Waters from His Well...

Catch The Vision!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

I heard a woman say, recently in her frustration, that she could not find her way back to the way God had used her in ministry, years prior. As I sat and listened to the cry of her heart, and her sincere pleas for help, I heard the Lord speak to my heart that she needed to stop trying. I was struck
... by the words that I know the Holy Spirit began to speak, as in a whisper to me, about this.

All of God's paths lead forward, and never in reverse. She would not be able to find 'her way back' because the Lord was leading her onward and she could not see waht was before her for always looking back to how things 'used to be'. She was looking through an old anointing.

The Spirit of God wants to impart fresh vision to His people today. Fresh vision opens the door for fresh dreams, fresh goals and a fresh anointing. The new wine will not be poured into and through our lives until we have endured and completed those tests and trials allowed by the Lord, that strip off the old wineskin of our lives. We cannot contain the infilling of the newness of God's anointing and power for the leaks through the cracks in our vessels. Cooperating with God positions us to receive from HIm. We need to catch the fresh vision of God's plan and purpose for the season in which we stand now and get out from being stuck.

Move on with your calling. Start where you are today, and seek the Lord for His vision for your future, and how He might work through you to transform the lives of hurting people. God wants to use you in His plans and purpose, but you must have fresh insight from the Holy Ghost, to succeed. Catch the fresh vision of God. Set your mind and heart to be rightly aligned, and purposely positioned to receive from Him. We need healing in this area of our lives.

Have you wondered where you might be in the Lord today, if we did not fall for this sort of stalling detour? The enemy desires to see us ineffective, or at the very least, to believe we are being ineffective. "Lift your eyes and look from the place in which you stand, north, south, east and west. For all in which you see, I will give to you and to your posterity forever" (Genesis 13: 14, 15). Look forward, no matter what direction you face; not behind. Get your eyes off of what's behind, and look at what He has in store before you. The goodness of God surrounds you, and you are about to be ministered to by the Holy Spirit, the vision of God! It's a good day for a fresh, sharp, crisp vision. Catch it!

Trusting God With the Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

   Do you feel the shifting? Transitional movement and unexpected, so-called, intrusions to our comfort zone... God is moving on our behalf. God is shifting things around for you today, and...
...letting circumstances work in your favor. Do not ignore Him. Is it too much to need or expect God to move in our lives? Of course not. Change is not always welcomed without a hint of tension or fear of the unexpected; yet when you trust the Lord, you quickly learn how to take Him by the hand and just take things in stride. You LEARN to walk things out, God's way. We want to 'work' things out; God wants us to 'walk' things out.
   The people of God have been experiencing a fresh, heightened level of awareness of the Lord's willingness to intervene. To "do something". We often feel God does not hear us, or God does not care; perhaps our "need" is not as important as the needs of others, we think. We even fall into the trap of believing if God cared, He would do something, anything, to get us out of situations.
   How easily we forget it is in the very center of these "situations" that God is bringing about the change we need. We do not always agree with His methods or timeframe, but one thing is for certain: God will come through for you!
   It is one of the most powerful, strategic things you can do, when you put God first in all things; suddenly He begins to move in your life.  This positions you to receive. As the Lord equips you to walk in the blessings of being His child, you surely learn more about faith-walking, and about what some call 'blind' trust. For me, 'blind' trust' is just another way of saying, "I don't have to know what lies ahead; I just have to know God is with me and God is for me".
   Is there sudden, unexplained movement in your life? There should be. Open your life up to all the incredible life changing shifts ordered of the Lord. The Scriptures reveal in the book of Romans 8:28, that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose". Whether you feel that way or not, it is the Word of God. Cooperate with God's plan and path for you, and you will see great days ahead.
   When you come to understand this priceless principle, you will experience the immeasurable favor of God... favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Will you trust God with the unexpected circumstances that are occuring in your life? You will not be disappointed! Invite the Spirit of the Lord to bring about the HOLY GHOST INVASIONS we so desperately need.
   The Lord is a wall of fire all around you; the glory in your midst (Zechariah 2:5)

Jesus Walks Among Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:20:00 +0000

Jesus is so very 'among us'! With such a great awareness of God's presence pouring over us, it's all you can do to keep standing. Families reuniting, healing taking place, marriages being restored; in the midst of it all, altar calls are ... overflowing with salvation's and re-dedication's. People are hungry for the tangible presence of God. It's not going to take 'just one touch' anymore... people are at a place in their walk through life, where an ongoing, continual, abiding presence of the Lord is the only thing that satisfies.

A sort of 'restlessness' is occurring in people today, where routine things, mundane activities, and the 'norm' are simply not cutting it anymore! We want more! More from ourselves, more from each other! The Apostle Paul called it 'provoking to good works' (Hebrews 10:24). We want the best for each other, and for ourselves. We know the potential is there, and has been, but now we want to see more than just the potential, we want to see the fruit!, the evidence; the proof!

That's what happens when Jesus is on the scene! He just seems to bring out the best in people. At times, His presence brings out our tears, often for being overwhelmed at His love for us; that He would even consider walking among us, laying His hands on us, holding us, comforting us, looking our way. His presence brings out the joy in us, as we find ourselves overwhelmed with happiness. I have heard of others getting upset because the people in church services are 'too' happy. I cannot imagine what else we are supposed to be!

Are we supposed to go to a church where everyone is sad? I have walked into churches where a sad 'covering' looms in the atmosphere. Or a church where everyone is mad? How about a church where almost everyone is in a daze, bored or asleep? There are enough of those around already, with people leaving the way they arrived. Where is the change? I believe when the presence of God is in the room, PEOPLE CHANGE! The presence of love, the presence of hope; that's the Lord.

