Slaves of Fear

I can’t believe I haven’t touched based with you guys since last year! Actually, it’s only been about a month but you know what I mean… Happy New Year!!! I am declaring a year of fulfilment in your life. May 2016 be a ground-breaking, bold and fearless year for all of us.

Last weekend we had an amazing Women’s event, a true Night of Encouragement. We had about 90 women; some brought their children because we offered an amazing childcare experience. And to think that this is only our second year and God has blessed us and this incredible opportunity to minister to so many women is just mind-blowing. This is only the beginning of what’s to come; we are looking forward to next year’s event on Friday, January 6, 2017. The theme of the night will be “Beauty for Ashes”. It’s going to be transformational and we invite you beautiful ladies to join us. More information will be shared as the time approaches.

 

As we settle into mid-January, I want to talk about Slaves of Fear. One of the definitions of the word slave is a person who is strongly influenced and controlled by something. When you are under the influence, you lose control of your actions. It’s a power that affects and takes over the person, thing or course of events. And for many, fear has been that stronghold. Fear has become a powerful influence; it has gained control and has dictated the course of the lives of many people. Take for example 2015; can you honestly say that you accomplished everything you had set out for? Be honest. Only a small percentage can probably say YES, the grand majority will say NO. We get answers like, “I tried but I didn’t get around it “or “I was going to but then something came up and I got discouraged”, “Maybe next year”, “I wanted to but I got scared”. And there it goes again, fear creeps up until it takes complete ownership of our lives. And what’s sad is that we begin to believe all of the lies that the enemy infiltrates in our minds. We become Slaves of Fear.

The bible declares in Romans 8:37 that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. That’s powerful, isn’t it? His love makes us more than conquerors, His love makes us face our biggest fears, and His love assures us the victory; therefore, we shouldn’t live in fear. 1 John 4:18 tells us that “there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…” and that perfect love can only be found in Jesus. Last weekend, we were encouraged not only to Be Brave but despite what unforeseen challenges we may face in this year, we will declare victoriously that We Will Not Be Shaken! In order for that to come alive in your life, you have to live in complete freedom of fear! Yes, that means kicking that little sucker to the curb. John 8:36 says “so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” As children of God, we are no longer held in bondage, we become free in Jesus. And that goes for any situation. Through Jesus Christ we are free from bondage, strongholds must come down, addictions must be broken, sinful activities must cease, and our past must be forgotten. And yes we must be free of fear. Fear can no longer control you. Is it easy? No. Will it happen overnight? Not really. Will you struggle with it? Maybe, but remember Romans 8:37! Ask Jesus today to help you and He will. Be receptive to His Word, because His Word will guide you into all truth.

When we are in Jesus, we are free, it’s not something temporary. This does not consist of being free on Sunday mornings during worship and then we become captive on Monday afternoon, I’m talking about a permanent freedom; free indeed as the bible states. Do not be captive by the lies of the enemy that try to bully you. Do not be a Slave of Fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 assures this, “for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. Fear does not come from God, the only spirit that comes from God is the Holy Spirit; therefore you have the authority to cast out any fear that wants to come over you. Whatever the Lord has placed in your heart to accomplish in this New Year, I pray that the Holy Spirit guides you into completing His perfect will. Something interesting happens when you surrender your dreams for God dreams; they become a lot bigger and bolder than what you could have ever imagined. And although the dreams may seem scary at first, it just feels right. A sense of peace comes over you and the sweet whisper of God tells you, “Do not fear; I am with you, everything will be alright.” When this happens, you will begin to see how much more productive you will become in whatever you do because you just know that …God’s got this!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

~landypf

It’s Natural But It’s Not Okay

Once a month the young married women from my church gather to talk and learn from each other through bible studies, group discussions and fellowship. Last week we got together and my sister-in-law, Elissia brought an amazing word on bravery. And she said this: “Though it’s natural to fear, it’s not okay to stay in fear.” I love that!

