $25,000 for her unborn child; she is 12 weeks pregnant. 23 year old single mother of two, found herself thinking seriously about this option.
Now, she had another option, other than abortion or having yet
a third child, from yet a third man. Another abusive relationship? Yes. Another man spinning lies, to get what he wants? Yes. Such is life, it seems; for some.

Probably just as gross, was knowing the offer came from the woman who would be grandmother to this unborn child. Let's talk about this child, for a moment... we'll get back to that grandmother in a minute.

Already facing rejection. Already a potential commodity... even as aborted. In this society, there has been a developed, unhealthy, scientific interest called "greed, a.k.a. "the love of money", surrounding unborn children; There is $$$ to be made, through the sale of fetal tissue. As horrible, and unimaginable as it is; there is no limit to what modern day 'mad-science' is willing to do. Nothing seems to be off limits. Reasons given, matter not. As Fox News, and other major news feeds continue to reveal, many of these transactions are not with tissue from unborn fetus' at all, but appear now to be possibly ALIVE when removed... as published just today. Born alive?

There is $$$ to be made, through the sale of fetal tissue. As horrible, and unimaginable as it is there is no limit to what modern day'mad-science' is willing to do.
Nothing seems to be off limits.
Reasons given, matter not.

Although her reasons were different than the goal of a "50 liver week", quoted by CEO Cate Dyer of StemExpress,
a recent business partner with Planned Parenthood, this'grand-mother' has offered quite a bit of "ching-ching" of her own to purchase this unborn baby.

Ultimately, stripping this baby from the natural family he/she would otherwise be born into; two siblings, and a large family of slightly-imperfect people, who work very hard and don't have $25,000 spending money, lying around for the next big "buy".

You shouldn't be able to buy a baby, like you buy a nice wall hanging, or pair of shoes.

How selfish. Instead of being a source of encouragement to this young, single mother. Instead of attempting to assist by all means possible, one woman takes complete, selfish advantage over another woman's distress. I'm tempted to list all the should-have's, could-have's, and would-have's for how this young, single mother might have been more careful, could have been more self-disciplined in the area of her sexual encounters, and so on...

The whole situation can be categorized as selfish, and self-serving. Why do less and less people stop to consider their ways? Where is any consideration for how all of this affects the children involved? Where is fore-thought or empathy?

Why does it appear that the level of emotional disconnect, with regards to parent-child relationships, increases and thickens? More and more grandparents are filling the post of direct parenting, for a serious lack of development and maturity, in the lives of young-parent adults. Young-parent adults cannot make the emotional connection that is absolutely vital to the healthy and progressive development of infants, toddlers and school-aged children, as the situation demands. Underdeveloped young people, are finding themselves in very responsible situations of having to be part of developing another person; a baby! Someone's life!

"My heart is broken. I have no words. What burns in my heart, and the reasons for it, literally consume me. Hours turn into days, and days into weeks as this is the story of someone very close to me. This is my daughter; and my unborn grandchild."

In my world, LIFE IS ALWAYS GOOD! In my world, we accept these circumstances as often difficult at first, because as a parent, as a mother and grandmother you never stop hoping that your child will reach some goals, even and especially through the detours that are lined along the road. We never stopholding-out for our child, and we make constant adjustments that are ultimately for the greater good.

In my world, you don't offer to buy your grandchild, pay everything along the way, where once the baby is born, a mother can simply hand them over, and walk away... really?

NOT IN MY WORLD!

In my world, that is gross and erroneous; the fruit of a twisted spirit. In my world, it is a form of rejection to the mother: "we want your baby, but not you, in our family"...

In my world, God is greater and will ultimately direct the steps of this daughter, because in my world, God is well-able to impart more than enough in wisdom, in how to manage unexpected blessings! If the truth, truly be told, this baby is no more than an unplanned, unexpected blessing... Life is Always Good! Life is what you make of it... and we need more good in our everyday lives.

Challenging. Yes.
Difficult. Painful. Yes.
Frustrating and Disheartening, Yes.
Rewarding? Yes and Amen!

In telling the story of Eve Ramirez, I can only hope with her, in an All-Loving, All-Caring God Who is well-able to reach our loved ones, and to turn-around, what the adversary, the devil means for evil. Evil?

Is it not an evil thing when these things are done, and callously without regard for anyone else, other than 'self' at the center? Is there not a strange evil that continues to target unborn children; continues to lessen it's urgency to protect the innocent, and make light of their innocence?

This young mom is keeping her baby! This young mom prayed in the middle of her distress. I knew I needed to share the stories of these two women; and am so glad I did. I know about the pain and shame of abortion, and have heard and read how most women never truly heal from it. That's not completely true. There is healing and a good life, even after those things have happened. A life of true inner healing, and wholeness are not far from the woman who turns to the Lord for that specific pain or illness. Life is always good, though. You cannot turn back the hands of time, but we can surely learn from the choices and mistakes that we have all made, as well as from unexpected blessings like this.

More and more grandparents are stepping up to the plate, assuming the great demands that raising grand-children can bring.