We are not necessarily trouble free... but happy despite our troubles. How about a church where genuine love abounds? Where people are genuinely concerned and caring for each other. There are enough churches that are indifferent, even selfish and callous to hurting people around them. I don't understand it, but it's like that in some instances, nonetheless. In spite of that the Spirit of the Lord in you can make the difference in someone's life. YOU are the church! Jesus is coming for a Church; not a building. You can be the expression of Christ's love to a lost and hurting, sighing, dying and tired of trying people.

Jesus walks among us, daily! What does He find when He looks your way? How do we leave others, after we've spent time with them; hungry and thirsty for more of Christ? I want to leave people considering Jesus; desiring change, growth and maturity that comes from the LORD! I want to see the fullness of God's joy, love and peace radiating through the lives of His people, more and more!

Ask Yourself: What are my thoughts as He nears me? Am i too casual in my relation to God? Do I bring out the best or worst in others?

WORDS TO LIVE BY: And let us consider one another in order to stir up (provoke) love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24,25

The River Within!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:32:00 +0000

     The voices of many are crying in the wilderness, these days... "There's a move of God here, there's a move of God there... The anointing is here, the anointing is there..."! Where is a person to turn?
     Sincere hunger and thirst for the truth of God's overwhelming presence abound. All we want is to be found in His presence, bearing the fruit of His Word. I have learned a supremely valuable lesson in life, and it is one that I hope to be able to relay to others in the way that I believe the Lord has given it to me... and that is this: The fullness of God's presence is not ever meant to hold on to; you must find a place where your fullness is continually poured out into the lives of hurting, searching, lost humanity. Your local church is that place.
     You cannot chase a river that is within you! It happens to you when the Holy Spirit of God dwells inside of you; God's Spirit, which is His presence, will flow directly from God's throne continually and directly through you! You are ultimately connected with the very throne room of God for healing, refreshing, for blessing and revival, renewing as it is needed, and for life in absolute abundance. It moves as there is a need, because Jesus meets the needs of people. I don't ever want to have my head so caught up in the clouds that I am out of touch with the needs of others; Jesus was always surrounded by people with needs, most likely because Jesus met the needs of people, and they realized it. He always had a word in season for those who were weary. It happened through the continually moving river of God that flowed through Him. Love that flowed from God's very throne room through Christ, to people He came in contact with, was non-stop.
     Become a river of refreshing to people in your own life. Watch how God deliberately sends people to you... not people who already have it all together... whatever that means; but people who NEED MORE of Jesus. You will not have to "move" to a river, if the river is moving through you. God has a peculiar use for you. You are unique and made deliberately the way He not only wanted you to be, but needed you to be, and places you strategically in the place that will allow the most outflow of His river. It is a river of love; a river of mercy and compassion that swings wide the gates of healing and miracle working power! I don't want to be in His river... I want His river to be in me. The river of God is one that teems with life giving joy to a hurting, dying world; the lost! People who are far from God.

   Ask: Am I guilty of making things happen, because God doesn't seem to be moving fast enough for me? Am I moving with God or on my own?

   Words to Live By: If you believe in Me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within! John 7:38

Give Them Drink!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:57:00 +0000

     Pouring from the heart of the Father, is a cry for souls. Some lost, some wounded, some angry, some fearful. So many things pour out of our hearts in prayer and in meditation. So many things tend to take up our time in worry and frustration; people, work, goals. Waht really matters? Are we...
... tying up our thought life with the things of the hour, day, week, month? What about those long term goals?, how much time is spent pondering those things over in your head, compared to the thoughts that center on Christ, and those things that are on His heart? I believe the outpouring sole "concern" of the Father revolves around the shortened time we live in and are facing, and how many still do not seriously consider Jesus. Are you a co-worker that radiates the light of Christs' countenance? Do people think about Jesus when they consider your walk, or are you a "weed" made to choke the work of fellow laborers right out of the life of the lost, by how you compromise Christianity in public? I want to be more aware of my actions in public, and my family members are part of that public.
     Some of my family members are numbered among those who have not yet seriously considered the Lord. How am I handling that? Will it matter to God when I stand before Him, enough that He will bring it to my attention "on-that-day?" Too many of us are looking to be in "full time ministry", and have failed to start being faithful in reaching the lost among our own families. These are convicting times we are living in today, and we are really on the cutting edge of failing at evangelism when we cannot influence those within our own reach.
     Daily, plant seeds of love and water with prayer, the hearts and thoughts of your loved ones. Put in some overtime this week in working harder to influence your family with the love of Jesus. Put in some overtime in prayer and worship this month. Put in some overtime in thoughtfully considering the things that are on the heart of the Father, as well. Let Him water you with words of compassion for souls... some lost, some wounded, some angry, some fearful. Ask Him to give you the strategy and words that will be received by those you hold dear, so they will no longer be lost, wounded, angry or fearful. Give someone a drink from the Father's well, today.

