Doesn't Make Sense

You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branch back into the tree where they belong. ~Romans 11:24

As I was reading the word this morning during my devotional time, this verse not only stood out but it really spoke to me. A little backstory to this is that the Apostle Paul is telling the Romans how we as Gentiles have the blessing to be a part of God’s special tree upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and through Him we find salvation. However, we must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off (the Jews, God’s chosen people who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah) because we are merely branches, not the root.

Ok, so we understand the concept of the tree, right? There are two trees; His cultivated tree (Chosen people) and a wild olive tree (Gentiles). As Gentiles; non-Jews, we have been grafted (inserted) into God’s tree while some of the original branches have been cut off, due to their lack of faith. What a privileged you and I have been granted! However, what is mind blowing- well, not really because God is God and He is Omnipotent and He does as He pleases, but what is so amazing about our God is what this text says..

“…So if God was willing (His choice) to do something contrary to nature (against the norm)…” Wow! This means that there is no telling how He will do things in our lives. We are not to place God inside of a box because He cannot operate in a “fixed” environment. We are not to expect Him to intervene or resolve something our way. Maybe God wants to glorify Himself in your situation differently than before. Expect the unexpected, He will act, respond, put together, take apart, or bless you on His terms, not yours. It may be exactly the way that you’ve envisioned it and AMEN! However, chances are there will be some slight changes, be open to the possibilities of your blessing coming in an unconventional manner. If you are open, you will give Him the freedom to move and operate how He pleases. There are no rules or guidelines that the Lord of Lords and Creator of all things should follow. Who are we to demand or expect God to do things a certain way? Exactly, we are no one to question His doings. Sometimes things will simply not make sense; does it mean God doesn’t know what He’s doing? Of course not, He is all knowing.

Going back to this verse, isn’t it crazy to think that there are two trees and God grabs one branch from one tree and grafts it, or inserts it into another tree? The question is: Will it belong? Will it stick together? Will it grow? Well, you and I are here. By His grace and love we are here and if you’ve confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are in the family. It didn’t look, seem or feel right, and from an agricultural/landscaping point of view, it still doesn’t make sense yet that’s what God decided to do. And aren’t we happy He did, because of it; we too have been granted the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Sometimes it takes something that doesn’t make sense to fulfill the purpose. Today I encourage you to let God work in your life the way He wants to. Surrender your all (especially your mind and intellect, they always try to reason and make sense out of things) and allow Him total access to do as He pleases, to remove and place as He wishes. You may not get it but don’t hinder His work or your progress. It doesn't have to make sense to you, as long as it makes sense to Him. He’s a craftsman. Let Him create a new thing in you today!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Mentor the Next Generation

 

Hi Everyone!

I know we are all looking forward to the 4^th of July weekend, those of us who live in the U.S. As for me, I have a fun-filled week ahead with my husband’s family coming into town from New Jersey, so we are all excited to spend some family time.

Before, we get our party hats on and begin to celebrate with fireworks; I wanted to share this with you all. I really wanted to share my heart with everyone. This is something that I have already shared on my social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and I also wanted to share it on my blog so everyone to read it.

I am a firm believer of empowering and encouraging others to reach their top potential. I’d like to be known for inspiring, encouraging and blessing others. I want to constantly, not only motivate myself but motivate others as well. I want everyone to excel in their individual journeys, knowing that they too can push past any limitations that may be of hindering. With that being said, sometimes we need a little help and God places people in our paths everyday with the purpose to help us. There will be times where you will need help but there will also be times where you will be that source of help for others.

As youth pastors, my husband and I constantly are working with the younger generation, we realize that they are the next generation and it is our responsibility to lead them, teach them, empower them, motivate them and mentor them. If they don’t get it from us, who will they get it from?

It’s everyone’s responsibility to listen and help these kids who are rising up. You do not have to be a youth pastor to do so, everyone is a leader in their own individual way. You can make a difference in someone’s life simply by caring and genuinely helping them excel in whatever area you are good at. Help them become better.

 This is what I shared earlier on social media and my hope is that you too become encouraged and motivated to encourage and motivate someone who may need your help. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus and sharing the gifts He has deposited in us-with others! The more you release, the more you receive.

 

Leaders:

 Invest your time and resources into the next generation. They will remember! That goes for mentorship, leadership, teaching, preaching, music, worship, arts and even business. Whatever gifts you have been given, share the wealth of knowledge to others. Encourage them to be better and do better than you. Ouch! Why? Because you're standing today but guess what? Tomorrow you will be sitting down and they will be standing up, leading just like we are today. How great will it be to leave a legacy of multiplication?! You multiplied yourself unto others. You were not afraid to teach what someone else taught you and have others learn what one day you learned. Take someone under your wing and mentor them to be better than you; because my friends, that is the sign of a true leader: one that can look back and say, I mentored them and they became better than me! Let’s be a generation of sharing, one who spreads the wealth of knowledge. Let's empower the generation that is rising!