Eve Ramirez, is just one grand-mother who is praying hard to cover her children, and her children's children with fervent prayer, in this evil day. Prayers from a heart of love, and concern. Concern for the fact that more and more young women are finding themselves less and less able, less and less interested inraising their own children. Emotional disconnection is on the rise. More and more grandparents are stepping up to the plate, assuming the great demands that raising grand-children can bring; in raising the foundations of many generations.

In my world... I Am Eve!

For this and My Other Titles, click here:

Connect with me, here:

S.O.S. Youth Crusade

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 20:54:00 +0000

Save Our Streets, Save Our Students, Save Our Schools. This is the thrust and passion of what promises to be a pivotal, turning point for community young people in Rosenberg and Richmond, Tx.

Organizers are anticipating great results as

Community business owners and private residents rally their support for this timely Outreach. With an onslaught of addictions to synthetic and other drugs, sex crimes and violence surging, we can delay no longer, in achieving success.

We hear the call. We are answering that call, now. Join us and show your much needed support, financially as well as through your volunteering or gifts in kind. This is a FREE Concert Event, with free haircuts, free chili-cheese dogs and refreshments, and so much more. A tremendous opportunity to witness the tide of the battle, with at-risk youth, turn.

Here is a Safe and Secure PayPal link. S.O.S. Youth Crusade

Thank you in advance for your generosity. We look forward to a REPEAT Event in Spring 2016.

For more information or to Sponsor, contact us at 832-692-0608

Fullers' Field!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 29 May 2015 16:32:00 +0000

Natural, Handmade Soaps & More

Allow me to introduce our new line of natural, hand poured and crafted, soaps. Follow this link, for a peek at our selection, and be sure to Bookmark Us. We'll be posting new products, fragrances and specials weekly. Enjoy! ~ sandra

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 22:38:00 +0000

9 Keys to Effective Spiritual Warfare

Twenty years have passed, and a whole lot of accumulated hit-and-miss prayers have been sent through the heavenlies, only to continue their flight through endless horizons of deep space. Carnal prayers of

panic, desperation, doubt and well-wishing never really find their way to the throne room of God, I’m afraid. Finally though, I've settled in my mind and heart, that those who have gone before me, pioneering paths of prayers to God and achieving great results, must have a special connection to Him! They must KNOW something, or HAVE something that I don’t; Keys, perhaps? And they know how to use them!

Here is a short list, I've comprised in hope of helping out those who find themselves praying, and achieving little or nothing, as a result. Outside of ‘waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing’, there is little else one can do. Use this short list to help evaluate whether or not you are in the ‘waiting on God’ season, or just stuck.

1. Know the Power of your God, and Father and His willingness to come through for you, and those you pray for. Peace to endure the battle, and ward off battle fatigue will follow.

2. Know the Season in which you are standing, currently. Strategy will come. Strategic insight will come, that can be included in your prayer. Confidence creates a heart of gratitude; a shift in the force of your prayer to God, unleashing the power of a merciful Father.

3. Look for the Timing of God, as you pray; He often quickens you, to know ‘duration’. You will need patience, endurance, strength, and the knowledge of long-suffering, in your stand. Experience provides that. Pull from the resource of your experience with the God and Father of perfect timing. The on-time God. You will need to know times and seasons, and how the Lord takes people through them, often with only your Intercessory Prayers preserving and sustaining them.

4. Recognize the enemy of “Routine”, and “Limitation”, and distance yourself from it. Nothing will douse out the fire of God faster than routine, or doubt. Doubt puts limits on God, and is a step away from fear. Faith filled prayers, are not prayers that conform or settle for the easy way out. Faith filled prayers are out of the ordinary, and will stretch you beyond the limits you have become comfortably familiar with.

5. Identify Distractors: Increase deliberate self-discipline, in maintaining momentum, consistency, and achieving prayerful outcomes that usher in healing, comfort, liberty, and life transforming salvation. Distractions are an enemy in spiritual warfare. Eliminating them causes the effectiveness needed in spiritual warfare. It offers the spiritual fine-tuning needed to hear and align yourself in prayer, with the Lord and His will, concerning the issues we face in prayer.

6. Identify Points of Entry: Close, Remove and Eliminate means of access to the enemy, by both word (prayer), and deed (action). We do our part, as the Lord leads and He will do His part (what we cannot do), all the while maintaining prayer. How is the devil getting through to your loved one? Through anger, sickness, recklessness? A deaf and dumb spirit? In prayer, shut those doors. In prayer, shield and protect your loved ones with a thick hedge of God’s Word. In action, let those loved ones know you are praying and not going to stop. Nothing will go right for anyone not aligned with the will of God for their lives, when Effective Spiritual Warfare is at work. People are out of timing, out of step, out of alignment with the Lord and have STOPPED living for Him; key point of entry.

7. Fully Utilize the Word of God, in your prayer and petition. Skim off excess verbiage, and unnecessary wordage in prayer. Fine Tune your prayer by adopting the use of praying the Word of God. Choosing to pray the Word of God stored up in your spirit man, over the use of words that fill your mind and have been memorized, is all powerful.

