P.S. I'm still at work on my blog. Material added will be things pertinent to reaching hurting peoples in inner cities. I'll add pictures, links, and additional information. I'll attempt to change the topic once a week. For comments? Feel free to write something down. And or just stop by and say hello, maybe share things which have been effective in your location. Once again, I am excited you've taken time to join in. God bless you.

Success of an American Family: IMMIGRATION ISSUE
My dad, from Durango, Mexico, worked in the U.S. for many years and came as part of a farm picking group. He’d travel the southwest, northeast, Midwest and California, in search of farm work. Then after many deliberations with my mom and family, He decided to go north, to bring his family to the U.S. They first came to Tijuana, Mex. With my mom who was pregnant with myself at the time. So he brought us over into Santa Ana Calif., where we stayed with relatives in a one room dwelling. It was there, that shortly after; we rented a house on Daisy and 2nd St. in Barrio Artesia. After a couple of years my dad, saw an opportunity and bought our house on 3rd, and Townsend. There we stayed another 15 years. All the while, we worked to process our legal paperwork. My mom was born already in the states. So she was ok. Yet, our family became citizens of the U.S. Fast forward? The majority of my family are homeowners, with some which are part of the U.S. armed forces, and continue to grow in stature as upright citizens in the land of opportunity. Now does it mean I do not know or understand prejudice, poverty and pain. No! Yet my personal point in the immigration is two pronged:

U.S. View:

1. The sapping of economic strength
The argument is people from other countries without proper documentation sap the economic strength of our nation. Which includes hospitals DMV and employment.

2. Criminal behavior
That crimes are committed, and the government will never know they are due to a lack of information of them.

3. it’s their government’s job to care for its citizens.

Immigrants view:

1. They search for a better life. That is all. They want to help in taking care of their families. And it cannot be done in the some lonesome ranch on the horizon.

2. We were all immigrants at some time.

3. They are willing to work for low wages. As long as they work. Their argument is if they stop their working in the U.S. completely, the country would collapse. This ending the U.S.’ gripe that employment is being taken away from its citizens.

Balanced View
It works both ways. We will never stop migration of foreign peoples to the U.S. God created this country with the best government system in the world. That is without saying. Yet there must be proper and righteous legislation to assimilate people into our borders. Illegal aliens must come to the realization that there is a ‘process’. That there is no free ride or lunch. That laziness on the legal side is part of the dilemma. Hey, just get yourself to that office in your country, and go through the process as many of us did. Even, if there is a waiting period. Hey, good things take time.

The greatest country in the world
Being a citizen in the U.S. is a privilege, not a right. What I resent as a Hispanic is some two bit radicals and vigilantes. Who ‘somehow’ have found some sort of right to enforce to the letter of the law, a racial profiling mindset. Some act as they were here at the creation of the world. Another is violent marching of protesters. Who do away with the greatness of our land. Who develop hatred for America, and always think it’s an us against them mentality.

Bottom line:
There is an answer and room for compromise. There is hope. The conservative or the liberal views are not right. And they are not wrong. They are both right as far as immigration is concerned. There is a middle of the road. Our job as Christians is to yes, uphold the law. Yet, be sensitive to the plight of many immigrants. Did you know, many actually have died in their trek to get here? Yes, I know. But they still are souls. May we not forget where we came from. Let’s, continue preaching the gospel of Christ, which will enable people to see themselves as part of God’s great plan. Let’s get involved in the voting process and stand for biblical principles. If we do that, we will surely make a difference! Joshua 1:8

Leave your comments if you'd like. God bless you.