Basking In His Glory!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:59:00 +0000

   The simple things in life are getting harder and harder to find, and enjoy. It is becoming more deliberate of an attempt, to seek out the simple things in life, also. To enjoy
the presence of the Father, to enjoy the truth of His love and mercy; to enjoy the overwhelming and always mind boggling reality of the matchless creative power of God... that's what it is to bask in His glory!
   The hurried life we live, we live by faith; but the life that has learned the art of admiring stillness and the discipline of being able to think things through... that is to bask in His glory. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, and the glory of kings to search out a thing (Prov. 25:2)
   How often the Lord has dropped nuggets of golden eternal truths into my heart, and my hurried life with all it's bombarding thoughts crashing through, make it all the more difficult just to be able to center in on that life changing, life impacting eternal truth. We are the one's who are responsible for the busy schedule we live, so we are the one's who are ultimately responsible for making the necessary changes in order to alleviate some of the busy-ness! With such outpourings of His glory abounding more and more each and every day, I don't want to be so busy that I cannot bask, or fully enjoy, it.
   The outpourings of God are for all who will take the time to acknowledge them, and appreciate them. You cannot appreciate something that you don't spend time with. Spend time with God. Let His Word wash through your mind and heart, washing away all the clutter and debris that gathers to it daily. All the complaints that come your way; all the overlooked things you've accomplished; all the times you've been passed by for promotions; all the half finished jobs left for you to finish; all the misconceptions and misunderstandings; all the confusion and chaos of the busy life we live by faith.
   Instead, with the washing of the Word comes refreshing, so bask in His glory. Take time to make time, to spend some time, with the Lord. It's the simple things that make us stronger in our day, like fuel for the fire. Take time to make time with the Lord; for the simple things in life are those things He wants us not despising.

ASK: Where am I headed in the clutter of things that fight for my time and attention? Am I too busy to enjoy a conversation with a child?, or the cry of the heart of the elderly? Are there things in my busy schedule that can be let go of, or rearranged?

WORDS TO LIVE BY: It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, and the glory of kings to search out a thing. Proverbs 25:2

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:11:00 +0000

A better creamier sweet potato casserole not dulled down with spices that really lets you have a great sweet potato flavor.

A great addition to your Thanksgiving party...

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/creamy-sweet-potato-casserole-401789#ixzz1dynCx245
~ Valerie ~
Check us out on the Chopping Block...

Morning Glory Mornings!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:58:00 +0000

     His mercies are new EVERY morning, just as sure as the sun rises and morning glories bloom! God is the faithful rewarder of those whose
eyes are fixed on Him. I want to be numbered among those whose eyes are fixed on the Lord.  I trust the Lord!
     I trust Him with my family, friends and foes! I most certainly trust Him with my daughters; and He has given me a household full of them. Together Al and I have four daughters, three daughters-in-law, and nine grand-daughters; our quiver is full of women of God! These are daughters of destiny, in spite of their trials, tests, and tribulations. These are daughters of promise and purpose. My words over them must be accurate, and consistently anchoring in the Lord. I pray His morning Glory over them, daily!
     I pray for daughters and spiritual daughters to rise up in Him, today and everyday just like the beautiful morning glories in my prayer garden rise to meet the morning sun; EARLY in the morning!  I pray for these women of God, in spite of their age, to continually radiate the glory of God, in their speech and the meditations of their heart. I pray their God-infused giftings rise to the divine appointments throughout their lives, and they progress toward the finish line, of their race. I pray for daughters, today.
    I pray that the daughters He has given us, dance in the presence of the Lord openly, and in the stillness of their hearts.  I pray their worship would be fragrant to God and a hopeful reminder to the lost; that God's mercies are new every morning.

Nuggets of Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:26:00 +0000

God's Word is like a great treasure chest, hidden yet within reach; buried so deep beneath the surface of the visible, and revealed only to those who
will look past the obvious. Often I find myself wondering if I'm ever going to get to the place where God would have me to be...  so I keep digging, searching through His Word in spite of the obvious junk-iness around me.
     Gratefully I am able to acknowledge that there is truly a place; a place of absolute healing, absolute wholeness. Oh! How often I meditate on how that place actually must be like. I have learned that if I reflect on the absorbed Word of God, that which I already know to be true, and search for more of what has yet to be discovered, at times He gives me great glimpses of that place. Nothing in this world compares to the priceless peace of knowing God's Word for me; for my children, for my husband, family, ministry. Just knowing that God has taken such an intense and overwhelming interest in ME!

     I am consumed with a desire to know more and more about Him, Who loved me first. There is no way I can get any closer to God without first getting closer to His Word.  His Word is His heart revealed to us, and gratefully His Holy Spirit waters it all over our soul with understanding. How often I have come across Scriptures I have not quite understood, and carlessly not asked God about. In my quest to know Him more intimately, and personally get more acquainted with Him, I am learning to ask God more questions about His Word... because I want to know.  I want to know about the still waters. I want to know about the distant thunder. I want to know about the genteleness of a quiet spirit... and how can I obtain and maintain one for my own life?

     I am a person who loves to read. If I am not careful though, I can easily allow my time to be unbalanced with reading books and literature about God and His Word, and not the books (66 in the Old and New Testament combined) He has written!  If not careful I can easily allow myself to skip over Scriptures that are scattered throughout that reading material, because "I already know it!". The treasure chest of His Word overflows with gold nuggets of His promises; dig in! It truly is the only book you can read, that reads you back, as well!

     ASK: Am I carelessly overlooking His Word in my search for more of Him? Do I foolishly think I can accumulate the reading of many books, as if they enhance The Book, the Holy Scriptures?

     WORDS TO LIVE BY: I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your principles. I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us. I have rejoiced in Your decrees as much as in riches. I will study Your commands and reflect on Your ways. I will delight in Your principles and not forget Your Word. Psalm 119:11-16

Egg Heaven Cheese Lovers...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:07:00 +0000

I love this quick eight minute breakfast. When I send the hubbie off to work and the boys off to school, I break out this dish. It keeps my tummy full all day. Just watch it; it's so easy and good you just might get addicted to cheesy love!

