The Bible says in 1 John 3:22, “In whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” We see so much today that isn’t pleasing in His sight; we see the opposite of what we just read in 1 John 3:22. People are taking instead of asking. Instead of receiving, they reject the truth. Because we have broken the commandments in our country, we have a broken system. 2 Timothy 2:24 says, “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, patiently enduring evil.” We live in a time where it seems evil has become good and good has become evil. I understand that it’s confusion, division and strife for the Bible says that the devil is the author of confusion. Partner, we have to remember to keep our helmet of salvation on and the full armor of God on at all times. I want to encourage you to not give up, to stay in the faith and believe God for miracles, signs and wonders.
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) I want to encourage you to be kind to those in need, help them, pray for them and greet them with a smile. You might be the last person they see that knows the Lord. 10336661_10204872546718561_5389484302517189503_nRight there where you’re at, in the place where you live, maybe you don’t want to see your family. Maybe you don’t even want to give to your family. Remember that what goes around, comes around. Be not deceived, whatever you sow, so shall you reap. Sow the love of Christ. We cannot force others to be grateful but we can serve as Jesus did, not looking to people for our reward but rather to please God.
Partner, thank you for supporting us. We see that kids and parents are hurting. There are many families who are broken. 2 Peter 1:5-7 says, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to your virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” People want to live by faith but they have a misconception of what faith is. One moment their faith is soaring, “I believe! I believe!” and the next in doubt, “I don’t believe. I don’t believe.” Where it says “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,” that word virtue means excellence. Add excellence to your faith. Do everything in excellence. The Bible says that Daniel was preferred among kings and queens because of an excellent spirit. That excellent spirit comes through prayer, meekness and humility. The Bible says in Colossians 3:12 ESV, “Put on therefore as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” God has chosen us. He has chosen us to be holy, beloved, to have compassionate hearts, to be kind, humble, to have meekness and show patience.
He is faithful and will meet every need that you have. One thing that we are believing God for and we want you to believe God with us, Partner, is we want to see revival. DSC05512Revival happens when you start getting out there and winning souls. “He that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:32) “Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4) That’s what won me over, the love of God to repent. It wasn’t things that He had to offer. It was His love that compelled me to do everything in excellence. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV), “Finally all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender hearted and be courteous.” I pray God’s blessing upon you, Partner. I believe that God is going to do great things for you. I pray God’s best. I end with this: Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” In other words, our eyes might be blurred. Our eyes may be closed or even looking in a different direction, but as we fix our vision on Jesus, He will perfect our faith. Remember, put your eyes on Christ. Keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on Jesus. See you at the top!
God bless,
Manuel Carrizalez, Founder / President
Stay Focused & Reach 4 Greatness Tax ID#: 77-0527535
Great things are happening at Reach 4 Greatness: The Stay Focused Mentoring Program. If you’d like to check it out, visit www.reach4greatness.org
Stay Focused honors two of our faithful volunteers, Armando and Cristian, who are always willing to help at outreaches, consistently assist during T4C group mentoring, are one on one mentors, chaperone and cook. For everything you do for families in our community: Thank you!