A LIFE OF HAPPINESS

BE HAPPY
Our health is the vehicle that'll take us beyond our horizons. It's the vessel that'll be there when we achieve our dreams. It's the temple from which God dwells in our life. It's the talent that God wants us to manage to the best of our ability. We have to live with our bodies, day in, and day out. It's a friend to us and takes us wherever we go. It tells us when we're pushing it too hard. And it trusts us to take care of it. Today, there's many Christians and I might add leaders, pastors, that feel health is a small issue. Their thought is, "Well, brother, that's not a major concern, for us, uh, uh, right now." These are the same guys who have diabetes, heart issues, have physical problems, take medication, multiple medications, I might add. And the same Christian leaders who will not allow anyone to share wisdom to them concerning this point. I hope you're not as this. Once again, I'm not perfect. But I'm striving. I'm doing the best to my ability. I want to do everything within my grasp, to fulfill God's will for my life. I want to serve Him with all I've got and live a life of abundance in God. I am a pastor. And you pastors know the rigors and pressure of Christian ministry. I'm a dad. My son needs me. What will he do without me at this point? What if you, as parent, If your kids lost their mom or dad. What if your church lost you to some dreaded disease? If you were no longer around? Can you picture that? Heh? You're very important!

1. Health biblically, is a major issue. We were born with a purpose. We were made to live life to the fullest. We have been called for such a time as this. For there are many lands to conquer. There are many people to reach. There are broken families standing on the brink. The cry of the hurting in each of our communites has gone up to heaven. And God is looking for a man, a woman, who will walk, and do everything He desires.

2. We can't fulfill God's will to the max if our health is in ruins.

3. We can stop bad health, by paying attention to our health. If you're a young person, now is the time to devlop healthy trends in exercise, eating habits and mindset. If you're a parent, and you do have a healthy lifestyle, begin to develop health as important within your family, spouse and children.In this our last segment concerning our physical health,

12 things that can help bring happiness to our life:

1.) Obedience - Obedience to God's word about our health.

2.) Eat the righ foods - Lev. 11 There's a good many foods that are very good for us. To be honest with you, here in SoCal. , there's many good restauarnts and foods. One of my loves, is Mexican food. But, it might not be the best for me. You, know the grease, the lard, the fried stuff. So I have to fight to be careful. What about you in the East Coast? Puerto Rican Food? Pizza? How about you, down South? Those Ribs? The Chitlings?

3.) Relax in overeating - Over eating is the cause of obesity. Gen. 7:1-3

4.) Laugh and have joy - There's too many gloomy Christians and families. Too many frustrated leaders. Laugh and have joy. Take time to reflect on God's goodness. Take a day off. Do something you've wanted to do for a long time. Go fly a kite! Read a good book. Laugh and have joy. We have one life. Thank you, Lord! Laugh and have joy!

5.) Exercise and stay active - Do physical work. Do you know that between ages of 30 - 70, we lose 30% of our muscle? That it turns to fat? Get out of the house. Plant a garden. Go play basketball, handball. Go bowling. Take walks. Run. When you go shopping, don't park too close to the store. Park a little farther. Why? So you can at least walk a little more. For the exercise. To get that heart pumping. Prov. 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 14:23

6.) Get proper sleep and rest. Get rested up. Rest goes a long way for our health. We all need our rest. (I'll try a little harder) Exo 20:8-11; Psa. 127:1-2

7.) Fast once a week. Isa 58: 6;

8.) Ask the Lord to heal if you become ill. Jam. 5:14 -15; Matt. 9:20-22

9.) Take supplemental vitamins or minerals. They're natural. They help keep up our immune system. They are supplemental. Now, on the side of every vitamin bottle. there's a disclaimer. It says, 'Well, this product is not approved by the CDC or FDA. It is our product, but is not in compliance, 'with their standards.' Like I said, in part one. These entities are all in cahoots. They are joined at the hip. They want our money, more. So the vitamin people, are taking business away from them. And, now vitamins are becoming a hot commodity in stores. Where, you even have beverage companies coming up with AntiOxident drinks. Take vitamins daily. Vitamins of your choice. There are vitamins and mineral supplements, that do the same as medications people take from doctors. Do you think, doctors have a corner on the healing of the physical body alone? Are they smarter than God's natural creation? They act like they are. Many of the medications have side effects. Everything we need for healing, God has already created it. Do your own study. Check it out for yourself. That's all I'm saying. If not, then don't. Don't worry, God still loves you.