 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Musician's mindset

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today, I have a special interview with someone who is doing big things in the Christian music industry as a bass player, musical director, producer and instructor. I met Danny through my husband Josh, who are really good friends from their home state, New Jersey.

I hope you guys enjoy this blog interview as much as I did. If you are a musician, worshipper, producer or just love music, Danny's answers will inspire and encourage you to continue to do great things for the kingdom.

Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is actually Daniel Julian Hernandez. I was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. I was raised in New Jersey, but spent all my summers in Puerto Rico. My dad and all my uncles are all musicians and my sisters sing so I was surrounded by music all throughout my childhood.

God has blessed me with a beautiful family; my wife Jennifer and my baby girl Alyssa Grace. We live in Orlando and are active members of City of Life church in Kissimmee, FL.

2. What is something many people do not know about you?

I am often told that I look like a very serious person. Although I am when I need to be, I'm actually very silly and love to laugh and joke around. In fact, most of my friends say I talk too much!

3. If you were not in the industry, what would you be doing?

Before I went into music full-time, I actually worked in finance. I started off as a teller and worked my way up to Branch Manager of a bank in NJ so I'd probably be doing something in finance.

4. Do you play any other instruments besides the bass?

I started off playing drums in my church when I was 5 yrs old. I picked up the bass when I was about 13 or 14 and then went on to play piano. I fell in love with bass and went back to it and focused on that. However, I still enjoy playing drums a lot!

5. How did you become a musical director for Ingrid Rosario and Christine D’Clario?

Well, I met Ingrid Rosario awhile back when I lived in NJ through a band called TruDestiny that I used to play bass in. I always stayed in contact with Ingrid and Tony, her husband. In 2007, I got married and decided to move to Florida. During that time Ingrid needed a bass player to help with a few events because the bass player at the time was transitioning. I did those events and to God be the glory, the rest is history. I've been her musical director for a few years now and I also thank her very much for the opportunity she gave me to co-produce her most recent album Pasion. It was really a great experience working alongside her on that project.

With Christine, we actually met at church in Orlando. We were part of the worship team and became great friends. When God opened up the doors, she and her husband Carlos asked if I wouldn't mind helping them out. I happily agreed and have been working together ever since. Working with Christine has been really incredible and it’s an honor to work with her and the entire team.

I thank God every day for the incredible blessing of not only worshiping and lifting the name of Jesus all over the world, but also for the wonderful experience to do it alongside these truly anointed women of God.

6. What has been one of your most memorable highlights in the ministry?

It would honestly be impossible for me to just pick one. Anytime you see lives being changed by the power of God and the hope of Jesus it truly is an amazing experience. Whether in a packed stadium, my home church, or a small event with just a few people, it is always such a humbling experience to be used by God to expand his Kingdom.

7. How to you balance your personal, family and ministry life?

This is always a challenge because you don't really have a set schedule, but for me I make sure to make time for my family. I spend a lot of time out on the road so my priority is to spend as much time with my family when I'm home. We go to church together; we go to the park, the mall, and anything else we can think of. I really enjoy serving at my church as much as I can and not just playing in the worship team. I try to get involved in other areas that involve community outreach whenever possible.

8. What is one of the biggest challenges about being in the ministry?

I think that one of the biggest challenges about ministry is sacrificing time. Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions are often missed due to being on the road and that sometimes is a little rough although the reason is very rewarding.

This may be a little controversial, but I feel like another big challenge we face often in ministry is the spirit of competition and entitlement among worship leaders and musicians. This I feel limits what God wants to do with this generation. If we would just humble ourselves more, I feel like we would see a move of God like never before in a time where our world, including most of our own communities, need God and the hope of Jesus desperately.

9. What is one goal or dream you would like to reach?

Something that has been in my heart for some time now is to not do things just to do them, but instead do things with purpose. That everything I do makes an impact in God's Kingdom and the expansion of the Gospel.

10. What advice can you give someone who wants to get in the music industry as a musical producer?

For starters, pray. Put all those dreams and desires in God's hands. He opens doors and opportunities that we could never open or get ourselves. Secondly, learn as much as you can and never think you know it all because you don't know it all and never will. Learn to take constructive criticism and seek the counsel of those more experienced. Always keep a good attitude and stay humble and keep God first always.

