I'm 17 and you see at first i thought he was the rite guy maybe even the man i might marry but then i got to really know him and i definitely know this isn't the person god has for me because god knows what i like and this guy does some things and acts certain ways that i just don't like but the problem is that i met him in like January and that's when we started to get to know each other and its been recently that i realized that i really don't like this guy but he says he knows I'm the one and he is always talking about me being his wife but I'm just not feeling it but i don't know how to tell him.. can u please help me?
When you enter into a relationship or courtship it's to get to know the person and ultimately to determine if this is the person God has meant for you to spend the rest of your life with. It is important to get to know someone as a friend before you enter into any type of relationship. If you started dating in January and he is already talking about you as his wife, I would let him know that he needs to slow it down and take things one step at a time. You first need to get to know the person for who they are with you, with their family, around their friends, and at work or school.
If you have realized that you don't see yourself with this person for the rest of your life then you need to be honest with him and end the relationship. You have to wait for God’s perfect time. Just wait on God's timing!! Spend some time in prayer and let the still small voice of God guide your decisions.
Pastor David Perez
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Question about Vows
Ive recently broken 2 vows, will god forgive me and if he does will he still make me suffer the consequences that are shown in the bible even after i repented and i really meant it and stopped doing what i was doing?
Does God Forgive?
Lam 3:22-23 says "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion's fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. God is righteous, just, and merciful. The word mercy means that God will not give you what you deserve because of the immense LOVE He has for you.
Those who think they are too sinful for God to accept them don't understand how merciful God is. The Bible says that He is "rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4). The Scriptures also tell us that "the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to ever-lasting upon them that fear him" (Psalm 103:17). God was merciful to King David and forgave him when he committed adultery and murder. He forgave Moses when he committed murder. He also forgave Saul of Tarsus for murdering Christians (Acts 22:4).
God promises to save "all" who call upon the name of Jesus (Romans 10:13). Those who think this promise isn't worth the paper it's written on are calling God a liar (see 1 John 5:10). Jesus shed His precious blood to pay for their sins. Wasn't it good enough for them? It was good enough for God. God commands them to repent. To offer any excuse is to remain in rebellion to His command-no matter how "noble" it may seem to say that they are too sinful. Accept that God forgave you and forgive yourself. Sometimes the part about forgiving ourselves tends to be the most difficult.
Pastor David Perez
Does God Forgive?
Lam 3:22-23 says "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion's fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. God is righteous, just, and merciful. The word mercy means that God will not give you what you deserve because of the immense LOVE He has for you.
Those who think they are too sinful for God to accept them don't understand how merciful God is. The Bible says that He is "rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4). The Scriptures also tell us that "the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to ever-lasting upon them that fear him" (Psalm 103:17). God was merciful to King David and forgave him when he committed adultery and murder. He forgave Moses when he committed murder. He also forgave Saul of Tarsus for murdering Christians (Acts 22:4).
God promises to save "all" who call upon the name of Jesus (Romans 10:13). Those who think this promise isn't worth the paper it's written on are calling God a liar (see 1 John 5:10). Jesus shed His precious blood to pay for their sins. Wasn't it good enough for them? It was good enough for God. God commands them to repent. To offer any excuse is to remain in rebellion to His command-no matter how "noble" it may seem to say that they are too sinful. Accept that God forgave you and forgive yourself. Sometimes the part about forgiving ourselves tends to be the most difficult.
Pastor David Perez
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Questions asked at youth group
Alright guys and girls, you asked them so here they are. The following were questions asked during a youth service. Check them out and if you still have questions dont hesitate to shoot us a comment.
1. How do I lose weight? 101
You should appreciate the body God gave you. The bible has clear instructions about taking care of yourself. God gave you a wonderful, amazing, one-of-a-kind body, and He expects you to take good care of it.
Change your eating habits. Eat small portions every 3 hours. No carbs after 7:00pm. Ask the Lord for strength to feed only good things to His temple…your body. Pray for self-control and endurance to finish what you start.