10.) Live life as this was your last day on earth. I Love You, Lord!

11.) Don't go around confessing your sickness. Ouch!

12.) Worship, Read God's word and pray! Remember, the last shall be first. This here is the most important. Why? Read 1 Tim. 4:7-8. The Bible says train yourself to be godly. Focus on your body, but the spiritual is the more important. Physical is VERY important. But our spiritual is what counts. The spiritual affects the physical. Read also, James 5: 13-16.

Hope this help some. Desire to leave a comment feel free. Be Happy!

KEYS TO GOOD HEALTH

Hey! The 21 Day Fast starts tomorrow! Nah! Just kidding! In my last blog, I talked about what scripture says about our health; What we face as a nation and as the Body of Christ; What doctors don't want us to know. This week, I'd like to talk about 2 keys to health. Key #1 to better health is:

1) Obedience - Just means glorifying God with our body. Alot of us want good health, Yet, many times we go for the gusto and splurge. Talking about eating. Eating wrong foods. People get ill because of what they eat, many times. And since diets don't work, its imperative we stay on track and eat right. Did you ever see an overweight guy or lady, big o' plate of food in front of them. With a diet soda on the side? Then, you think to yourself? Am I the only one seeing this? So living a well balanced life is what works. You say, alright then, "What are wrong foods I must be careful of?" I' ll go down the line on just a couple of them.

2.) Eating The Right Foods. First, let's talk about

some bad foods.

SODAS -The average person drinks 37 gallons each year. Many of the drinks contain caffeine. Carbonated beverages tend to destroy kidney cells. It's a major contributor to obesity. I'm not going to even give power drinks, you know, Red Bull. Rock Star, Monsters, etc. the ones you might be addicted to.

WHITE SUGAR -The average American eats 175 pounds of sugar each year. Sugar is in much of the processed foods today. Did you know cancer feeds on sugar? Did we mention all the bad effects it has on diabetics.

WHITE FLOUR - Oh, there goes our Burritos, White bread, and those Quesadillas! Bread makers of today aren't the bread makers of the OT. Bible says, that bread gives man strength. Today's 'enriched bread' is just some gooey stuff in our stomachs. What do they do? They take out the bran and wheat germ, (Good stuff) then, sell it to health food stores. They add artificial flavors and ingredients. Then, 'enrich' the bread, once they bleach it. Then, sell it to us, and we go feed that stuff to our kids. Then, say. 'Hey, I'm doing my job as a parent!" Let's go on. It gets better.

PORK - Oh, my. BBQ ribs, Carnitas, Chicharonnes, Pork Chops, etc. Remember, in spanish, pork means dirty. Now this meat is the worst. It's tops. If we eat this stuff on a daily basis. We had better check our Christianity. In scripture God rails against eating this parasite laden meat. Ok, you wanna go on?! Alright . . .

GOD'S CUCARACHAS?(Cockroaches)!

a. The 3 Little Piggies - Cows have 4 compartments in their stomach to digest food. A pig eats trash and unclean food which stays in their flesh. They eat excrement, (Yeah, you know what that means) then it merges with their flesh, next it enters us when we eat Tacos de Carnitas. Pork is loaded with saturated fats, highest meat in fats, and cholesterol. At times there might be cancer in the pig's skin, or other organs. Pork products are shot with nitrates that are known to be cancer-causing. It causes bad digestion and stomach problems. They contain trichina larvae, (Worms!) and becomes trichinosis. Before we start saying, "Roy, you is one crazy guy!" Look, we eat the pork, the parasite enters our stomach, the eggs hatch in our stomach, then invade our muscles and tissues. A pig that's been infected with larvae, has thousands of cysts inside the muscles. its muscles that we, look forward to eating in the form of pork chops, ham, barbecued ribs, etc. Ever heard the saying, "Eat a Pig, Look like a Pig" Ever heard of Living Cell Therapy? Professor Lettre @ Heidelberg University did a survey. That when someone ate pork. The place where the pork came from. They would gain weight at the place where the part of the pork came from. In other words, if it was from the rump, then we'd gain weight there. Or the neck and so on. Wow! Pretty heavy stuff, Heh? Read Isa 65:3-4 or 66:17. See what God says about it.