 

This reminds me that we do not have to be a superhero; or in our case, Wonder Woman to accomplish life goals and dreams, or even God’s purpose in our lives. It’s good to be an ambitious dreamer and its also natural to fear. It’s totally normal to feel nervous and to be scared because it simply shows that we are (pinch yourself) human beings; but what’s not ok is to stay in that feeling of fear. There has to come a point where you shake it off and say, “Ok, I may fear but I will not stay here. I will be courageous. I will be brave enough to walk out on fear.” Sometimes you just have to say #ByeFelicia and walk confidently in the direction where faith is leading you to.

Many times, we have a misconception that because we are believers, we have to have it all figured out and have this ginormous faith. No, the bible says that if our faith is as small as a mustard seed, we can command that “mountain” (that problem, obstacle, sickness, lack of…) to move over. The point here is to not only speak in faith but actually walk in faith. Fear wants you to stay comfortable; faith requires you to get uncomfortable. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, that zone that only shelters you see what you have seen for a million years. God wants to show you more, He wants you to see new things that your eyes have never seen before and experiences that you have only dreamed of, but that requires a shift- it requires movement.  

As we quickly approach the end of this first month of 2015, let’s not lose focus. This year may have begun fabulous for you and if you’re going strong, good for you- keep going! For others, it may have started off very rough. And if that is you, please don’t lose hope. Do not allow fear of failure or disappointment enter your heart and your mind. The mind is the enemy’s playground and he loves to play tricks on us.

Today, I want to remind you that you are brave. Despite the circumstances you may be enduring, do not allow anything or anybody to tell you differently. You may be fearful in some areas but that does not make you weak; You Are Brave!

Remember this: “Though it’s natural to fear, it’s not okay to stay in fear.” Be brave and walk out on fear because faith is waiting for you on the other side.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

I am NOT thankful

Well, it’s about that time of the year again, Thanksgiving. We are a few days before this great festivity and I personally have a lot to be thankful for. We all should. While many do not have shelter or food, I thank God that I do. Many will be in a hospital bed instead of being in their own beds this holiday season. Many families will be mourning the loss of a friend or family member. I tell you, with everything going on in this world, we seriously do not know if we will be returning home after a day at work or school. Lord be with us! I am thankful for a wonderful family, great friends and a loving church family. And, the list goes on, but today I want to focus on the one thing that I am NOT thankful for. Yes, I said it! I’m going to talk about it. There is one thing that has been bothering me and I want to talk about it. I know this can be deemed as being quote unquote “ungrateful” if that’s the case, then so be it!

                                                                    Photo Credit: Annetta Bosakova

I am NOT thankful for loss of time due to FEAR. I mean who is? No one, right? It is said that fear kills your mind, your heart and your imagination. Fear makes you waste time. Yes, many may say that time is not wasted, that there is always something to learn during those “idle times” but sometimes, you’ve gotten all of the preparation you will need, you just have to put the pedal to the metal and simply move! It is said that the majority of the dreamers are at the grave. Those who aspired to be someone or something in life and just never got to do anything, why? Mainly, because of fear. They thought they had more time, they thought they could stall a little longer, they wasted their time, they allowed fear to overtake their mind, hearts and imagination. I am not thankful for fear because it has robbed so many people from becoming their very best!

As we are approaching the last couple of weeks of this year, understand that you have the control to allow or disallow fear manage your life.

I thank God that I am beginning to understand fear a little bit more now and I am starting to kick its butt. I’ve been able to accomplish great things in 2014 that otherwise would have kept me from achieving it if fear would have taken a front seat.

When you stand up to fear, you stand up to defeat. Do not do yourself a disservice by putting up with fear. When you harbor fear, excuses take up residency in your life. And when you have excuses to rely on, things such as: I am too shy, I don’t know if that will work out, he or she does it better than me, I don’t know, we’ll see, I don’t have the resources or connections….” become part of your vocabulary. You see how easy it is to get entangled with this monster called fear? It sweeps you off of your feet and you begin to believe what it says about you. It’s time to stand up to this bully called fear and say: I will allow it NO more!

It’s time to live the life that God has intended for you to live. You must live it in absolute freedom because the plans He has for you are great and will require faith from your part. You must trust in the fact that He has called you to greatness for such a time as this.  This is your time and the time is now! Do not put a cap on what you can do for His glory! Be thankful for your skills, gifts and talents but do not be thankful for the words that the enemy whispers in your ear because those words are pure lies. He is the father of all lies, the bible says. He whispers words of doubt, failures and comparisons. He whispers FEAR. Reject those words in the name of Jesus and receive the words that God shouts in your heart, words such as: Yes, you can! All things are possible and I am with you!