~ Valerie ~
Check out the Chopping Block for more recipes

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/egg-heaven-cheese-lovers-465388#ixzz1di6D1YEh

Thanksgiving for 35!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:06:00 +0000

     Not many families are fortunate to gather all siblings and their spouses or significant others, along with their children, together in one place for Thanksgiving. In actuality, as large as my immediate brood number, every year has featured different...
... faces; different friends and different stories around the table every year.
     Traditionally, there are two or three 22+ lb. turkeys, two hams, pans of one great-grandmothers Homemade Dressing and the other Great Grandmothers' pies from scratch, and more! Every year, the women in our house, start menu planning the previous year; the side dishes are where we compete (gently) to establish new traditions, in the meals department. There are seven women in our household!
     This is my third (maybe fourth) year searching for the "just right" cranberry-nut chutney. Gratefully, my daughter Valerie has nailed what we believe is our new family tradition of Sweet Potato Casserole, while daughter-in-law Laura holds the thumbs up prize for Quick-N-Easy Green Bean Casserole; Rebekah with the Pumpkin Pie's, and lots more... Traditions!
     In the excitement of holidays with family and friends I tend to get overly "happy" and "envision-ing-ly, hopefully-optomistic in attempting to begin new and awesome traditions; at least they get attempted up in my head! For example, this is my second year at imagining a new tradition involving ALL seventeen of our grandkids! My sweet husband just smiles and nods at my great-ideas; this being one of them; have them all spend the night/camp-out the night after Thanksgiving! Traditionally! To get ALL the cousins together...(fade to black).
     How awesome would it be to have all my grand-children together with a pajama party for the girls, and tents in the backyard for the boys? The ideas are endless...
    Hopeful as it may sound, I'm not that daring. Maybe one day; one Thanksgiving holiday season. Not this one! Keeping with tradition, and establishing new ones though, are very important and engraving on the hearts of children. I fondly recall the smell of my grandmothers' kitchen, and the atmosphere in the house, during Thanksgiving. That's the love I want found in my families traditions, today.
     It has always been a challenge getting all the kids and theirs, together for that one special day. In spite of who is able to be there or not, memories are made. Traditions are kept. Families are strengthened, yet again. I hope we'll be able to get them all together this year! Wouldn't that be ideal? And, if not, our table will yet be surrounded with crazy stories of how these kids survived us parents, over the years. How they see themselves repeating what they learned of us, in raising their children. What an honor!
     This Thanksgiving Day, will be full of joy, and happiness; full of ideas for next year's menu, too! Happy Holiday Season! Happy Tradition making!

Out of the Heart...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:21:00 +0000

     I was reading a post from a very irrate, antagonistic individual recently. His antagonism was against anything trustworthy, praiseworthy and most especially Christ or God focused. I thought to myself, as I read his post, 'what an angry, empty person; how lonely he must be'.
     It forced me to
tune in to his words, and try to understand where all this ugliness was coming from. His usage of words were intellectual; his means of expression were effective, but at the end of all his staunch criticism I was left void and without purpose to all his ranting. I read the back and forth dialogue another individual was attempting to hold with him, and could not help but want him to stop trying; it was exhausting, just reading his efforts to communicate with this walled in, defensive, one-sided, self-righteous individual. There was such hardness in his words and tone. You could feel the hate.
     There is so much disappointment in our world. Anger, bitterness and all sorts of deep-seated hate for anything good is surfacing with added boldness, all around. All anyone has to do anymore is watch news reports from around the world, to realize it's not around the world anymore; it's next door! It's in the shopping strip where our car is parked. You will find it in the grocery aisle, or any other number of public places. Places that were once deemed safe, are now full of evil intentions waiting for prime opportunities.  Not only are schools and daycare centers not nearly as safe as we hope them to be, as of the last few days, neither are our Universities!
     It is clearly understandable how some would easily become a bit paranoid and even begin to live more isolated lives. But, that is not God's intention. How do people of God continue to walk in an urgency for soul-winning, and attitude of unconditional love with so much bitter hate dangerously becoming increasingly expressed?  Surely, it cannot possibly be the will of God to deliberately place our lives in grave danger, in order to win some to the knowledge of Christ's love.
     We are warned in the Scriptures not to engage in senseless quarrels and bitter disputes, for they tend to push people further away from receiving the truth of the Gospel. Is prayer, enough?  Wisdom is one of those traits we would do good to excel in.
    Our world is made up of many hurting people, who have yet to know God's healing goodness. I for one am grateful that the Lord has turned my own bitterness into something useful in winning people over, peacefully. My prayers go out to the young man, (kp) whose heart is currently hardened and cold. I can hardly wait to hear, one day how he, too, came to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ; how his heart was won over by love; persistent and relentless love, and God loving people who would never give up on him!

Rest In The Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:32:00 +0000

     We all need a refresher, but there is truly none to compare with that refreshing that comes from the overcoming presence of the Lord. The book of Acts talks about "times of refreshing found , and that is what I thirst for, with a thirst that can be satisfied by nothing else. Although vacations are good, of course, and time out with family and children is most needed, especially in the day and times that we live in. I'm not referring to a vacation, though; I'm talking about 'retreating to advance'.   The Lord reveals to us, all throughout His Word, how we need to be willing to make time JUST for Him, just to hear His voice! To be able to regain lost ground from the hustle of each day's duties; to be able to think clearly again.
in the presence of the Lord

     When you make time, He honors you. When you make Him your place of solace and stillness you find that He has been longingly waiting for you. You! He greets you with a warmth and exitement, a yearning deep desire to just spend that time alone with you! Does God miss the way your relationship with Him, used to be? Let me encourage you today to make time for God. Surrounded by the many demands on your time and life; the demands and pulls on your already full schedule of 'things to do', not to mention the emergencies and the unexpected interruptions throughout the day. Make time for God.