I know what's you're thinking: "What did God make hogs for?" He made it to clean up garbage. Like buzzards, shrimp, and crabs. They all have something in common. They're scavengers. Knowing some Bible theologians, they'll probably quote a scripture in Acts where God tells Peter to rise and eat. I know that. But God was talking about the gospel to the Gentiles. And, if you like pork so much then, keep on keeping on. I abstain from pork, except on rare occasions. So I ain't so 'holy' here. But you'll probably not see me eat pork, daily or weekly. A fact: Foods that taste best, are often the worst. The word is balance. Yet, do you think Jesus ate pork? Share with me a scripture where Jesus ate pork? What did Jesus think of pork? He ordered a herd of swine off a cliff to be drowned in the sea! That's what He thought!

b. Shrimp, Lobster, and Crabs? - They're tasty, I know. Yet, they clean our ocean floor. I wonder what environmental disaster would happen if all they were all eliminated?

c. Shell fish - They are natural filters of the ocean floor. All that gook, chemicals, toxins, that flow from our homes, go somewhere right? It goes to the ocean floor. God created them to clean up. We've all gone to Red Lobster or eaten shrimp. A true story. My son, was born without his 3 fingers on his left hand. His doctor did some surgery on his left hand. Dr. Bruce Achauer. One of the country's renown doctors. He was one of the founding members of the Beckman Institute. What was told to me, was, as he was eating dinner at a restaurant in San Diego, about 1o years back or so. Then, he fell over dead from eating oysters or some type of shell fish. Shellfish are saturated with deadly mercury, due to toxins. Hey, if you want to, do your homework on all I said.

A Few Things I Do to help:

1. Put honey in my coffee. Instead of sugar. Costs a little more, but in the long run it'll helps.
2. Cook with Olive Oil. Chefs on the Food channel, cook with it all the time. Wonder why?
3. Eat wheat bread at home. Might cost a little more. But its better.

4. Drink water most of the time.

5. Eat alot of chicken. Thank God for Pollo Loco!
6. Eat my steak well done. When I have steak. I take it well done? Why? Because germs and impurities are in the blood. That's why God didn't want His people eating meat with blood.

7. Take natural vitamins as added nutrients & supplement. A word for parents. If your kids are having growth problems and they're not growing as they should. Try giving them a daily vitamin with multi vitamins or minerals. Kids eat all those sugary cereals. Then we feel, they really had a good breakfast. They eat more junk food at school & after. But with vitamins it helps. That's all I'm saying.

So as for us, God has a plan for the long run. He loves us. And wants us to be productive until He takes us home. I want to see you blessed. I love and want the best for you. I'm convinced that the best is yet to come for your life. Yet, we must take care of ourselves. We'll feel better. Have more energy. And we'll be able to do and fulfill all that God has for us to do. I didn't mean to offend any of you. I chose the topic because of what I see in the world today. May God bless you. Talk to you later.

Feel free to leave a comment. Any ideas for healthy foods for

eating let us know. Love to hear from you!