The very best and important keys are your diet and exercise. You don't have to skip meals or starve yourself, but eliminating fattening foods (i.e. fried food, cakes, sweets, etc.) and being active EVERYDAY will definitely make you feel GREAT and loose weight!
The healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off is eating right and being active. You need to get into the habit of eating foods that are healthy for you, lots of veggies and fruits instead of carbs like rice, bread and white sugar. Stay away from sodas, drink more water or natural juices. Try to eat more white meat, like fish and chicken, even pork. Grilled and oven baked rather then fried. Eat healthy snacks like fruits or nuts or yogurt.
You need to be active and stay active, maybe you can't afford to pay for a membership at a nearby gym, or maybe you can but it's just boring to you or maybe transportation is an issue. Join a team at school like volleyball, basketball, soccer or cheerleading. Go for it! You'll make new friends and stay active. Also, you can start running or jogging for 20-30 minutes at least 2-3 times a week. Find a dance class and join with a friend or even your mom or sister. You'll burn calories and learn a new skill. You'd be surprised who might say 'yes', just ask. It's good to have fun and workout.
There is no magic pill or formula for this. In order to loose weight, the healthy way, that will stay off and not just water weight, you need to be patient and committed. You can't go wrong with incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts (unsalted) into your diet; and becoming more active. Just get out there and move. Whether its jogging, power walking, or playing basketball with your little brother. Also stop eating late at night. Your metabolism begins to slow down when it gets to night time because your body is preparing to rest and go to sleep. Make sure to speak to your parents about your goals so that they can help you in any way. Maybe mom can make more vegetables for dinner, or your dad can take you to a gym. Remember perseverance and commitment are key.
The first step in losing weight is asking yourself, why do I want to lose weight? If the answer to that question is to impress someone, then it might not work. The Bible talks about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we need to take care of it. You need to start the diet because you want to be healthier. Ultimately you start it for you. Set yourself realistic goals. Don’t plan on losing 10 pounds in a week, but rather, gradually change your lifestyle and the weight will come off and stay off.
I Corinthians 6: 19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
2. Sometimes I feel left out of my mom because she's always with my little brother and I get mad at my brother and I take it out on him. What should I do???
Well first I believe that you should make an effort not to take it out on your brother. I’m sure that he doesn’t realize what’s going on and you don't want to be separated from him or angry at him for something that’s going on between you and your mom. Second, I think you should talk to your mom. The bible says in Matthew 18:15-17 that if you have a problem with someone, or if someone does something to you, the first thing you need to do is confront the person. Sit down with your mom one day and pour out your heart. Tell her what's hurting you and ask her if she’s noticed that she spends more time with your brother. After that, maybe you can make an effort to spend time with your mom, like plan days where you can hang out or occasionally go and watch TV with her.. so she can see that your putting an effort to be with her too. What you sow you will reap, so if you sow love you will reap love! And remember that the Bible says when your mother and father fail you, He will take care of you (psalm 27:10) :)
The best thing is always to share what's on your heart with your mother! Talk to her, she may not even realize that you need more attention than what your getting (she's human). You may want to come up with an activity so all of you can spend time together, you, your mom AND little brother. You'd be surprised what a little family time can do for all of you.
I know that it is hard, but communication is really important. Maybe your mom doesn't realize that she is hurting your feelings by spending so much time with your little brother. Or maybe your little brother might need your mom right now for whatever reason. I would suggest talking to your mom and letting her know how you feel. I am sure though, that neither your little brother nor your mom are intentionally trying to hurt you.
Communication is key in any relationship. As a mom, I know if my daughter came to me with this concern, I would definitely address how I would handle this most important relationship. Ask God, your mom and brother for forgiveness for anything you may have done to hinder the relationship. Pray that your relationship with your mom and brother gets closer and closer.