     Retreat to advance. Retreat by pulling away deliberately, and studying His Word, listening for His voice, praising his Name; worship Him for Who He is, not for what He can do. He is a good and faithful, loving and more than willing Father! Make time in your hectic, busy schedule, just for God. Rest in the trust and confidence of the love He has for you; so much love that He will not break promises made to you. Trust His ability to come through for you in His own good timing, and learn to stop putting time limits and unreal expectations on the Lord.

     Allow 'grace-space' between your petition and your promise, as you lean on your trust of His love for You, and just learn to enjoy God! Rest in the Lord today and put your worries behind you, or better yet... kick back and rest your feet on top of those problems. Get them under your feet! Rest in the Lord! Times of refreshing are found in His overwhelming presence.

ASK: Are my problems being worsened by my own impatience? Where am I in my walk with Jesus, today? Is there an increased hunger in my heart for the Word?, for Him? Am I experiencing His JOY?

Words to Live by: And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's people, lut us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting Him. Hebrews 10:21-22

The Breakthrough Anointing

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:53:00 +0000

The term, 'breakthrough anointing', is just another way of describing God's abundance, realized! It is the will of God, according to His Word,
"that the people of God prosper even as our soul prospers". We rejoice when we hear of churches everywhere that are gaining ground against the kingdom of darkness. That is abundance. We cannot afford to fall into the "comfort zones" of life while there is still a spiritual battle happening around us. We are given a mandate through the authority of Heaven, to push forth and advance. It is the will of God.  This level of breakthrough, though, does not come without cost; cannot be experienced by the casual Christian who entertain compromises and uncertainties, in their walk with God.
     We are to evaluate each circumstance that arrives and prayerfully decide, when and how to engage it. You will always know when you made the right decision because of God's peace that witnesses with your spirit. It is that vey peace, with its source in God, that will carry you through to your final victory. People will criticize you one day and hug you the next. Some people are just like that, and you should continue to pray for them, but keep moving toward your victory. You know you have heard from God. You know what you vowed to the Lord to do, and you must keep your vow to Him, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of popular opinion.
     I love to experience the "breakthrough anointing" of God's blessing. It has such a way of showing your enemies that God is indeed with you. The breakthrough anointing is a sign to a lost and dying community, a lost and dying world, that God truly is faithful, and blesses the faithful.
     I encourage you to seek God alone, with all your heart, for Who He is, and not for what you can get from Him. The Lord seeks those who worship Him in Spirit and truth (John 4:24). Is He seeking you? Your breakthrough truly depends on the motive of your prayer, the motive of your giving, and the motive of your actions as a whole. Now is a good time to make things right with God and man. Clear the slate and start fresh all the way around. This is a great season of sudden breakthroughs. Don't allow all you "do" for the Lord to be hindered by something so simple as fleshly carnality, or wrong motives. Respond to God on His terms, and stick to the plan. God will bless you, abundantly and you will experience breakthrough!

Never A Dull Moment!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:39:00 +0000

     The walk we live, on the path God has carved out for us, is full of surprises! Pockets of God's faithfulness, reassurance and strengthening outpouring are found all throughout that path; if ...
you keep walking! Along the path are sometimes winding, steep and unexpected turns that will surely strengthen your spiritual muscles as you extend your faith in endurance. God is a remaining and steadfast God, unswerving in His devotion to His people; to His Word; to covenant.

     There is never a dull moment for the child of God; times of refreshing are often for the course yet ahead, and not always for what we have come out of. Endure; persevere, yet rest in the knowedge of His faithful and saving love. I like the Scriptures that are found in the book of Habakkuk 2:3, "but these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."

     Keep your trust in the Lord, and keep your feet on the path He has carved out for you... refrain from carving out your own road. Even in our rest of where He has us at the moment strength is found because of the underlying foundation of firmly relying trust. Is your faith truly on the Lord? Then, why the impatience? Run with God, and impatience is far from you. Run with God, and allow Him to direct your steps; haste will have no part of your agenda, neither will boredom! I want to encourage you right now, in the midst of all the things you already have to do...do one more thing: stop more to ask God which direction to take, what decision to make, as you go through your day. Include Him in the seemingly insignificant things. He can spare you so many mistakes, heartaches and exhausting fatigue if we will just include Him more. Your day will seem more vibrant and full of the joy that will carry you from one assignment to the next. Including God more will keep you from losing the joy of what you do, whether it is in the workplace, homelife or your ministry. Keeping your joy is the key to having strength for those unexpected intrusions that keep life from being dull.

     Ask: Am I where God wants me, at this particular time, in my walk with Him? Am I walking on the path He has carved out for me? Do I include Him with the issues of my heart and the struggles of my day?