Best Health For 2010'

Best of Health For 2010! Pt. 1 As Christians, we live in a society that says, if it feels good, just go and do it. Well, when it comes to our body, it's a life or death issue. Matter of fact, we're as a nation, one of the most smartest and sophisticated societies in the world. On the cutting edge of technology. Have some of the greatest Medical institutes. Yet, we're one of the most obese, have one of the highest rates of heart disease(No#1 Killer), have one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. Why is that? Huh? And sad to say, many Christians are afflicted with many sicknesses that stop them from performing their God given tasks. Once again why is that? Is it because there is no biblical 411 on the topic? Is it because there's ignorance concerning it? Is it we abuse our bodies, then ask God to bless us, like if its not important? Is it because we have become soft, and self indulgent in how we treat our bodies? Well? The answer could be yes. Now, before we get started, I can't say everyone is as this. For there's many well intentioned people with an eye to their future, concerning their bodies. But, I can say, a majority fall into this department. Even in many churches, it's not even talked about much. It should. I am waiting for the day that its taught in conferences and seminars widely. For there are many in our nation who come from abusive lifestyles concerning their health. And they're at greatest risk. Though we reach thousands with the gospel, it's possible we could eat and fellowship till it's out of control, then until our doctor says, "Hey, I want to have a meeting with you. Its very important. If you don't listen, it will go bad for you!" As someone said, we're, "Digging our own grave with a fork." In many churches, we preach God heals. God cares, God can do miracles. But we ourselves could say, "Oh, I forgot to mention I have diabetes. I have high blood pressure. I myself am sick, and take or rely on my doctor for treatment." Look, how can we say we're healed? If we're not? If God heals, then you are completely healed. I'm alluding to those who have run their bodies to the ground, hence, have become afflicted with some type of disease. Also, I'm in no way disrespecting professional medical attention, simple prescriptions or those who have diseases in any way (So please, don't go there). Also I'm not trying to rain on your parade, either. Put yourself in my shoes, or a minister like me. We have to do funerals throughout the year. We have to stand before many times, the children and families of the deceased. And there they are crying, right in front of us. And for us to know, that the deceased didn't listen to us or God's word, on the health issue. Do you know how that feels? Doesn't feel too good. Anyhow, what I'm saying is for us to be proactive. That you and me can do better. That, if we watch our spiritual life, as well as our physical, we can live that abundant life God talks about in His word. So what does the Bible say about our health? Well, I'm glad you asked . . .

1. We are responsible for our bodies. Lev. 11:47
2. God has given us a blueprint for health in Scripture. 3 John 1:2
3. That the more we learn and put it into practice, the better off we'll be.
4. That we can become better through God's healing, & nutrition.
5. That there is a connection between the spiritual and our physical health.

"What Are We Facing Today?"
Here it is, you asked for it. Let me say this. After you read this blog. Many of you will either hate me(Just shoot me why don't you. I'm only a messenger anyway), think I lost it really bad, or some of you, will do your homework(Like I did), then smile and say, Thank You, Jesus! Now, I am no doctor, don't claim to be ever. Don't aspire to be. I've just read alot and looked at many scriptures in the Bible. Everything I went through just pushed me to find the truth, about my health. And even, I, (If I can confess) could lose a few more pounds. I know that. But, also it's kinda rare, (Only by God's grace), that I ever get ill. I'm happy to say, that I've been pretty much the same weight for the last 15 years. So, this topic is meant to push us to live better thoughtful lives concerning our bodies. So we could live fuller healthy lives and do God's will. (Hey, I know this is a very touchy topic for many of you)

Ok , here's some stats:.

• 18 million Americans have Diabetes. 5 million don't know they have it. 1 in 4 Mexican Americans have Diabetes. 50,000 in East Los Angeles alone! Do your homework, Check it out! Diabetes costs the U.S. 132 billion dollars each year. East Los Angeles is the epicenter of our entire nation. I was speaking on this subject a while back in a church in L.A. And, My God, I felt like they were going to lynch me. There were a few angry negative comments negating what I had said, (Really what the Bible Said!) because it was hitting home. Same thing happened in Orlando,Fl. when I started talking about pork ribs. Pork in spanish is Puerco. It means dirty. Hello? People looked at me with that hardcore 'down south' stare that says, Huh, Huh? No, No! Don't you dare mess wit my babyback ribs!!?! I'll slap you silly!
• Obesity. It has reached epidemic proportions. Anne Harmel @ USC said, that 65% of all Americans are overweight. That's 1 in 3. Wow!
• Hepatitus C. There are 180,000 people in L.A. County alone infected with this dreaded disease. Even multiple ministers live with this terrible affliction. I know many of them.