8. Eliminate Vain Repetition. Pray the “sticking points”, and make clear your definite, specific request; your need. Praying the specific Scriptures that pertain directly to your situation of need, will eliminate vain repetition in prayer. Vain Repetition is a form of godliness, producing no power.

9. Know the Will of God, for the situation. This comes from spending time: quality, undiluted, uninterrupted, precious time in an atmosphere that promotes stillness before the Lord, confidence and fervency.

10. Did I say nine? Walk in the Spirit, and you won’t give flesh, or carnality, a place in your prayers. Promptings from God are not the same as impulses from the flesh/emotion of man. There is a very distinct difference that can only be detected in the spirit, by your relationship with the Lord.

Of course, this is only a short list of key’s that will help keep you on the victorious side of Effective Spiritual Warfare. Reminding ourselves that others, as well as our own specific needs are worth fighting for in vigorous, fervent even violent prayer before the Lord, helps promote motivation.

Motivation strengthens us three-fold: Spirit, Soul and Body. By this we go from the simplicity and more laxed position of a prayer partner, into the rewarding prayer-filled life of an Intercessor skillful in Effective Spiritual Warfare. Intercessors prayer you all the way through to victory no matter how long it takes.

Taken from the book, SPIRITUAL WARFARE: The Fight, The Freedom, The Fire ©2015 Sandra Cerda Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. No part of this literature may be reproduced in any part or form, without the express written permission of the copyright owner, or reference in writing to the copyright owner.

For more information, Bookmark our website, at: www.cerdaministries.org

For Information on the 2015 PROPHETIC CONFERENCE: Spiritual Warfare, visit us, here.

For Registration Details, visit us here. There is No Cost to Attend.

EPIC Women's Conference Report!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:28:00 +0000

The stones. Little did I know what a transference of energy, I call anointing, literally could be felt, along with it's effects visible, hours later.
All I was doing was unpacking my
bags, around midnight Saturday night, from the EPIC Women's Conference in Houston. As I sorted through cell phone charges, camcorder chargers, laptop charges, and a makeup bag, I came across the two stones I received, as part of the Conference Ceremonies.

I took the two stones and took them from my purse when suddenly, I began to weep; what began at the touch and moved through my fingers past my wrist and near to the elbow I can only describe as very warm, thick-like texture as if I had plunged them into very warm, very thick petroleum jelly, like Vaseline. Suddenly, I was back in the room. Surrounded by worshiper's, loving on God.

To say that the Lord met us there, is an understatement... the Lord brought us into an entirely new dimension of understanding; of yielding and acceptance of the Cross... and of ourselves.

For me, the stones were a symbol, a mark of the end of the enemies invading our territory... according to First Samuel 7:12-14. Oh, yes! We take the Word of God quite literally! We believe God means what He says, literally as well as in parables, and every other way... but,

The power of God came upon us, and overtook us! Swept over us so gently and compassionately... Jesus was in that room with us.

Words of knowledge, words of wisdom and prophetic utterances filled the entire Conference, and we as the people of God absorbed every bit of it. The Lord was watering our soul; we were one heart, one voice, one mind and intention, one purpose and devotion... we were one soul crying out to our Father.

Our cry was for mercy. Our cry was for forgiveness, for help and understanding. Our cry was for our children, our families, health and marriages; for so much. And He heard us all.

Every single one of us.

One woman after another, poured out before Her Father... reaching for sisters who thirst for the Lord. One woman after another, shared their wounds... and their Healing!

Mildred Cox-Anderson
Watch Video Here!

The words that came forth that day, were pivotal. They were transforming. They were timely, and accurate; cutting. As if spiritual surgery were taking place. For me, it did and I am glad. The women who gathered, I've recently begun to know, but am so very appreciative to. One day, I will share with them just how the Lord has been using them, to usher healing, strength, confidence and more to my life. And now, they even pray for me! Amazing are the ways of our God!

Please take a minute to watch and pray, as you hear the power in the ministry that came forth that day!

We will NEVER be the same again!

We were able to capture some INCREDIBLE clips of video, posted on our

Youtube Channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/user/AlandSandraCerda

The jagged stone, full of the debris of life, covered and marred, cracked and creviced...

is plunged and buried beneath the flood of that crimson Blood.

All by the Power of the Cross.
All by the Shed Blood of the Lamb.

Not of goats, and bulls...

But THE BLOOD that speaks Life!

Have you been to the foot of the cross, today?

There's a Move of God, waiting for you there.

Website: http://www.cerdaministries.org/

Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Sandra's books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

At the End of Your Rope?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:59:00 +0000

Are you at the end of your rope? Most people are, given the variety and consistency of challenges faced with, daily. Demands and expectations are made of us, from the moment our feet hit the floor, and until the last bat of the...

eyelash for the day, they continue without pause.

Exhausted from a day in the vineyards of others, leaves very little strength or joy for your own vineyard, home, life or family. God’s Word warns against it. In fact, the Bible has much to say about exhaustion and fatigue, and it's dangerous snare.

If you’re at the end of your rope, jump on over to God’s. There’s more than enough, to get you through.

Here are 5 key strategies I find most helpful

and you can use, immediately.

