It's just a shadow

A couple months ago I did a series study on Psalm 23 with our young adults group. I enjoyed studying in depth this chapter and sharing it with the youth because there is so much truth revealed in these short six verses. By far, this has been one of my favorite studies yet. Over that time period, I would write a few things here and there on Facebook and Twitter that would spark some interest from people; I even shared my notes with a few. Today, I would like to share some insight on one of the verses that captivated me the most, verse 4. Just as it has blessed me and a few others, I hope it blesses you too.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death".

Notice that the words 'yea, though' (in the NKJV) and 'even though' (in the NIV) mean the same thing.

The verse continues to say, 'I walk through the valley of the shadow of death'. Did you see the assurance right at the beginning of the verse? It says 'even though'. No matter what I may be facing, I still have peace. I mean, you really need to be confident and brave if you’re going to walk through a valley of death. You have a 50/50 chance of survival, you’re either going to come out dead or alive, it is a valley of death, right? Wrong, that’s not what the text says!

Most people think the verse reads 'walk through the valley of death'. No, it says 'walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death.' Let me ask you this, has a shadow ever harmed you or someone you know? No, right? Yea, it may seem scary, even a four foot person’s shadow may seem like a seven footer but that’s just the perception, not the reality. So many people are scared of what they perceive than what they really see.  If only we could understand what God is trying to tell us in this text, we could cast out so many unnecessary fears that try to enable us. Look at the verse again. We are walking THROUGH this valley! We are not stuck in the valley, we are not going to live in the valley, we are not staying in the valley forever; we are WALKING THROUGH, it is temporary. You are not meant to stay there, you are meant to move forward. It’s just a shadow, keep on walking!

The dark valley in which you may be walking through may seem so scary and you may even think that you’re not going to make it through, but remember it’s just a walk-through. You will make it! You will get out of that dark scary valley with God by your side. He will not allow any harm to come your way.  The valley is not intended to kill you; it’s intended to build you --Stronger!

“I will fear no evil; For You are with me;”

David, the psalmist continues to say this: I will fear no evil, why? Because You are with me. Our safe haven is God, when He is by our side, the world can come tumbling down, but you and I can firmly say, I will fear NO evil because He is with me. He is our Shepard, He is our protector. It’s interesting to note that God takes time to remind us 365 times in the bible to 'Fear not.' He tells us every single day: FEAR NOT!

I will fear no evil ‘for you are with me.' David’s peace was solely found in God that is why he could walk confidently THROUGH the valley of the shadows. He walked through the darkest valley of his life, a valley full of fears and insecurities with many shadows. Though there were moments where he thought he wasn’t going to make it because death was so close, God’s unfailing presence was with him.

The many shadows in life will try to scare you away from God’s presence, but hold on tight to His promises, He will never leave nor forsake you. He is closer than you think. Let me tell you this, God’s presence is more powerful than any shadow that may try to instill fear in you. Believe that!

So, if you find yourself walking through the valley of the shadow of death, just remember that it’s just a walk through and there is no need to fear death, because it’s just a shadow.

 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

His words

This month we’ve been talking a lot about Jesus and the world tends to remember Him a little bit more than the rest of the year (except for Christmas). And as we take this Holy Week to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ did on the cross for our sins, let us never forget that He not only died but resurrected on the third day. Jesus is ALIVE! That is why we do not only celebrate Him on this memorable week but we celebrate Jesus every single day because He lives!

Last week, I started a series in our young adults small group on the last Seven Words Jesus said on the cross before His death. And I would like to share a brief thought with you so when you listen to them on Good Friday, you can have a clear perspective of these words and how you can apply them to your life. These words are powerful and they are at our disposal, two thousand years later!

1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:24)

Choosing to forgive doesn’t say “I’m weak.” It says “I’m stronger than what you did to me.” We have to learn how to let it go. Whatever happened in the past let it go. Let Go and Let God. Do yourself a favor and forgive so you can be free to continue living your life the way God intended you to live it. HAPPY!

There is a promise of forgiveness for you and to others! If Jesus forgave, we can forgive.

2. Jesus said to the thief who was also crucified, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

No matter what situation we may find ourselves in, there is always an opportunity in the midst of our trials. There is purpose in pain. The Bible says that for those who love God ALL things work out for good. Sometimes bad things happen but then we will see God turn it around for His glory. We are not only called to forgive but also to present the Opportunity to others to go to heaven as we were one day presented that same opportunity. Jesus died for all of humanity.