Should I go on? Talk about Mega? That's Mega! Who's at fault here? Many times its parents, schools, and churches, and leaders.

Let's focus our attention on today's doctors. I'd like to mention a few things about them. For they are not guiltess. (Not all doctors. For there are many good doctors. You know that, and I know that. What would we do without doctors?)

What They Don't Want You To Know:

1. That they're banking on you getting sick.

2. That there's alternatives for healing. There's natural alternatives that do a better job than some of their synthetic drugs which have side effects. Just listen for yourself, at those crazy commercials on TV. They say, "This medicine is good, but if taken with whatever, it could kill you. Make sure you consult your doctor," mumbo jumbo.

3. That medical institutes & pharmaceuticals are like the mafia. That's right, its all about money. As a matter of fact, many government officials and or high officials are on the boards of major pharmaceutical companies, to make sure they keep their product on the forefront.

4. That they spend billions of dollars in ads each year. When at the doctors office, notice those traveling salesman who go from office to office giving their clients free literature and samples, (you know, the ones that the doctors give to you for free). They do that to keep hospitals and doctors in line with their products. I tell you, its a multi- biilion dollar industry.

5. That there's things working in other countries which are banned in this country. Ask Farrah Fawcett. Even she mentioned it in the segment filmed on her life.

6. That they'll go out of business if we you get well. Man, could you imagine? If doctors go out of business? We'll probably see them at the front of the local home depot stores asking for work!

7. That people who find cures are called quacks and silenced. By the way, they have the news media in their corner. They have lobbyists in Washington, & in capitols in our nation. Check out one website called quack watch.I have researched this. When Vera was going through that treatment I spent many hours researching for a cure. But the chemo and radiation had done its job on Vera's liver.

What about you?

Are you happy with with your health?Are you eating according to how God wants you to eat?Are you willing to make a lifestyle change in your health habits? Do you realize God has called you for ministry for the long run?

3 Things before I close: 3 John

Dare to be different - v.11

Dare to be Healthy - v.2

Dare to be Faithful - v. 5-6

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then using God’s great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry’s and Krispy Kreme Donuts. And Satan said, “You want chocolate with that?” And Man said “Yea,” and woman said, “And another one with sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds. And God created the healthful yogurt that woman might keep the figure that man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them. And woman went from size 6 to size 14. So God said, “Try my fresh green salad.” And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing and garlic toast on the side. And man and woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said, “I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.” And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then brought running shoes so that his children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And man and woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and gained pounds. Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And man gained pounds. God then gave lean beef so that man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald’s and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, “You want fries with that?” And man replied, “Yea! And super size ‘em.” And man went into cardiac arrest. God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Then Satan created HMOs! Hah!

I will go over part 2 next week. Don't worry. It'll just get more interesting, you'll see. Hey, feel free to leave your comments or ideas concerning biblical nutrition. I'd like to hear from you.

THE WAR ON DRUGS!

Concerning the War On Drugs,

we are enduring one of the most menacing and diabolical schemes and elements man has ever known. It's named Drugs. It has affected the way governments do their business. It saps the strength of up and coming promising generation.