When finding yourself to the point of you're last nerve:

(1) Find a stopping point,
and take a break.

Walk away and regroup, reorganize your thoughts and your focus. Head to the kitchen and cool off with an iced glass of refreshing tea or something, and take a deep breath!

While doing that, reflect on the finished work of the goal you're working on; remind yourself of your purpose, and perhaps motive, behind that project. This will serve as encouragement, motivation and fresh perspective. Have you included the Lord, in that reflection? There is all the difference in the world, when you do.

(2) Incorporate a Hot-Flash of your own. Find a way to do a quick 20-40 rep somewhere on your body. I’ll hit the floor and do some leg lifts, stretching, or pump a little 10 pounder over my head, for a fix. Get the blood and oxygen to your brain, and through your body! Keep it up, by adding reps, and increasing your counts to 40-50, and so on, throughout your day and before you know it you have included a full day's of exercise in spurts! Power Spurts!

(3) Grab a healthy snack. Something, somewhat filling, not TOO sugary J, and has protein in it, if possible. I like to switch it up, for example, with some lite-end favorites such as tuna with crackers, cucumber with tomato, breakfast smoothie, peanut butter and raspberry jam, malt-o-meal! Moderation; remember, it’s a SNACK! Check out some of my favorites, here.

(4) Get your mind, now, on point. Find that Bible you pull out every now and then, blow off the dust and open ‘er up!, or go to Google, and type in the words, "Scriptures for ___", and enter a Keyword. It's FULL of prescriptions for your situation!

Here are a few Keywords I've typed in before.Discouragement? (I Samuel 30:1-8), Frustration? (Deut. 15:10), Need Direction? (Proverbs 3:6), Trouble with a Loved One? (Genesis 16:1-6), and so on.

EVERY NEW DAY IS ANOTHER CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

And finally, just (5) Shut off the work; push away from it and put some space between you and it! If you have little ones, sit on the floor and let them tackle you down, wrestle you down and help you burn off some energy. Point number 5 has to do with getting back to the little things that matter. Those things that are actually lasting and meaningful.

Tomorrow is another day!

What practices have you incorporated to implement refreshing and a spark of energy, in the middle or end of your day?

I would love to hear from you! What are your most helpful tips? Let us hear them so we can work to incorporate them into our daily routines, and mix it up!

5 key strategies ~ 5 simple steps

and you'll be well on your way to pockets of refreshing and strength, when at the end of your rope.
My former pastor, the late John Osteen often quoted, "when you're at the end of your rope, jump on over to God's." I think that's some good advice!

Sandra and her husband Al, pastor New Life Ministries in Rosenberg, TX. They reside near Houston, in Richmond and are the parents of eight and grandparents of 18.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to:

Website: http://www.cerdaministries.org/

Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

Depression's Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 15:54:00 +0000

Very recently, while speaking at the Women's Life Summer Conference, in Corpus Christi, Texas I touched on the subject of severe depression, stating "depression is a vicious, violent spirit whose sole purpose is to kill you or get you to kill yourself."

I woke up this morning to learn the greatest comedian of my generation has just committed suicide after battling severe depression; Robin Williams.

My heart and the heart of multitudes are struck with...
heartache, and one cannot help but to tear up when you hear more of the whole of his pain.

Yes, depression is painful. Your LIFE hurts. No one sees the pain of the soul; the brokenness of the spirit. It's not something you want people to know you fight and push through, every single day. It's not something that can be quickly "shaken off"; it is devastatingly exhausting, draining and fatiguing this constant war within.

Painful also, are the looks, sounds and positions some people have toward the subject of depression that spring from a lack of knowledge, lack of understanding; lack of patience with people who suffer this dis-ease. It is a disease. Just like any other disease, you cannot simply "shake it off" or "snap out of it."

It is a disease with a voice. A disease that gives weight and substance to thoughts and images of regret, shortcomings, faults and failures. Weight and substance only you can feel, as it makes itself to ride you like a horse...

There is nothing imagined about this disease called depression. It's not in your head. It's in your soul. Your mind, your will and your emotions are completely under assault by this thing that fights to make a home in you.

And no one knows it, but you.

My heart hurts for this man and for his family; and for those who suffer silently, as he did.

My heart hopes that those who are finding themselves pressed down from every side, and crushed under the weight of this sickness will not give up; will not give in. Keep breathing. Keep moving through the moments that seem to seize you, in the middle of your day... a step at a time; a day at a time.

That's what people need, who suffer this pain. Time.

Time to regain strength from the battle within... sometimes those bouts can take 48 to 72 hours to try and regain the energy that is drained from you, battling depression. Give yourself that time. Help the people around you know, that it's all you need. Time to regroup your sense of value and worth; to remember how those around you need you. Time to minister to yourself, the truth of God's Word concerning the situations that the enemy is magnifying against you.