    Words to Live By: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct and make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

When His Ear is to My Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:51:00 +0000

     No other time than the moment He's drawn near, is more precious than any other time in our lives. To everything there is a seaon and a time... but oh!, the glory of when He's drawn so near you can sense His face on yours; His ear to your very lips. There are so many things, so many issues and so many questions, not to mention the cries of our heart that can only be understood by Jesus. There is a "pressing-in" that cannot
be matched with any other desire; the ability to reach the heart of Jesus should supersede every desire we dare to entertain in our thoughts and hearts. I want to rise to the heights of experiencing the glory of His voice; the place where I am trusted with the secret things of God, the mysteries of the Master. I wonder often, what He must be thinking, if He thinks; yet knowing His Word reveals to us that His thoughts are centered around each of us, individually. I want to know Him, I want to be fully absorbed and consumed by experiencing the glory of His mercy, in such a way that I can help others find Him, yearn for Him, hunger for Him without measure... there is a place!

     What do I say when His ear is pressed to my lips...

     Will my words be pleasing to His precious hearing... will He desire to hear more?

     How can I ever know how many incredible experiences in the Lord await me if I am not desiring enough to lay all things aside and fill my thoughts with Him: I hear Him calling me to "come on in to His rest; His goodness. yet what will I offer Him in return: Simply for the self surrender of my all, will He consume me. Nothing in this world matters, such as Christ. As much as I love my hsuband; as much I love my very own children, and theirs...my love for my Lord overwhelms me...brings me to my knees. I fall to His feet and cling to the hem of His garment!, that my tears would be found worthy to fall on His feet... and when He lifts me in His arms and takes my face in His hands, pressing my lips to His ears...

     what will I say? What am I really saying to Him when I do speak? Are mine vain repetitions, or outpourings of the heart? ~

     WORDS TO LIVE BY: I have called upon You, O God, for You will hear me; incline Your ear to my lips and hear my words. Psalm 17:6

When God Calls You Home

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Home means many things to many people. You can feel at home in the comfort of an acquaintance, or at your local church. You can also feel out of place in those very same places.
What do you call home? For many people, although they have a roof over their head, and a place to live, they may not readily feel the comfort of home, due to the stress or strain of what goes on under their roof.

     The saying, "there's no place like home", is so true. Whether it be in the company of friends, or the comfort of a strong, growing church or even in the place we live in... there truly is no place like home. It offers security and peace; a place where we can be ourselves, good or "bad".

     Today, God is calling many of His people home. You may think of heaven when I say that, but for us who are still on this side of heaven, home means many things. God is calling us to the place of security, comfort, peace and growth in our local church. The Lord is tugging on the hearts of people to return to the place of their "roots", and make amends. This is a season of reconciliation and family. This is a time for forgiveness and restoration, especially healing and wholeness; that is what home offers us.

     After a busy day, I cannot wait to get home. Throughout my day, I find pockets of refreshing when I can stop off at home just to regroup, or catch my breath. I am fortunate to be able to work out of many places, one being my home office, which allows me to continue flowing through the demands of family life as well. For us, home means so much more than just a place to watch television or cook a meal. In our home, every member has duties to fulfill, that help our home life run smoothly. If not, we would have nothing more than chaos and confusion, strife and debate.

     Church is another place we consider home. It is our "home away from home". We spend countless hours staying "busy about our Father's business", in the sole interest of ensuring the solidity and strength of what church should be, and that is availability to people in need as the need arises. As a Christian, your role is to assist your local church in being that "home away from home" for others in need. Too many demands are placed on pastors today, to such a degree where they cannot effectively meet the needs that are priority, for a lack of commitment from its members. Ouch! If every member would take up their cross, in respect to their local church, fulfill duties much like in our own homes, the pastors would be greatly alleviated from a multitude of distracting "things-that-need-to-be-done", and would rather be able to accomplish tasks casual members cannot.

    Is God calling you to a more secure home, or place, in Him. Treasure your church home, as you do your actual home, and the Lord will bring great blessings. Home is where the heart is; where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I'm Just the Clay

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:26:00 +0000

     Tempted to believe, from time to time, that I'm really in control, or I'm doing all that well, can be a great opportunity for God to...
...prove me wrong! How truly frail we really are. Without Him, truly without Him fully involved in every part of our day, is exhausting. So I'm learning to just be the clay.

     I've tried being the "multi-tasking, do-it-better-than-anyone-else in the office", person. I've tried being the "gotta-know everything-that's going-on-with-my-adult-children", mom. I've tried being many things, throughout the years... but I know now, it's best just to be the clay.

     It's in knowing that in His hands, I am mold-able, shape-able, fixable, and re-do-able, that opens the doors of peace for me. Isn't it peace that I need anyway, after all? Isn't this rat-race of life tiring enough without thinking for a hot-flash moment that I can do all this "stuff" without praying first? I'm just being honest, now.
     Resting in His hands AS the clay, is a prayerful position in itself! It is the position of fully depending on the Lord, fully trusting Him, fully surrendering my ALL to Him. Not just saying it, but doing it; being that fully dependent person in Christ. God is making a withdrawal on His deposit these days. With all that He's poured into us, it's time now to show forth that sweet smelling aroma of the fruit bearing child of God, He has anointed and appointed us to be.
     If I can just keep that before my thoughts, and "great" ideas. If I can just stop long enough to remember that one simple truth. With all that's going on, and has to be done; deadlines, contracts, hopes, dreams and the like...
     I'm just the clay. ...and He's in control!