There is a promise of heaven. If Jesus extended the opportunity to a thief, who was a sinner; we too, can extend the opportunity not only to our friends and family but also to strangers and enemies.

3. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.’ (John 19:26)

There is a promise of family. If your family has abandoned or rejected you, Jesus will accept you with open arms. In our Father’s house there are many rooms available and there is one reserved for those who are willing to come to His house.
 
4. Matthew 27:46 records Jesus’ loud cry on the cross, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

These words from Jesus tell us that whatever we’re going through, God is aware of your pain. And if He chose to, He could have changed the outcome. Therefore, direct your questions to God, but know that you can trust His goodness and righteousness. We see only a day at a time. God sees the whole picture. He will do what is good and right in your life.

5. ’I am thirsty.’" (John 19:28)

To confess need, weakness or injury opens up our heart for God to heal. Resentment and anger says, "I’ll get even," or "God doesn’t care." But a hopeful and trusting person confesses his need and weakness to God.

6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)

If you belong to Jesus, you will have the resources and resolve to deal with the trials in your life. Tough times are temporary; God’s people are eternal. Most people give into circumstances or temptations, not because they lack resources, but because they lack resolve; they gave up too soon. We can finish and finish well.

7. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ’Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)

We have not lost if we know in Whose hands we are held. Whether stripped of our possessions, reputation, physical or mental health, we need not be anxious, because our lives are not like dry leaves, blown and tossed by the wind. We are lovingly and eternally held in our Father’s hands.

These final words of Jesus offer eternal confidence and eternal relationship. There is the promise of forgiveness, the promise of Heaven, the promise of family, the promise of God’s watchfulness, the promise of resources and resolve, and the promise of God’s sovereign care.

Earlier today, I sent out text messages to a few people asking a simple question and here are a some responses.

Question: What does Jesus mean to you?

• Powerful and Merciful Savior which knows no boundaries. –Maribel Gomez

• Freedom. He doesn’t judge us like everyone else does and He’s someone I can completely trust my heart to Him without worry of Him betraying me. –Tatiana Maldonado

• Jesus is my safe haven. The person I know I can go to regardless of what I have done or what I think. He is my definition of what true love is. He is the lover of my heart and healer of my soul. –Wendy Ureña

• Jesus is NEEDED. There is no life, grace or way-without Him; only through Him. -Kenia Y. Perez-Ayala

• Jesus is my hero! The perfect role model, the savior of the world, defier of death, and the person I want to most please. He is my everything! I am so glad that I met Him and serve Him. –Rosa Dorado

• Jesus is who I live for. He is my anchor when I’m in my most troubling days and the person I look up to whenever I have to make a moral decision. I ask myself, what would Jesus do? But most of all, He is my redeemer and He LIVES! –Daniel Ospina

• Jesus means LIFE to me. If it weren’t for Him believing in me more than I could believe in myself I wouldn’t be who I am today. I'm not where I would like to be but I am here! –Sasha Castillo

• Jesus means EVERYTHING to me. From His love all the way to His grace and mercy. He means so much to me that He allows me to take advantage of His amazing love and forgiveness. How…? He’s the only one that can truly give me a 2^nd chance, a 3^rd chance, a 4^th chance and so on and on and on… He forgives me beyond any end. He loves me beyond measures and this is why He’s everything to me. –Johanna Diaz

Remember Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for you. Allow Him to do an extraordinary work in your life!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Speak Life

 

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names/words can never hurt me” - Nursery Rhyme

 

Now think...think..think....

 

I remember screaming this back to kids who during recess would hurl mean words at me and to be honest, I think I might have been on the receiving end of this infamous statement as well :-).  But the truth is that words do hurt and names do mark us and to think otherwise is a great danger.  I believe wholeheartedly that a truer statement of the power of words came from a Journalism teacher I once had in college.  He said:

 

“We are wordsmiths and as such, are responsible for the words we share”  

 

Words have power.

 

The Bible further confirms this.  Take a look at the infamous “Tongue = Life or Death” scripture:

 

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. (AMP)

 

Your words have much more power than you attribute to them:  The power to build and tear down, the power to encourage or discourage, the power to love to hate, etc.  The list goes on and on!

 Can I share a story with you?  Great!  Here goes:

 

A few years ago, I received a call to put a band together for an international Christian artist who would be on tour in the Tri-State area.  I was excited to take on the task not because it was  my first time but because I am so passionate about music.  I immediately called friends who are phenomenal musicians and asked them to come on board on yet another band I had to put together.  