The voice of depression is a lying voice, and as silent as it is, it is LOUD! The only way to overcome depression is by tuning in to the still, small voice of the Lord. The voice of God found in worshipful music, as Saul the king was able to hear when David the shepherd boy worshiped the Lord (1 Sam. 16:23)

The voice of God, found by reading His Word, especially the Psalms during your moments and bouts of unrest and unsettling. Remembering God's Word when you cannot read it... rolling the scriptures of His promises through your thoughts, mind and heart; through your spirit, soul and body. The voice of God, in this, will cover you; fight for you and bring you through.

Whether it is you, or someone you love there is nothing to be ashamed of concerning depression. The more I open up about the series of hardships that dropped me to my knees several years ago, how it nearly killed me for over 3 years of severe breakdowns AND HOW THE LORD HAS RAISED ME UP AND BROUGHT ME THROUGH, the easier it is for people around me to open up about their pain with depression. It's everywhere, and is affecting nearly everyone I come in contact with.

So you are not alone, if this is you and you are reading this. I struggled to decide to write about this subject, but it affects me and too many people I love, to stay silent or allow embarrassment to silence my voice.

I no longer suffer depression... depression suffers me... God in me! The activated Word of God in me, stops depression in its' tracks every single time.

There is a time to heal, and it's all you need. Give yourself that time, alone with God and the fewest, closest people in your life who will cover you, and allow you time to heal. Time to get strong again. Time to love life, again.

There is healing from depression, no matter how severe, and that healing is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray when you let go of everything, it is to take hold of Him.

Sandra and her husband Al, pastor New Life Ministries in Rosenberg, TX. They reside near Houston, in Richmond and are the parents of eight and grandparents of 18.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to:

Website: http://www.cerdaministries.org/

Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

Are You a Writer @Heart?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 17:26:00 +0000

I can help you get to the next level in your writing and...
achieve
Your Publishing Goals.

Step One: (1) click the safe link below, and secure a safe,
Free Online Account.

Step Two:(2) Follow the Instructions; you're 3 clicks away!
... and I will walk you through the rest!
All of my Titles (below), are products of New Life Publishing. ~ sandra cerda

You are not supporting a personal company of any kind by participating. I have learned so much concerning the subject of getting your story, your message in print, that I know I can be a blessing to someone. Perhaps that someone is you.
The hardest thing you'll have to do, is
TYPE!

Personal Testimony

Scriptural Journey
on Dream Interpretation

Devotional Journal

1st Time Author
Jacob Airey

What are you really waiting for? Let me help you chart the way.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to Website: http://www.cerdaministries.org/New Life Ministries Contact: 1-866-939-2309

Sandra is a contributing writer for Sibella Publications and Manly Training Ministries. For more information on these wonderful ministries, please visit the sites.

Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

Women's Life Summer Conference Report!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 13:57:00 +0000

I HAVE BEEN IN THE CLOUD of His Glory; of His Presence, and will NEVER be the same again! I believe with all my heart this
is the song of our hearts, after such a beautiful experience, surrounded by the liberating power of the love of Christ.

Filling the room, and welcoming us all was the sweetest glow of God's compassion. It's as if He's been waiting there for us, all along. From around the world, other states and from across Texas, we came. He was drawing US! So many women fought a long, hard, GOOD-FIGHT, but by the Help and Will of the Father, they EACH PERSEVERED!

I saw women found, freed, filled and flying in the Holy Ghost! I saw the chains on women, falling to their feet as they moved toward the Lord, with nothing but their love for Him; their confidence in Him. Passion. Desire for a Holy God.

If there is one word to describe the house of worship, it would be Excellent. An excellent spirit abides within the walls of this house. What an anointing of God's goodness, grace and glory. What an anointing of His compassion for the hurt and the lost, the sighing, crying and dying. My heart is full!

Seeing that there were men of God who lovingly served the Lord, at this Women's Conference, was especially fulfilling to me as a pastor. The unity of the body of Christ, the respect for each other was over the top! Praise the Lord for men and women of God who can come together for specific ministry that specializes in the needs women share, and see the order, fulfillment and sheer joy. I saw couples working together, void of pretenses; void of strife.

Strong in the Lord, and the power of His might; these people pulled on the anointing of God, and persevered to great victory. What a reward we all experienced, watching the Lord touch every single one of us!

I am forever changed! Thank you Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship, and pastors Don and Marva Leavell for genuine love. The love of Christ. The Spirit of Excellence! A harvest of souls, and women who are filled and can now fill, even more, those whom He sends us; those whom He entrusts to us.

As I sat shoulder to shoulder with some of the mightiest women of God in our time, preparing to serve the Lord's women, I was overcome with awe at the ways of God. How He does what He does, and the timing in which He does it. To have been part of such a sweet, empowering experience and to have the Lord openly demonstrate His goodness through me, has catapulted me to new heights in the Lord. It is for the full Honor and Glory of His Name, that we learn stillness in suffering.

That we fear not going into the cave, or coming out of it.

He leads us into wilderness experiences, and tenderly speaks to us; in that place. Then sows us to Himself. We have to die, like that seed when sown... the seed does not die until it is sown... you'll know you've been sown when everything about your world, dies. Everything.

"...I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart. v. 23 "And I will sow her for Myself anew in the land..." Hosea 2:14, 23

I've been sown, Hallelujah!