11. How would you like people to remember you?

I would like people to remember me as a person who loved God with all his heart and surrendered everything in worship every opportunity he got no matter the stage. As a person who loved his family tremendously, loved to help people as much as he could anyway he could and a person that lived grateful to God for all his blessings.

Thank you Danny for blessing us with your words of wisdom!!

For more information about Danny Hernandez and his ministry, connect with him through Facebook and Twitter. www.facebook.com/dannybass11 and www.twitter.com/dannybass11

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

Be Thankful

One of the things I look forward to every morning is my time with Jesus! This is a time where I talk to Him and He talks to me through prayer and the Word. I love reading daily devotionals, I read many of them and I came across this one that I wanted to share with you. With Thanksgiving around the corner, everyone is in the spirit of thankfulness. Enjoy this word!!

 

…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. {Ephesians 5:20}

I’ve never met a person who feels sorry for themselves who is upbeat and happy about life. No matter how much they do have in most cases they don’t see it and therefore actually miss the blessing. That mindset comes from comparison; comparing oneself to another.

Comparison is part of the fallout from the Garden of Eden which unlocked the knowledge of “good and evil” in humanity. Now when we assess situations we don’t look at it and say “God made that, it’s awesome!” which was what God intended. Instead we say “That person is better (or worse) than me”. We put a scale of good to bad on everything and then measure our own lives against it. Gal 6:3 says “…don’t compare yourself with others”.

Comparison is damaging and undermines the uniqueness in which God has created each of us. There’s a Jewish proverb that says “I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”. One of the most transformational concepts within the Bible is thankfulness. The power you DO HAVE and that it is a blessing, will literally turn your life around. Things won’t necessarily change externally BUT internally something amazing happens. It’s called peace, joy and the presence of God, which is far more valuable than what you have on the outside, because what you have on the outside is always subject to the decay of this world.

In the Bible, thankfulness is often linked to unlocking God's presence in your life. It’s not that He’s not there, its just that feeling sorry for yourself steals your awareness that He is.

Today, steal yourself against the trap of comparison. Just choose to BE THANKFUL. I’ll leave you with this little saying: If you COUNT all your blessings you’ll always uncover a PROFIT!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

 

 

The power of Words

I love to read devotionals because I receive a sense of empowerment and encouragement that no matter what I am going through, everything is going to be ok. We can all relate, I'm sure. The simple thought of knowing that things may have slipped from our control but nothing slips God is comforting. He has and will always have control over everything in our life! And something that I have told myself repeatedly is that words are powerful. The words that come out of your mouth have power to bless or curse, it has power to shift a negative atmosphere to a positive one. Your thoughts are translated into words and those words have power to bring forth change. Need a change in your life? It starts with your declaration. Make sure that your words coincide with the results you want to see. The bible says "Keep this Book of the Law [word of God] always on your lips; meditating on it day and night [your thoughts], so that you may be careful to do everything written in it [obedience]. Then you will be prosperous and successful [God's blessings]. {Joshua 1:8}

I came across this awesome word from Dr. Cindy Trimm and I wanted to share it with you. I know it will bless and encourage you!!

A certain cleaning brand has a new series of commercials that are really powerful! Have you seen the ads where people are blindfolded and asked to describe what they smell? In each instance, they are brought to a place overflowing with garbage, dirty socks, or rotting food. But, in every case, the blindfolded test subjects have a pleasant response, saying it smells like the ocean, clean laundry, or tropical breezes. 

In each of the commercials, we're promised that this wonderful product has the ability to transform the environment from disgusting to delightful; that no place is so odiferous that a few sprays of this amazing cleaner can't make it pleasant again. 

Whether you believe the product claims or not, it does provide a great parallel for what you and I can experience in our lives. You see, you are likely to find yourself in places that aren't always pleasant. Maybe you're dealing with stress or conflict on the job. Maybe your home has become anything but a place of peace and rest. It doesn't have to stay that way!

You can neutralize the negative effects of what has taken place in your home and in your business by what you put into the atmosphere. You have been empowered by God to infuse His Presence, His Promises, His Provision, and His Protection into your environment. You have the power within you to change your surroundings - wherever you are - into a place of peace and prosperity... because GOD is within YOU!

In fact, you can initiate the change you want through the power of your words. Job 22:28 states that you can decree a thing and it shall be established. The power of blessing and cursing, even life and death, is in the words you speak.

It's time for you to take authority with your words. Put them to work FOR you instead of against you by declaring your home and business blessed!

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Powerful words by Dr. Cindy Trimm, huh? I encourage you to not say what you don't want to see, but declare [speak] what you want to see happen in your life, in your family, in your situation. Your words, when aligned with the word of God are powerful and life-changing. I will leave you with this verse, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. {Hebrews 4:12}
 

 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