First of all, you are not alone and a lot of kids go through what you’re going through. The best advice I could give you is to sit down with your mom and talk to her one on one, just you two and tell her how you feel. She loves you both and chances are that she doesn’t do it on purpose and doesn’t even realize she’s doing it. Try not to take it out on your brother; it’s not worth risking your relationship with him instead be the example for him. Try this and keep it in prayer and I guarantee you things will work out.
3. What does hosanna mean?
Matthew 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning "Save!" which became an exclamation of praise. It's used in the Word as a way of praising GOD, the word means "SAVE US" but in the New Testament, you read in Matthew 21, that they shout this as they are praising Jesus.
It’s the highest form of praise. I gave a devotional on Hosanna in life group not too long ago because i didn’t know what it meant either. I found that hosanna in the Old Testement meant "god save us" or "salvation we pray". In the New Testement, when Jesus came into jeruseleum on the donkey the people saw him and declared "Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest" this meant that they knew He was their salvation. The meaning then changes a bit. They then saw that God had answered their prayer. Hosanna in the highest now meant "salvation in the highest praise". So now that we are saved by Jesus and when we sing Hosanna like in the Hillsong Song, we sing it as a praise. Just like when you sing hallelujah. It’s a praise saying God, Jesus has saved us, salvation in the highest, and as a thank you for our salvation.
4.What happened when you really like the person but he's not in the things of God? Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
Well... this is tough because your feelings are always going to get involved. The Bible says you cannot be unequally yoked with someone (2 Corinthians 6:14). You are worth a man of God... a man who fears the Lord and will treat you with the respect and love you deserve because He will know your worth. The bible also says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (psalm 111:10), so as good as the guy may be, if he doesn't have any fear of God (reverance) then he will not have wisdom when it comes to knowing how to handle situations properly and treating you as a daughter of God. I recommend that you wait on God... because He will give you His best!!
Simply put, if get involved with a guy or even become friends with someone that is not in love with God, and are not into the things of God, you are taking a chance that they may lead you away as well. Your walk with God is more important than taking that chance. Pray for him.
Just pray for him to come to the Lord and do not get involved with him. You might have a lot in common but when you don't have the Lord in common it's really hard to find a safe ground for your feelings and your heart. Be a testimony to him and keep your boundaries VERY clear! He needs to come into the things of God because of God and not because that’s the way to get into a relationship with you.
Walk away. Just because you like someone or something doesn't mean it's good for you. Stay away... For example, a diabetic loves sweat things but they know that it can kill them, so they have to stay away from sugar. Being with the wrong person can kill your spiritual walk and alter God's calling on your life. God has the person
for you set aside and he will definitely be a Godly man. Don't settle. Daughter's of Destiny don't settle.
5. Did you know that there was a girl that has been in A&O for 5 years but yet no one ever got to know her or speak to her. When will us girls stop being like a high school? When will we stop dating in a circle? How can we get to know people when there are cliques going on. When will we stop playing around those foolish games. If you like a man of God, start praying for him and let it be God & not foolish games. Basically when will we be a family. Love always a thinker.
I can’t agree with you more. Unfortunately, it’s hard to break the pattern that we know and bring in from the outside. I’ve seen the cliques and actually have been on both sides of the fence. If you ask someone that is in a clique, they will tell you that they don’t know what you are talking about and they might even say that you are probably bitter. In my experience, the best way to break that is through activities and doing things that will incorporate many people. When we have an outing, like ice skating or bowling, make sure you go. Also, we can’t expect to receive what we have not sown. If you feel that you haven’t been reached, target faces that you don’t recognize and befriend them, the new ones and you’ll see how much of a difference you can make. I strive to make everyone feel welcome, loved, and valued in our ministry. Ultimately the changing of this starts with me, Pastor David. My goal is to reach each of you at a personal level so that everyone feels the love of Jesus and in turn acts like the body He created us to be.
1. How do I lose weight? 101
You should appreciate the body God gave you. The bible has clear instructions about taking care of yourself. God gave you a wonderful, amazing, one-of-a-kind body, and He expects you to take good care of it.