1. People are dead due to drugs.

2. Families are broken up due to drugs.

3. Men & women with gifts, talents are in prison due to drugs.

4. Overdosed lost users are in a eternal place, not called heaven.

Before we get started, Just take a look at the LA. Times today, Tuesday February 2nd, 2010. I actually finished my blog last night. So I did not know, the Times would run this story. Wow!!? Anyhow, I pastor a church, and am part of a movement, Victory Outreach International, which is at the forefront of the drug war in inner cities worldwide. I'm blessed to say, that for the most part, God has been gracious and used us for His honor and glory, to impact lives with the gospel of Christ. In our ministry, I deal with, develop men and women. Then dispatch them into the ministry for the Lord. Its a calling God has given me. It's who I am. I have been at it for 20 years of full time Christian ministry. Even though, I was considered a lighweight (Means, I tried everything else, other than Heroin. There's a story to that also. Ok Ok. I'll tell you. One day as a young guy. Naw, I'll tell you on my next blog. For this is Part 1#) concerning drugs, yet, let me share my story.

1. Bad influence.

My brother, began smoking weed as a teenager. Then on a saturday afternoon, he encouraged me to do it. That it would be a good feeling. So I did. It was a feeling I had never known before. Then I kinda liked it. So I continued to do it, any chance that I had.

2. The In Thing To do.

One day, while I was "Buzzed out" I went down the street zoned out. I came across 20 -30 friends, "Homeboys" just kicking it in our hood. They asked me to join them. I did. Later, I found out my brother began dealing drugs in big quantitites. So I had the connection in my own house. And began hanging with the fellows.

3. One step up.

I began experimenting with Angel Dust. Mint leaves mixed with some kind of embalming fluid. It was popular in the late 70's. Then Sherm. That was cigarettes dipped in maybe the same thing. Crazy, Heh? Then came Cocaine, and a mixture, maybe along the same lines as Crack.

4. A Wake Up Call.

After seeing many of my friends dying, getting shot, going to prison. And me failing in school, and becoming worse, violent and rebellious. God sent someone to share the gospel with me. It was a homeboy who had given his life to God. God had touched my life. I knew it was real. For one day, while at home getting ready for school, I went through my wallet. And behold a marijuana cigarette? For I loved to walk to school smoking my joint before school. I loved it. So much students knew I had the bag. I said, to myself, 'I can't do this anymore. That's it!" So I crumbled that joint into the toilet. That's how I knew the curse had been broken in my life.

The war we face is a difficult one. In South America, and throughout Latin America and Mexico. It has become an outright battleground and nightmare. So what are we to do?

I. Pray

There is no better antidote, than prayer. Pray for people we know addicted. Pray for families ravaged by the uncaring curse of drugs. The drug business has become just that. A business. Backing the cartels, and drug connections is Satan. He is behind it all. He deals in greed, fear, lust for power, and destruction. We must come against the enemy, in Jesus name.

II. Reach out in being a Lighthouse to your community.

Preach the gospel. Tell someone Jesus loves them, and desires to forgive them. That He's the hope and answer in life we need.

III. Be influential as a mentor.

People need leadership. As a young man. I had not many positive influences. There were many who cared and desired to help. Yet I was just too hard headed. Yet, I needed people to not give up on me. Which many did. Influence someone, for God. Show them you care. Don't give up!

IV. Be consistent in your walk with God.

Many are watching. They watch to see if there's any truth to what we profess. Then when they see the amount of time. We come with them with the gospel, and our words will have power. We have leverage, and the reputation. Keep growing in God.

This year, let's be resolved. Listen, the government does not care. They're more concerned with balancing the budget, and handing out free stumulus money. The politicians in D.C. are more concerned over who has power and control than they do their own constituents! If they seem as if they do. It is lost in over spending our tax dollars in beauracracy. That is why after all of our technology and sophistication. We cannot stop the drug trade. And all the while as people go about their business. We are losing millions in our generation to drug addiction. Look! Its happening everywhere, even in high scale neighborhoods. So much that people do not know what to do! Yet, me and you know better. God is with us. And regardless. WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Let's do it together with God! Oh, yes. We have His backing. He is on our winning team!

Share your testimony, and or need prayer for a loved one or family member. Feel free to leave a comment. Have a great week!