I challenge you today to act. Thinking will never overcome fear, action will. Let this be your declaration today: I will not allow fear to rob me from another day. I will walk in faith and not in fear. I will accomplish everything that God has said that I will do, in Jesus Name. Amen!

I AM NOT THANKFUL FOR FEAR.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

Be Brave

Last weekend my husband and I were at an event called Expolit, which is held every year in Miami. We had the opportunity to meet great people and one of the ministries we were able to meet was Bethel Church from Redding, CA. They had a representation from Bethel Music and we were able to get a hold of their new album, You Make Me Brave. Let me tell you, their music has been on repeat in my car, at work..; everywhere I go. I’m obsessed with their new project!

Photo Credit: Shanna Murray

 

One of the many songs that I find myself repeating and repeating and repeating is number one, You Make Me Brave. Everything about that song and its powerful lyrics just challenges you to be brave! It’s amazing how lyrics can penetrate your inner being and stir the adrenaline within you.

You Make Me Brave is a call, a cry out to everyone who has been hostage of that big ugly monster called fear. The word says in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Hebrews 4:16 states this: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Just as we can come before God in an act of boldness, we too can face our fears and challenges with that same boldness. We have been given power, not fear. He who is for us is much greater than who is against us.

Today, I encourage you to read these lyrics and listen to this song, if you haven’t already. I challenge you to really believe these words. Be Brave, God is for you and not against you! Everything you set your heart to do, He wants you to succeed. He wants to give you the favor and grace that only He can provide so that whatever He places in your hands can prosper. He wants bigger and better things for you, but you have to believe it and walk out in faith and be brave enough to go after it. He has already made a way for you to walk through and no fear can hinder His promises towards you. You are more than a conqueror. Stand high and walk in total victory because He has made you brave! #BeBrave

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez- Feliciano ♥

 

You Make Me Brave

Amanda Cook & Bethel Music

Stand before You now
The greatness of Your renown
I've heard of the majesty and wonder of You
King of Heaven, in humility, I bow

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us, You are not against us
Champion of Heaven,
You made a way for all to enter in

I've heard You calling my name
I've heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let you draw me out beyond the shore
Into Your grace

You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves

You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the Love that made a way

You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves

You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises You've made

It's so much easier

You know what I’ve noticed? 

It’s so much easier to have faith for others than to have it for yourself. It’s so much easier to tell someone to have faith in their situation but, why is it hard for us to have faith in ours? It’s so much easier to believe in provision, healing and restoration for others but we lack belief in the fact that He can do the same for us.  Why is that? It’s so much easier to declare miracles for other people; quoting scriptures and promises yet, why is it so difficult to hold tight to those same confessions when the tides turn?

 

God, help us to really trust in you and gain understand on what it is to truly have faith in You. It’s not a matter of I’m strong for others and weak for myself, I trust and believe that God is able for others and all of a sudden doubt begins to enter our minds when we’re going through our hardship. If we are going to preach to others, we must practice on ourselves first. This faith for others and doubt for ourselves is not going to cut it. The same God that made a way for “him” is the same that will make a way for you! The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today and .. guess what? He will be the same tomorrow. So if He did it for “her”, get ready because He is going to do it with you too. The word says that He is no respecter of person; in other words, He does not play favorites. He loves us all the same and His desire is to bless us all; we determine the outcome.

God, help us understand that your plans are perfect and our steps are ordered and ordained by you and only You. Help us to step out in faith knowing that You will guide us safely to where we are supposed to be.  We may not know where we are going but we trust in that You are taking us in the path that You have destined for us to go through. Nothing slips your mind! You do not forget, you do not lose control; You are not too busy for us, everything that happens to you and I is because it is in God’s divine plan. Period, no questions asked.

God, help us TRUST you completely and wholeheartedly! You got this!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

No Matter What • No Importa Que

As I reflect back on this year; with one day left, I have one word to say: Grateful!