I love the suddenlies of God, and this event was FULL of them. I am forever changed!

Rosenberg/Richmond ladies,
New Life Ministries!

Here is a link, if you'd like to order the Conference CD's/DVD's: https://cccfellowship.com/store/product-category/womens-conference/

Sandra and her husband Al, pastor New Life Ministries in Rosenberg, TX. They reside near Houston, in Richmond and are the parents of eight and grandparents of 18.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to:
Website: http://www.cerdaministries.org/
Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

Between the Pawn Shop & the Palace!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:40:00 +0000

Between the pawn shop and the palace, there's a place called home. Home church, that is; it's the place God has chosen for us, and suddenly! I love the suddenlies of God!

God has a sense of humor, if you observe the way we've come about this blessing, we call home.

Without warning we faced a sudden need for relocation of our church. With several years still on our lease, and current on all payments, new property owners came in and made demands we were forced to yield to. In order to preserve the best interests of the church, the hunt for transitional housing began.

For us as leaders of transitional ministry our approach included concerns for those in our church family who were new to the level of discipline, organization and commitment that these changes would require. Our church was birthed under the freeway of Hwy. 59 in Houston, at the intersection of Congress St. where the George R. Brown Convention Center now stands, in the early 90's. Every weekend we ministered with our children alongside us to the homeless, the prostitutes and the train jumpers or hobo's for nearly three years; and we went alone. It formed a level of discipline, organization and commitment that remains to this day, as well as complete dependence on the Lord.

We didn't pull people out of their churches to come help us build our ministry. We didn't even know people actually did that! When the late John Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston learned that we had been actively involved in Evangelical ministry for years while under his ministry, and were not announcing it abroad or pulling members of his congregation to our own interests, but instead were simply out there doing the works of an evangelist, he ordained us. He saw that none of our Friday and Saturday ministry demands took away from our ministry commitment and responsibility for Sunday or Wednesday service or attendance. We were passing the test of discipline, organization and commitment required for true ministry.

Several of our church members were about to be put through a similar test. This was fertile ground for seeds of faith, with the enemy at every turn. Others would crowd around our church family members attempting to lure them to their own churches, with their pastors knowledge and blessing. I don't think I will ever understand it. Would the Lord break down one church, to build up another? Silly people.

God's people have faithfully remained in one accord though, throughout those days of abusive proselytizing attempts. Our church family has passed the test and the Lord is providing us a place to land and call home, while we continue our search for a place to purchase. If the Lord returns first, of course those plans will forever change. I'm sure we'll transition well.

Electrical power goes on tomorrow, and God's people have a place to worship freely, again. There is room at His table in our city, for us! There is need for this type of ministry in our city, and God has anchored us. If the highway running through our city were the Lord's banqueting table, we've just taken a seat on the other side. Our new location is on the opposite side of the same highway, in the very epicenter of these twin cities. God is up to something!

When I say that God has a sense of humor, I find the location to be just that. You see our new home is situated right between the EZ-Pawn pawnshop and Palais Royal (get it?)... Palais Royal ~ Royal Palace... I couldn't resist!

We've survived another land grab, since our move from our last church location, post Hurricanes Katrina/Rita. That land grab incident was completely unprovoked, as is the case with many pastors today.

Just like Isaac in Genesis 26: 15-22, determined to build another altar, dig another well in a land of evil and perverse loyalties, motives and intentions, so do we. With envious thieves taking well, after well, after well we have come now to land in a broad place; it is our Rehoboth, as Isaac named his well after many had been taken by the enemies of the Lord. It reminds me of His promise to His servant David in Psalm 18:19, "The Lord brought me forth also into a broad place, He rescued me, because He delighted in me."

You keep walking by faith, right through your dry place. Don't stay stalled in your dry place, but press through to your Rehoboth, to your broad place, your landing place where there's more than enough room for you. Your promised land of God's blessing. Walk right past the seething wolves that line each side of your path; God is with YOU, and you cannot fail.

It is for the glory of His Name, that we pass through difficult challenges to our faith. Many are stuck and watching to see how God brings you through; and bring you through every time, He does. God's faithfulness to His Word, to His Name are without wavering side effects, and He's chosen you to demonstrate Himself through, express Himself through to a stuck generation.

Some watch to see you fall and fail, while others watch to see you demonstrate the power of God, by your faith in action. Some watch and whisper, others watch and pray, but one thing is for sure; the world is watching.

God is raising up right before our eyes, people who are not ashamed to openly, publicly BE the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everywhere pastors are faced with sudden decisions, and re-directions that will impact their lives, and the lives of many under their spiritual care and covering, daily.

Al and Sandra Cerda host gatherings in a city park
during their journey through transitional ministry.

The entire "face" of the church is changing, as modern day Acts churches take to transitional, church-without-walls formation. It's a sudden shift that produces a sudden sift reminding me of the story of the army of Gideon.

In Judges book, chapter 7 tells a story of God's people being sifted and separated, according to their faith, for the battle strategy of the Lord. Ultimately every challenge, every battle leads us to triumph and bring great glory to His Name.