Change your eating habits. Eat small portions every 3 hours. No carbs after 7:00pm. Ask the Lord for strength to feed only good things to His temple…your body. Pray for self-control and endurance to finish what you start.
The very best and important keys are your diet and exercise. You don't have to skip meals or starve yourself, but eliminating fattening foods (i.e. fried food, cakes, sweets, etc.) and being active EVERYDAY will definitely make you feel GREAT and loose weight!
The healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off is eating right and being active. You need to get into the habit of eating foods that are healthy for you, lots of veggies and fruits instead of carbs like rice, bread and white sugar. Stay away from sodas, drink more water or natural juices. Try to eat more white meat, like fish and chicken, even pork. Grilled and oven baked rather then fried. Eat healthy snacks like fruits or nuts or yogurt.
You need to be active and stay active, maybe you can't afford to pay for a membership at a nearby gym, or maybe you can but it's just boring to you or maybe transportation is an issue. Join a team at school like volleyball, basketball, soccer or cheerleading. Go for it! You'll make new friends and stay active. Also, you can start running or jogging for 20-30 minutes at least 2-3 times a week. Find a dance class and join with a friend or even your mom or sister. You'll burn calories and learn a new skill. You'd be surprised who might say 'yes', just ask. It's good to have fun and workout.
There is no magic pill or formula for this. In order to loose weight, the healthy way, that will stay off and not just water weight, you need to be patient and committed. You can't go wrong with incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts (unsalted) into your diet; and becoming more active. Just get out there and move. Whether its jogging, power walking, or playing basketball with your little brother. Also stop eating late at night. Your metabolism begins to slow down when it gets to night time because your body is preparing to rest and go to sleep. Make sure to speak to your parents about your goals so that they can help you in any way. Maybe mom can make more vegetables for dinner, or your dad can take you to a gym. Remember perseverance and commitment are key.
The first step in losing weight is asking yourself, why do I want to lose weight? If the answer to that question is to impress someone, then it might not work. The Bible talks about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we need to take care of it. You need to start the diet because you want to be healthier. Ultimately you start it for you. Set yourself realistic goals. Don’t plan on losing 10 pounds in a week, but rather, gradually change your lifestyle and the weight will come off and stay off.
I Corinthians 6: 19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
2. Sometimes I feel left out of my mom because she's always with my little brother and I get mad at my brother and I take it out on him. What should I do???
Well first I believe that you should make an effort not to take it out on your brother. I’m sure that he doesn’t realize what’s going on and you don't want to be separated from him or angry at him for something that’s going on between you and your mom. Second, I think you should talk to your mom. The bible says in Matthew 18:15-17 that if you have a problem with someone, or if someone does something to you, the first thing you need to do is confront the person. Sit down with your mom one day and pour out your heart. Tell her what's hurting you and ask her if she’s noticed that she spends more time with your brother. After that, maybe you can make an effort to spend time with your mom, like plan days where you can hang out or occasionally go and watch TV with her.. so she can see that your putting an effort to be with her too. What you sow you will reap, so if you sow love you will reap love! And remember that the Bible says when your mother and father fail you, He will take care of you (psalm 27:10) :)
The best thing is always to share what's on your heart with your mother! Talk to her, she may not even realize that you need more attention than what your getting (she's human). You may want to come up with an activity so all of you can spend time together, you, your mom AND little brother. You'd be surprised what a little family time can do for all of you.
I know that it is hard, but communication is really important. Maybe your mom doesn't realize that she is hurting your feelings by spending so much time with your little brother. Or maybe your little brother might need your mom right now for whatever reason. I would suggest talking to your mom and letting her know how you feel. I am sure though, that neither your little brother nor your mom are intentionally trying to hurt you.
Communication is key in any relationship. As a mom, I know if my daughter came to me with this concern, I would definitely address how I would handle this most important relationship. Ask God, your mom and brother for forgiveness for anything you may have done to hinder the relationship. Pray that your relationship with your mom and brother gets closer and closer.