Cry Out To Jesus!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:29:00 +0000

     Oh!, to know that the cry of our heart reaches His ear. In that moment when you don't know how to pray, or if your prayer is being heard... the times in our life when things are going so bad, and times are just so hard, that you really need God to come through for you but
you've prayed everyway you could possibly pray, and all you hear is silence.
     Our spirit cries out to the Spirit of God, in our distress. Whether it is for understanding, direction or just plain help, God is interested in being invited to step in and do something. Inviting God into our life's situations brings great change, and great blessings. Everything about life is turned around for the better in all ways. Our way of life is changed. Instead of hurt there is healing. Instead of distress there is peace and happiness. In the center of your daily challenges we can have the strength of God's grace and favor shielding us from the effects of the storms of life.
     Recently, one of my older sons was involved in a horrible accident near my home. His jeep rolled over four times and hit a tree. For half an hour he was without oxygen assistance as first responders worried if he was even alive; they had to use the Jaws of Life to free him. When we were finally notified of an accident, he had already come out of emergency brain surgery. We were told he would not survive. We were in a great time of distress. We were in need of a miracle from God. We could only cry out to God in the center of our storm, and we did.
     God heard us, and He hears you. God came through for us, and he will come through for you. In three days, my son was in his own room! In three weeks he was released to begin the long road to recovery through rehabilitation. He is a walking, talking miracle because of the goodness of God, in hearing the cry of our heart. The same God that did this for my son three years ago, can and will come through for you today!
     When you least expect God to come through, let the cry of your heart reach the Lord. Let the prayer found in Psalm 119:169-176 be your hearts prayer, over your situation today. "...let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word", (v. 169). Connect with people who believe in miracles, and see those miracles come to pass. Get under a good church covering; one that teaches you how to trust God for the impossible and will walk with you through your valleys and dark times. We are always waiting on God, but fail to realize and understand that it is God Who is waiting on us. Will you pray today, from your whole heart? God is listening.

Women in Ministry: Dealing with Ministry Related Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Working with women, on a one-to-one basis was not an easy thing for me to do,
in my early years of ministry. I found it far too "comfortable" to minister in larger settings, and felt as if I had more "control". Quickly, I found the Lord dealing with me on the issue of personal ministry, and my comfort zone. In all honesty, I had many, many comfort zone issues that had to be dealt with...one was soul-winning, yet another was intercession!

I always thought is was someone else's "calling or anointing", failing to realize that the fullness of God's purpose, as to His infilling me, was to "...become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some (by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ), (I Cor. 9:22 Amp). The dealings of the Lord were very strong on me then, as they continue on my life today, over 23+ years later.

Women in ministry already deal with many demands in our personal and home life, not to mention the ministry related needs in the body of Christ. How to keep that healthy balance and stay in peak condition, only come from yielding to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit and His promptings. Keep God first in all things, at all times, and lose the so-called "juggle" or "rat-race-of-life" feelings! Lose the sluggish, fatigue and exhaustion of the many demands, by responding to the only "demand" that matters: that of answering the call of the Lord. Being ready to do whatever it takes to get the task at hand complete, and not having so many unfinished things stacked up relieves so much stress, in itself. You will always find there is time left over for "you" when you put Him first.

I am often asked for tips and shortcuts to how I handle the demands and responsibilities that are on my life as a woman, wife, mother, church leader and more. My role in the church is vital. My role in my home is LIFE! Maintaining my personal health, and overseeing that of my husband and large family, (eight adult children and 17 grand-children), is so important. Coordinating At-Risk Youth Outreaches, my work as an author, and so on keeps me in prayer, as well. All I know to say is what I know to be true: "I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me". Keeping my heart set on the Lord, my eyes fixed on His promise, my purpose aligned with His perfect will for me, keeps me above only and not beneath. With the Lord as your Guide, Director and Counselor, you can never fail1

The Well, The Tomb and The River

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:32:00 +0000

I am fortunate in being able to relate to many of the women, whose lives are highlighted in the Word of God. One of those women is the woman at the Well, (John 4:6). She reminds me of a woman whose life is watered by words, in this case prophetic words. Immediately after being watered
by the prophetic, she was released to water the lives of others, as an evangelist. We can water and refresh the lives of hurting people by words of kindness and encouraging remarks. Compliments go a long way in our society today. When words uplift a person's countenance and shed the light of hope on their hearts, you can rest assured that you are pleasing God.

The women who gathered at the Tomb of Lazarus, (John 11:30), also, were amazed that Jesus would want to roll away the stone, as He desires to do in our lives today. Stones of bitterness and unforgiveness; stones of rejection and a wounded spirit. Stones of conflict, anger and fears. Women waiting for that one, huge stone to be rolled away so words of life can penetrate our dead, dry bones and we too can be unbound from all forms of defeat. I will never forget the stone of unforgiveness being rolled away from the doorway to my heart one spring afternoon in 1989. At that instant, the doorway to my physical healing was unobstructed and my healing sprang forth, after nearly three years of painful suffering. The goodness of God was found in a rolled away stone for me that day.

I especially love the little that is mentioned of Lydia, (Acts 16:13); the woman who sat on the bank of the River of Prayer and Encouragement; of strength, refreshing, focus and therefore, success. I imagine her to be a woman who is naturally strategic and thoughtful in her dealings. I cannot imagine anything of importance getting past her, especially in prayer. Something happens to us when we walk in a prayer filled life. Our entire being is made sensitive to those around us, and we are sharpened in our gift of discernment, able and better equipped to deal with our surroundings in a way and manner that pleases God, and truly make a difference in the lives of hurting people around us.

Of the many women I love learning about in the Scriputures, I am learning more every day that we are not so different. We too are watered by the Words of the Lord and so we are able to water others. We too have had great need of obstacles too much to bear, to be taken care of by God. We learn we can trust Him with all things. As women of God, we engage in active, strategic prayer. Prayer that "holds the line", and gains results. I want to walk in this demension of prayer, daily. Fixed and focused on the heart of God for that days events.