The church in ACTion, the church demonstrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit, are increasing in number and in effectiveness, touching the lives of people outside the walls of the church and bringing them in.

What the devil uses to try and take you out, will be used instead to bring the Lord great glory and a harvest of souls for Kingdom life. Especially if you, your church and/or your pastors are praying for the Lord to have His way in you, your life, your church.

If you find your church, your pastors, facing the difficult challenge of sudden relocation, take heart! The steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord, and He knows what He's doing. The Lord remains in control. Be a source of strength and not a source of stumbling. Be a member of the church that gathers, and does not scatter God's people. Be an encourager and not a fault-finder, a participant in the plan of God and not the dead weight of dead works. Regardless of any and all differences, pass the test!

You cannot stop a move of God. That is the promise of the Father. His Word states,

Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine, or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God! Acts 5:38-39

Join us during any Church Service at our new location. You are personally invited to come worship the Lord with us, or in your local church. God's Word prevails and He is in control.

Sandra and her husband Al, pastor New Life Ministries in Rosenberg, TX. They reside near Houston, in Richmond and are the parents of eight and grandparents of 18.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to:
http://www.cerdaministries.org/
Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda

Dodie's Ring On My Finger!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:05:00 +0000

It had been the end of one of the greatest, early battles of my faith as a new Christian. There I stood next to Al at Lakewood Church, on a Wednesday evening service and Norvel Hayes was set to preach. No one knew Al was home; it was a regular mid-week service and

the time for prayer had just begun. As people began to make their way to the altar in response to an invitation for prayer, I leaned over to Al and whispered, "we have to go", and took him by the hand and led him toward the aisle.

He had just been released from prison, after serving 4 months and 18 days on a ten year sentence for a revoked probation; we had just received the miracle of his very early, unexpected release. He needed prayer. I needed prayer after standing, along with six of our eight children, during that time. We needed prayer as a family! His sentence had come after only three weeks from the day we had given our hearts and lives over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We had all just received salvation as a family, when this happened! Al had just returned to the Lord from years of being a backslid Christian, several times over. We were ready for a new life!

I walked in front of him toward the altar, when suddenly it was as if there were no floor beneath me.

We made our way toward the prayerline, as people began to realize it was him; you could feel faith rising. These were people who had witnessed our coming to the Lord. We seemed to stand out in the church, as the family with a lot of children! They witnessed our children and myself during this trying journey, so soon in our walk with the Lord. My children and I attended church every time the doors were opened, in spite of our trouble. We stood in every prayer line and not always for ourselves, as a sign of our faith in action, in spite of our own needs. We needed a miracle from God!

We got to the altar, when the heads of security began to welcome him, and ushered us to the very center in front of the pulpit. Dodie rejoiced upon seeing me standing there with him, and turned to let pastor Osteen know he was home... the whole church had been standing with us, for his release!

Suddenly and without warning, as pastor Osteen went to greet him and Dodie came to embrace me, I felt a gentle thrust behind me from the Holy Spirit and blurted out to her, "we've been living together in sin for three years, and we want to be right with God". What a shock, since everyone thought we were ALREADY married!

She praised God, much to my surprise after just confessing our adulterous living arrangements, but quickly turned to pastor Osteen and told him, who quickly quieted the orchestra and got the attention of the church. There were over 3,000 people present, anticipating the ministry of Norvel Hayes.

After a few questions, pastor Osteen jokingly asked if we wanted the "long version or the short version" of a ceremony, but we didn't have a ring! Without hesitation Dodie placed her own wedding ring on my finger, to get us through this very special moment, and John Osteen married us after three years of living together in sin.

Long story short, that was 25 years ago, now. I was 25 years old. There was no way of ever knowing all that the Lord had in store for us at that moment. We just knew we had to make it right, and we needed the blessing of the Lord. We had been through failed marriages before, and both had children from previous marriages with one between us at the time. Our family needed the blessing of God on our lives and in our relationship.

That's Norvel in the background, in the long black tie and blonde hair. He finally got to preach after about a half hour ceremony and response from the people in the congregation; they suddenly and without warning began to come from all over the church. Security and the Usher's began to quickly pull out containers normally used for gathering the church tithes and offerings. The people were bringing gifts of money and John Osteen reached over to my NOW husband, and placed a $100 bill in his hand and gently said,, "I know it's been a while since you've had one of these. Be blessed!".

I'll bet Norvel didn't think he'd be witnessing a sudden, unrehearsed and completely led by the Holy Spirit, wedding that night! It was a very special night in August that year.

What a tremendous move of God's Holy Spirit, being demonstrated in the lives of hurting people. That's what we were that day. We had come out of a life of such darkness and pain, such as many live today. Staying connected to a strong church that taught us how to "fight life through", and "hold to God's Word" through every storm and challenge, has brought us through.

We were never the same since that evening at Lakewood Church. We have continued to do as we were taught, holding to the Truth of God's Word. In less than five years, John Osteen would go on to personally Ordain us through the laying on of hands, and launch us into full time ministry.

