Here's My Life

John 12: 25 “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Today as I ponder this verse I am reminded of Pastor John and Terry Murillo. They are giant slayers and I admire them greatly. They have lived this verse for they put it all on the line for the cause of Christ. I think of Pastor Dan and Angie and I am forever amazed. Jessie is with the Lord and they press on through the pain. This journey that I am on is an all or nothing journey. It is very difficult for some of my family to understand, but Jesus is my everything. I have nothing without Him, and when I have nothing and no one, I still have Him.
As I look back on my own life, He has been my everything. I woke up with the song Hungry in my heart and sang through my tears all the way to work. See the chorus says:

I’m falling on my knees,
Offering all of me
Jesus your all this heart is living for

That says it all, doesn’t it? Falling on your knees is not just a position of surrender, but a position of the physical body being overcome by the emotional state of the person. In life circumstances can easily overtake you, but when you empty yourself to Jesus…then you truly feel alive. I know as I pour myself out and give it all that is when I feel free. We use the word ALL so lightly, and it is a serious commitment. All means all that I am and hold dear, I give it all away, just to have Christ.

So today, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.” Unknown territory awaits me this next year, but I am secure knowing my life is in His hands.

Roller Coaster Ride

James1: 2-5 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. “

I was praying at 2 am again, and as I prayed for the needs of my family and others I heard this verse. Immediately I was convicted for being worried and concerned with a materialistic view of Christmas. I have been sad that I cannot afford the things I would like to give to others. If you know me, you know that I love to provide for others and that has been hard to do this year.

See I have been teaching Isaiah that Jesus should be our focus, not toys and yet I my actions and worries were teaching something else. As I continued to pray God began to calm my spirit and encourage me in a proper view.

• Consider it ALL joy when you go through trials. I am not the only person experiencing hard times. I am blessed for many, are truly suffering and losing hope. Take everything as a teachable moment.
• Perseverance. I still have a lot of maturing to do and this situation proved that to me. I need to brace myself and push against the wind.
• Wisdom. Wisdom is putting to practice gained knowledge and good sense, which begins with a fear and reverence of God. I don’t know about you, but I need wisdom in all areas and I will never gain enough to where I will not need to ask God for more.
• Without finding fault. Don’t doubt or have a negative attitude when asking God to help you. It is understandable to be down, but pray with faith and hope.

This year has brought a great deal of change, but it has all been for the best. I have not always seen it in, but as I am now looking back I realize God had a plan. He knows exactly what He was doing. So relax, enjoy the ride. Hold on, on the way up and raise your hands in praise on the way down. It is more fun that way.

Lord, thank you for our very early morning talks. I would be lost without You.

Take the Baton

Last night, I attended the viewing for Bishop Steve Perea's mother, Maria Conception Perea or Concha, as she was lovingly called. I did not have the privilege of knowing her personally, however, as the night moved forward, I wish I had.

The testimonies that were shared were inspirational, encouraging, and challenging. Though my heart grieves for my Pastor, I was greatly blessed. Even in death she has touched my life. This is what I have learned.

• Pray for your family and extended family by name.


• Make every house a home for all.


• Be an encouragement, even when you could use some encouraging

As I pondered on the wonderful memories that were shared, this verse came to mind. Hebrew 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Many saints have gone before us and it would be, as my Nana use to say, " a dirty shame", for me not to pick up the mantle and carry on in the fight. This is my prayer to throw off the hindrances and press on, looking at the landmarks of victory of those who have walked this way before.

Concha, thank you for pouring into my life and encouraging me through what you have done for others. Suemmi said it best,"when I grow up I wanna be like her", ...me too.

Reaching the Region

Romans 15: 23a “ But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, “

Paul was an awesome pioneer for the gospel. Paul did not intend to “plant churches” but to passionately bring everyone he came in contact with to the saving knowledge of Christ. He was not focused on programs and Podcasts, dramas, or lighting. He had something deep and powerful running through him, Jesus.

When I stop and think about how many people I come into contact with daily, I wonder if I am giving my all. Do I look at every person and see their destiny? Heaven or Hell may not be politically correct to discuss, but it is necessary.

Monday, I had a student come to my office and she wanted to give up on college. She was overwhelmed and confused. The problem was not school, when we dug a little deeper it was really a heart problem that was affecting everything else. We talked about God’s purpose for her life and how He loves her and values her. But later, I felt like I could have given more.
Paul said that there was no more work for him in that region and so he was going elsewhere. I want to be able to say when I leave my job, my city, CWC Milpitas to go to Hawaii, that there is no more work here for me. I want to say that I have reached everyone and that it is time to move on. I want to say with confidence that I left it all on the field in California.

Lord, let me not put the brakes on when it comes to sharing salvation no matter where I am at. Help me to recognize this may be someone’s last opportunity to know you. Let me reach my region for you. Amen