First of all, you are not alone and a lot of kids go through what you’re going through. The best advice I could give you is to sit down with your mom and talk to her one on one, just you two and tell her how you feel. She loves you both and chances are that she doesn’t do it on purpose and doesn’t even realize she’s doing it. Try not to take it out on your brother; it’s not worth risking your relationship with him instead be the example for him. Try this and keep it in prayer and I guarantee you things will work out.
3. What does hosanna mean?
Matthew 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning "Save!" which became an exclamation of praise. It's used in the Word as a way of praising GOD, the word means "SAVE US" but in the New Testament, you read in Matthew 21, that they shout this as they are praising Jesus.
It’s the highest form of praise. I gave a devotional on Hosanna in life group not too long ago because i didn’t know what it meant either. I found that hosanna in the Old Testement meant "god save us" or "salvation we pray". In the New Testement, when Jesus came into jeruseleum on the donkey the people saw him and declared "Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest" this meant that they knew He was their salvation. The meaning then changes a bit. They then saw that God had answered their prayer. Hosanna in the highest now meant "salvation in the highest praise". So now that we are saved by Jesus and when we sing Hosanna like in the Hillsong Song, we sing it as a praise. Just like when you sing hallelujah. It’s a praise saying God, Jesus has saved us, salvation in the highest, and as a thank you for our salvation.
4.What happened when you really like the person but he's not in the things of God? Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
Well... this is tough because your feelings are always going to get involved. The Bible says you cannot be unequally yoked with someone (2 Corinthians 6:14). You are worth a man of God... a man who fears the Lord and will treat you with the respect and love you deserve because He will know your worth. The bible also says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (psalm 111:10), so as good as the guy may be, if he doesn't have any fear of God (reverance) then he will not have wisdom when it comes to knowing how to handle situations properly and treating you as a daughter of God. I recommend that you wait on God... because He will give you His best!!
Simply put, if get involved with a guy or even become friends with someone that is not in love with God, and are not into the things of God, you are taking a chance that they may lead you away as well. Your walk with God is more important than taking that chance. Pray for him.
Just pray for him to come to the Lord and do not get involved with him. You might have a lot in common but when you don't have the Lord in common it's really hard to find a safe ground for your feelings and your heart. Be a testimony to him and keep your boundaries VERY clear! He needs to come into the things of God because of God and not because that’s the way to get into a relationship with you.
Walk away. Just because you like someone or something doesn't mean it's good for you. Stay away... For example, a diabetic loves sweat things but they know that it can kill them, so they have to stay away from sugar. Being with the wrong person can kill your spiritual walk and alter God's calling on your life. God has the person
for you set aside and he will definitely be a Godly man. Don't settle. Daughter's of Destiny don't settle.
5. Did you know that there was a girl that has been in A&O for 5 years but yet no one ever got to know her or speak to her. When will us girls stop being like a high school? When will we stop dating in a circle? How can we get to know people when there are cliques going on. When will we stop playing around those foolish games. If you like a man of God, start praying for him and let it be God & not foolish games. Basically when will we be a family. Love always a thinker.
I can’t agree with you more. Unfortunately, it’s hard to break the pattern that we know and bring in from the outside. I’ve seen the cliques and actually have been on both sides of the fence. If you ask someone that is in a clique, they will tell you that they don’t know what you are talking about and they might even say that you are probably bitter. In my experience, the best way to break that is through activities and doing things that will incorporate many people. When we have an outing, like ice skating or bowling, make sure you go. Also, we can’t expect to receive what we have not sown. If you feel that you haven’t been reached, target faces that you don’t recognize and befriend them, the new ones and you’ll see how much of a difference you can make. I strive to make everyone feel welcome, loved, and valued in our ministry. Ultimately the changing of this starts with me, Pastor David. My goal is to reach each of you at a personal level so that everyone feels the love of Jesus and in turn acts like the body He created us to be.
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