Be unshakeable and immovable in your faith today and every day. Receive and sow healing words of wisdom and life blessings over our families and friends. Allow the liberty of rolled away stones to be experienced by you today, if necessary. Finally, grab hold of a tenacious prayer life that is the fruit of a Woman of God.

(C) 2010 by New Life Publishing

For Contact Information Email: SandraCerda7408@yahoo.com

Facing The Winds of Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:32:00 +0000

So much goes throught the spirit, soul, body and mind of a person who has just been given a negative report. We can pray those reports don't come our way, or to the lives of people we hold dear, but sadly, the winds of challenge to our lives do come, at times. One key to a way out is
preparation. Are you prepared for the winds of challenge?

When the storms of life come your way, will you be ready? Will you have to hear Christ's words: "Come out from among them, and be separate..." (II Cor. 6:17). For Christ to use those words to His people can only mean one thing: the people of God were still in some of their stuff. How often do we recklessly come out from under our full covering of God's blessings, by compromise or othr subtle ways of slack in our walk with God and with His people?

These are open doors of opportunity for spiritual and physical attack, even financial or in our relationships, but for certain with our health and peace of mind. Let's shut the door to the "stuff" we ought to be separate from, even from the stains of worldliness through our association with individuals, behavior, or anything of a "contaminating influence" (II Cor. 7:1). Position yourself, your life, for the blessings of God.

Decide; choose today to live a life consecrated and devoted to godliness, to the best of your ability...God will do the rest. Be prepared for those challenges when they come your way. Be prayed up, alert and ready! Be in the right place at the right time when the blessings of God are being poured out.

I do not know of many people today who are not facing major challenges in their lives. Those things come to us all. Preparation and a good, strong prayer covering of people who believe in miracles and in the tangible power of God is vital to us. There are no lone rangers in the family of God. We all need each other. Surround yourself with people who know how to pray and get results. Get plugged in to a strong church that will teach you how to make it through those trying times, and will walk with you through those storms. You should never feel like you have to go it alone. Help is only one phone call away. Rally the troops and let's start seeing more victory in our lives, to the glory of God.

He'll Bring You Through

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Name me one person who does not face the challenges of life, or perhaps a better description would be the "storms of life". I cannot recall how often the alarm of the Holy Spirit goes off, touching our spirit, warning of a storm brewing; heading our way.

Gratefully, so many
fade out, while others come straight to us. In a natural storm, we are warned ahead of time, so we can make all the necessary preparations, and take cover. In the world of the spirit, though, we are not so quick to make those necessary preparations, such as fine-tuning our prayer-life, and shifting to a more spiritually aggressive prayer against what may be heading our way. We need to be more teachable and learn to prepare completely, before we take cover and ride out the storm.

Are you prayed up? Have you let go of the hand of the Lord in order to have both hands on your situation, because you believe God is taking too long?

Challenges in life, hard times; tears in the night when no one is around... come to us all, from time to time. No one is exempt, or excluded. This is life. What we do with it, while we pass through, and we will get through... and how we respond are key! So often I will know when something is coming my way, and which way it's coming. And it is as if nothing I do , works to thwart that from happening. That does not mean that God is not for me, or that God is mad at me. We're just passing through a valley, or in between blessings. God remains worthy of your love and devotion. God remains worthy to receive all of your heart's praise and adoration.

We pass through trials in the home, marriage or workplace. God brings us through. We pass through trials and tests against our faith, in ministry or in our walk with God, personally. Still, God brings us through. Sometimes the Lord will walk us through, other times He will march us through... then there are the times where the loving arms of God have to carry us through; where you simply could not take another step. In those moments, whisper in the ear of God a little "thank you", or an "I love You". The presence of the Holy Spirit will come over you, and minister healing to your heart. Don't ever forget how near He is to the cry of your heart.

What does God want from you? Everything. Your heart. Your love. He will bring you all the way through your deepest valley, and bring you to a place of refreshing, peace and answered prayer. Just when you don't expect it; expect it! Find something to thank God for today, and know in your heart He's bringing you out!

Detours and Delays

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Cerda) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:29:00 +0000

There's nothing like smoothe sailing. Those times when we ask God, in the Name of Jesus, for something in line with His Word and will, and before long it's answered! What happens to us though when the opposite is true; when prayer is not answered quickly or
at all, or when delay or detours take longer than we thought we could endure. And yet, you're still standing! You are still doing much better now than without God's grace and mercy.

More than once, on Paul's journeys, the Spirit of God did not allow him to go forward on his way. God had a better plan. A divine appointment was about to take place between Paul and Lydia (Acts 16). A Holy Ghost detour, if you will, and Paul's openness to the voice of the Spirit of God, paved the way for the plan of God to come to pass.

My husband loves detours he calls shortcuts, even if they take longer to arrive at our destination. This calls for great patience on my part. Neither God, nor my husband, have yet to disappoint me with their detours. Somehow I have always arrived, eventually, to my destination with great joy!

Consider your way. Are you up against roadblocks or facing detours on your journey with God? There are surely no shortcuts with Him, but definitely detours and delays. If this is where you find yourself right now, just keep following Jesus. He'll not lead you astray or with no way through your situation. When it seems that God is not looking your way, remember His promise. If it's been a while since you've known His joy, get back into the Scriptures, and worship. He could be leading you through a way you've not known or considered. He may be leading you toward your divine appointment! Whether it's a detour or a delay, enjoy your adventure with the Lord. You'll grow a long way!