I’m so grateful for 2013. It was a year of a lot of growth and trusting God for greater and bigger things. 2013 taught me to trust God and take His word serious. I was able to take leaps of faith, scared to death but I was able to do it. There were many moments of doubts and insecurities, times where I didn’t want to do or say something because of fear-yet I was able to overcome those fears. There were times were I didn’t think a certain goal, dream or project could become possible but with hard work, perseverance and God on my side, I was able to see the fulfillment of what I was striving for. 2013 was a year of stretching my faith, of walking in faith and of seeing the completed work in faith.

I am grateful for 2013.  I am a better, stronger and wiser person; simply because I dared to believe God and took His word and promises serious in my life.

• I am thankful for my salvation and relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
• I am thankful for my beautiful family and my loving husband
• I am thankful for being chosen to write my first book, Un Momento De Silencio
• I am thankful for traveling South America and visiting Paraguay and Argentina
• I am thankful for the doors of opportunities that were opened for me in 2013
• I am thankful because I did not allow fear to delay God’s purpose in my life for this year
• I am thankful because I have 365 days to do it all over again

2014 is the year of Open Doors and of greater opportunities but it will come to those who are brave enough to accept the challenge and run with it, no matter what!

Are you ready for the “No Matter What’s” in your life? No matter what, keep going. No matter what, keep pushing. No matter what, keep believing. No matter what your surroundings may say, you keep pressing forward! No ifs, ands, or buts about it! –No Matter What!

Take a seat and enjoy the ride! God has a lot of surprises in store for you in 2014. Let go of the fear and trust Him. He knows what He is doing, even when you don't!

I hope everyone has a Blessed and Prosperous New Year!!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Mientras reflexiono en todo los acontecimientos de este año, solo tengo una palabra que decir: Agradecida!

Estoy tan agradecida por el año 2013. Fue un año de mucho crecimiento y de confiar en Dios por cosas grandes y mayores. 2013 me enseño a confiar en Dios y tomar su palabra en serio. Pude tomar saltos de fe, aunque a veces con mucho temor pero lo pude hacer. Hubieron momentos de dudas e inseguridades, ocasiones donde quizás no quería hacer o decir algo dado al temor, pero pude vencer esos temores. Tambien, hubieron momentos donde pensé que alguna meta, sueño o proyecto no se iba poder realizar pero con trabajo fuerte, perseverancia y Dios a mi lado, pude ver los frutos de lo que quería alcanzar. 2013 fue un año donde se estrechó mí fe, camine en fe y pude ver el cumplimiento de muchas cosas por los ojos de la fe.

Estoy tan agradecida por el año 2013. Soy una mejor, más fuerte y sabia persona; simplemente porque me atreví a creerle a Dios y tomar su palabra y sus promesas en serio.

·         Estoy tan agradecida por mi salvación y relación con mi Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo

·         Estoy tan agradecida por mi bella familia y mi amado esposo

·         Estoy tan agradecida por haber sido elegida para escribir mi primer libro, Un Momento De Silencio

·         Estoy tan agradecida por viajar a Sudamérica y visitar a Paraguay y Argentina

·          Estoy tan agradecida por las grandes oportunidades que me fueron brindadas en el 2013

·         Estoy tan agradecida porque no permití que el temor detuviera el propósito en mi vida para este año

·         Estoy tan agradecida porque tengo 365 días para hacerlo todo de nuevo

2014 es el año de Puertas Abiertas y grandes oportunidades pero solo vendrán a personas que sean lo suficientemente valientes para aceptar el reto y seguir hacia adelante, ¡no importa que!

¿Estás listo para el “No importa que” en tu vida? No importa que, siga hacia adelante. No importe que, siga empujando. No importa que, siga creyendo. No importa que diga tu alrededor, siga hacia adelante; sin ningún tipo de excusas- “No Importa” cual sea.

Tome un asiento y disfrute el viaje. Dios tiene muchas sorpresas para usted en el 2014. Suelte el temor y confié en El. ¡Él sabe lo que hace aunque usted no lo sepa!

Espero que todos tengan un Año Nuevo de muchas Bendiciones y Prosperidad.

Landy Pérez-Feliciano ♥

 

 

Photo credit: Nostalgique Images  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courage conquers

This week I was speaking to the Young Adults about the importance of courage and I started off the discussion with this question and I want you to answer it too.
What is something that you were scared of doing but overcame it? (Think...)