 

Drums?  CHECK!.......Guitars?  CHECK.......Bass?  CHECK!........Keys?  Check?!?!  (Hmmmm)

 

I usually play keys for these bands but recently felt insecure in my gift (yes yes, it happens to the best of us).  However, I took a bold step and shut down all insecurities, I thanked God for my gift and was also encouraged by a circle of phenomenal musicians who believed in my gift and would SPEAK LIFE into my life as a musician.  

 

After months of preparation, I received a call from the artist’s manager.  I still remember that I pulled the car into the church parking lot as I saw his name pop up on my phone’s screen and with excitement I picked up the call:

 

“Hey! God bless!”

“Hey Ruthy...”

“What’s going on?”

“Listen, I know you’ve been putting the band together but when the artist heard you were playing keys, he said ‘If she is playing, I’d rather sing alone with tracks’”

[Silence]

“Thanks Ruthy but if you’re playing, we have to cancel the band”

“.....ok, God bless”

 

I froze......pain in my chest....fingertips cold...speechless......

 

I walked out of the car and into the back door of the church.  As I opened the door, my father stood at the bottom of the steps with his usual “¿Como estas mi linda?” I fell into his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.  The wordsmith who once sat in a Journalism class, the little girl who would yell at recess “words can never hurt me” now stood as a woman, unable to form a thought because words had literally shattered her to pieces; they had spoken death over her life as a musician.  Every insecurity came up, every doubt in my gift screamed louder than any word of encouragement could during that season of brokeness.  A series of events before and after multiplied the hurt and like a night stand, my keyboards became places for books, jewelry and dust....nothing more, nothing less.

 

But God! Yes, But God!!

 

That season of brokeness sparked by the words of a manager came to an end when I surrendered the broken pieces of my heart to my Creator and He spoke words of love, kindness and confirmed that the gift He had given me was entrusted to the right person..Me!  God then placed others that once again spoke life into me.  I decided to push myself as a musician, learn more, do more. Wow!  Words nearly sent me down a path of destruction BUT GOD!!

 

So how does this story end?  It doesn’t. Instead it grows with me as I continue to understand that my words DO have power and that I am responsible to build up those around me.  Even a word of rebuke spoken in love will speak life!  

 

BE ENCOURAGED! Those words that were spoken over you to seemingly destroy are cancelled by the one who Created you!  He knows you best and will surround you with His best.  

 

Speak Life :-)

Ruthy Rodriguez 

{Thank you Ruthy for being my guest blogger today and sharing this heart-felt message. Remember to always Speak Life!}

Photo Credit: With Love Photography

 

There is purpose {Speak Life}

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

We have been given an incredible tool which is our mouth and what comes out of our mouth is powerful. And what we speak holds great responsibility. We are accountable not only for our actions but for our words as well.  The bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue.  What you say is powerful and every word pronounced has a purpose.  What are you declaring, death or life?

 

Sometimes it’s better to just stay quiet, right?  We’ve all heard the saying: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.  If your criticism is not constructive and if its purpose is not to build but to destroy, is it really worth saying? There has to be purpose in what you speak! What about my problems Landy?  You have no idea what I am going through? Some may say that but I want to tell you that even in the mist of your troubled times, you can still control what comes out of your mouth.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome any situation.  If you do what you can do, God will certainly do what you cannot do.  

Do not allow your problems and disappointments to overcome your thoughts which will later translate into words.  Acknowledge them but do not dwell on them, focus your attention on declaring purposeful words over your life. Fuel your mind with the goodness that God has in store for you.  Remember, your trials too shall pass, they have an expiration date. [Hallelujah!]  So, start rejoicing in the joy of the Lord and be in a ‘great expectation’ state of mind, expect that something great is about to happen.  Fill your mouth with God’s promises and declare His blessings over your life and you will see that as your praises go up; blessings will began to come down. 

Take a moment and give yourself a pep-talk and say: (Insert your name) I refuse to continue to live a life of fear, depression, anger and bitterness! I am better than that and I will no longer continue to feed into the lies of the enemy.  I have been given a powerful weapon and I will start to use it correctly and immediately.  I speak life into my life and into my family.  Whatever struggles I am facing that apparently are dead (no solution, impossible) I speak the powerful words of life over it. I receive God’s acceptance, His joy and His blessings.  I will change my vocabulary and I will speak life and in abundance because my words have purpose.

Trust God to give you the strength you need in anything and everything you do and say.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed      

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