We are grateful to the Lakewood Church family, from those "glory" days! What a core group of people who love God. Forever grateful to John and Dodie Osteen for their simple faith, and incredible example of servanthood and passion for Christ; and most especially for hearing from God in the middle of a church service, with a guest speaker and a full house.

Our marriage and family are forever stronger for it!

Sandra and her husband Al, pastor New Life Ministries in Richmond, TX.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader.
For more on her work go to: http://www.cerdaministries.org/

Her books can be found on Amazon.com, here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=sandra+cerda
Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

Touch My Coffin, Lord!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 16:20:00 +0000

     I didn't feel like I had much to war with... in the natural. I knew, though, that I was fully equipped and amply supplied for the spiritual battle we were facing; and so, my prayer developed from this cry in my heart. I asked God to touch my coffin...

   When times get difficult and words don't seem enough... a desperate cry to God wells up as if to reach His very heart. A hopeful whisper of prayers that only God can hear; only God can respond to, have always been the way the Lord has responded to me.

   A short excerpt from a chapter entry in my newest book, "Water Me, Lord!", holds a prayer like that.

   I don't know what makes some prayers different than others, except perhaps the intensity... the level of sincerity? I don't know; but I was sitting in my home near Houston, one afternoon a few months ago when I suddenly began to pray this prayer for my son.

     He was facing a revoked probation with a two year sentence, for violent crimes, and was being sought for by law enforcement. This was not his first major offense, but with this he was now facing 25 years to life. My son was 24 years old.

     Although I don't recall any great sense of fear or panic, I was gripped with grief for a wayward child who again, has lost his way; has come out from under God's covering, seemingly. An adult child, who like many, struggle to make landing, to gain a foothold, despite their best, most sincerest attempts.

    I clearly remember 'leaning into' the Lord. I needed Him to hide me away. I needed to hear His Words on the matter; His direction and leading in all of this. I could not grab on to the fearful words coming from others; discouraging and void of all hope. I needed a miracle for my son.

This prayer has paved the way for my son's freedom!

    In short, my son will be home in less than a month; compared to a 25 year to life sentence!

  Here is my prayer; the essence of my heart's cry to God.

                 Touch My Coffin, Lord...

Touch the areas of my life and of my family that look like they are dead and ready for burial... touch my family, where hope seems lost and regret taunts my mind.

When my eyes grow dim from crying... when my heart alone, You know weeps continually and without end... when there are no words for my pain and my grief. Touch my coffin, Lord.

Be to me as you were for the mother whose son's coffin the crowd carried away, that day. When You reached out to touch what held him bound; and he awoke!

He sat up. He shook off the rags of death, and the mother took her son into her arms again, as the people rejoiced in the Lord. Let it be for me, and for the mother's whose children are as dead, caught in a vicious cycle of sin and death...

Touch our sons and our daughters, Lord.

You are the God of all Resurrection, raise them, call them forth even as You did Lazarus; do it again, Father. Let the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to You as we pray without ceasing, Your Word over their minds and hearts.

That they would hear Your voice, and turn toward You as the prodigal
You spoke of in Your Word. Let it be for our children and theirs, even now, Lord.Open the ears of their spirit, soul and body to Your voice of Life, and
lead them through Holy Spirit. Through dark and difficult times,
be their way of escape, Lord;That the Word of God would prevail over their lives and my joy would be full.

And when the Lord saw her He had compassion on her and said to her, Do not weep. And He went forward and touched the coffin and the pallbearers stood still. And He said, Young man I say to you, arise! And the man who was dead sat up and began to speak.
And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:13-15

The fervent, heartfelt prayer of a righteous man, woman or child, avails (obtains)
much from the Lord... it is the Word of God.

Whether what keeps you, or your loved one bound is a physical issue, such as incarceration, sickness, abuse or other painful bondage's, or a spiritual hold: God is well-able to bring you through. The journey is never paved with ease, or lined with multitudes of people who can relate. You "go it all alone, with Jesus", those dark and difficult places. I used to mistake those "alone" times as "loneliness", until I learned to grab hold of the moment and include the Lord.

Freedom is found in the Presence of the Lord. Make sure to open your life, your situations and most desperate, immediate needs to the Lord, with all your mind, heart and soul.

He wants to hear from you.

~

Sandra and her husband Al, reside near Houston, Tx., in Richmond and are the
parents of eight and grandparents of 19.

Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work go to: http://www.cerdaministries.org/

Her books can be found on Amazon.com, here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=sandra+cerda
Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com

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My 2017 Acceptance to Sibyl Magazine!

If you only knew what I've been through!

NOT IN MY WORLD!

Although her reasons were different than the goal of a "50 liver week", quoted by CEO Cate Dyer of StemExpress, a recent business partner with Planned Parenthood, this'grand-mother' has offered quite a bit of "ching-ching" of her own to purchase this unborn baby.

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Women's Life Summer Conference Report!

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Dodie's Ring On My Finger!

Touch My Coffin, Lord!

Although her reasons were different than the goal of a "50 liver week", quoted by CEO Cate Dyer of StemExpress,
a recent business partner with Planned Parenthood, this'grand-mother' has offered quite a bit of "ching-ching" of her own to purchase this unborn baby.