You accomplished it right? Did you die?  Of coarse not. Now, answer this. Is there still something that you are afraid of doing and need to overcome it? If so, what is stopping you?  Yes, I know, fear which in turn, translates to lack of courage.

What is courage?
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Let's face it, we all have fears! Fear about something, uncertainty about the future, something that happened to us in the past which has paralyzed us from moving forward in the future.

FEAR PARALIZES FAITH!

Now, the million dollar question is how do you gain confidence and overcome fear? In order to overcome fear, you must face fear. This isn't an easy task but you can do it. You must look at your enemy in the face and face that bully called Fear. To say “no” is to live in fear. My goal is to continually improve myself, to become better than I am today. One way to do that is to do the things that scare me, to take them on as challenges, and to learn from them — even if I fail. Are you up for the challenge?

In the bible we see many people who were put in very tough situation and had a choice to make. What do I do? Do I take a chance or will I let my fear interfere? And these bible characters were heroes, they were courageous but at one point or another, had a decision to make. God wants you to make a decision. Do you continue to live the way you are living, in your comfort zone or do you shake it off and actually Go For It? The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. It's not going to work! You must do something different in order to see something different. God is waiting for you to take the Courage and step out into the destiny He has prepared for you. It will be scary, intimidating, confusing, and a whole bunch of other mixed emotions but when you know God has called you for something specific you can rely on His support and His blessing. He will be with you every step of the way.

1. Esther made a declaration: If I perish then I'll perish but she was determined to fight for her people, even if it cost her her life. She was called for such a time as this to go before the king and save her people. For such a time as this God has called you for what? Are you willing to risk it all for Jesus? Esther was.

2. Daniel was a young man who decided to be different. He would not eat from the king's food, he would not bow down to his god, he would instead bow down to His God and pray three times a day even if it cost him his life. He was thrown into the lion's den, in an burning furnace, he faced many life threatening situations but he persevered in his faith. He was willing to risk his life and his freedom to serve God. Now, that is courage! Question is, how bad are you willing to defend your faith?

3. Paul was a very courageous man. Before coming to Christ he was a persecutor of Christians but after his conversion he became a passionate Christian, enduring all sorts of pain and suffering for the cause of the gospel. He was beaten, thrown in jail, ultimately killed but nothing ever stopped him from preaching the gospel and fulfilling God's will on earth. What is stopping you today from fulfilling God's will in your life?

Is it fear? These are only 3 of the many examples of people who were in a "fear" setting enviroment but they were able to overcome it because their purpose was greater than their persecution. Your faith must be greater than your fear

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

Fear is a spirit that does not come from God, He has not given us that spirit, then why do we choose to accept it? He has given us power, power to overcome fear! Do not let fear get in the way of the great plans God has instore for you. Only you can stop His purpose to be fulfilled in your life.


Confidence is built slowly, one success at a time. Like I mentioned previously, I’ve learned that in order to overcome fear, you must face fear. And once you face it, your faith will propel you to overcome it. And today I want to share 14 steps that will help you overcome fear. I will just list them but not go in depth because this blog is a condenced version of the teaching that I gave so here you go.

1. Don’t dwell on failures.
2. Rehearse a positive outcome.
3. Don’t procrastinate.
4. To think confidently, act confidently.
5. Think like the other person.
6. Maintain a positive mental attitude.
7. Get off your “but”. Learn to defeat a case of the “buts”.
8. Visualize success.
9. Look sharp. Take care of yourself.
10. Do the right thing.
11. Keep things in perspective.
12. Don’t seek perfection.
13. Read the success literature. Research others who have succeeded.
14. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be yourself

With these steps and God by your side, there is nothing that you cannot achieve.
And I'll leave you with these few key bible verses that speak about Courage.

1. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

2. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7-9

3. And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
1Chronicles 28:20

4. Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24

5. Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10

6. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

7. Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
1Corinthians 16:13

8. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

I hope this blog blesses your life and motivates you to get up and do it.  Do not allow Fear to paralyze your faith.  You are positioned to do great things that will require you to come out of your comfort zone.  Shake yourself off and GO!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