C'MON LIFT UP THOSE HANDS!

Our hands perform multiple tasks. With them we work, we cook, we help others. We give. Yet, our hands were also made to reach to God. In Exo. 17, Amalek had come and attacked Israel as they came out of Egypt. Egypt signifies bondage. So they attacked them at a place called Rephidim. Which means, Place of rest. Or to camp out. Yep', we gotta be careful of camping out. Then, Moses ordered Joshua to pick some good soldiers to go and fight against the enemy. What is interesting is that the Amalekites attacked the weary, the women, kids, those who were ill. They were a cold blooded people. Then Moses, Hur and Aaron went to the mountaintop. The Bible says, that when Moses lifted his arms to heaven with the staff, Israel began winning. Remember, the staff was a shepherds staff. Which represents, The Lord is My Shepherd. So when he lowered them, they began losing. Then his team, put a stone under him, while they lifted his arms on their shoulders. Then they had victory. Heavy stuff, heh? What does that tell you and me?

• That there will surprise attacks on our families.
• That after a God moving experience we'll be attacked.

After 8:1-7. God provided water. Which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. After that, the enemy attacked. When the enemy of God attacks, it is solely to distract, demoralize, discredit, discourage and destroy you. So be aware.

• That prayer takes work.

People judge Moses for not fighting along his army. But remember, he had to climb the mountain. Then he held up his arms for a long time. You try doing it! You get tired. Then Israel had victory. God has given us victory. We have Him by our side. He will never let you down.

1. But we must be ready to serve as Joshua.

He was ready, willing and able. He didn't question. He went and fought, even though they were deficient in the weapons they possessed. We must be ready for God's call.

2. We must be ready to pray.

Prayer decides battles we face. It sways the tides of history. It opens and shuts the windows of heaven. And it puts to the rout our spiritual enemies.

3. We must be like Hur.

This is what we need more of in our churches. Hur represents those heroes who work behind the scenes. You know, the unspoken heroes. Those who do all the important work of the church. Everybody wants the spotlight. I don't know. There's just something in us that desires to be seen. How many people attend our churches. How many disciples we have. How much we're blessed more than the next person. Maybe when Joshua, came back from the battle he probably recieved praise and adulation for his heroic work. Aaron probably began a worship service. But then, way over there in the distance, you see a lone figure walking. It's a tired and weary man going to his tent. It was Hur. As he entered his tent he was rejoicing at being used by God in helping Moses. Then all of a sudden, out of no where, he hears a voice, a whisper. It said, "Hur, You are my servant. I love you. You are faithful man. Well done!" Then He probably responded, "I Love You, Lord!" You know how God blessed Hur afterwards? Well, his grandson, became the builder and architect of the Tabernacle. Which represents the presence of God. How about that? Wow! Keep those hands lifted!

A water bearer in India carried two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole slung across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. Every day for 2 years the pot leaked, and the servant brought only one and a half pots of water to his master's house. The flawless pot was proud of its ability to do what it was created to do. But the poor cracked pot was so ashamed of its imperfection, and felt terrible that it performed so poorly. One day it talked to the man of its failure. "I’m ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." Why?" he said. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past 2 years, to deliver only half my load, for I am cracked and leak. Because of my flaw, you do not get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The water bearer looked at the damaged pot with compassion and said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and it was happy. But by the end of the trail, it had leaked out half its load, and again apologized to the servant for its failure. The water carrier said to the pot, "Did you notice that flowers grew only on your side of the path? That’s because I’ve always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. So I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walked back from the stream, you watered them. And they have been the same beautiful flowers in these past 2 years I have been able to pick to decorate my master's table. But it was only because of your imperfection."

We all have our flaws. But we should'nt be discouraged. For if we allow God to use our imperfections. He will do something beautiful.

So C'mon Keep Those Hands Lifted! Leave any praise reports of prayer if you can. Have a beautiful week.