Nanda Bezerra

Starting over…

2012-02-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Many people wait the whole year and say…”Next year it will be different!” “Next year, I will start over” “Next year, I will organize myself better” “Next year, it will be my year” “Next year, I will definitely loose weight!”

Usually, this happens towards the end of the year. These ideas start to come in mid December…

What if you started the year on the wrong foot?

What if things haven’t been too good so far?

What if even with so many plans, nothing went right? What to do then?

Wait for a new year? Become desperate?

Our God is so wonderful that He gives us with each morning an opportunity to start over. You do not need to wait for a new year!

Today is a new day and tomorrow it will also be and this shows us that we should never give up. It does not matter your pain, your difficulty, it will all go away. What matters is that you make the most of each morning as a gift from God.

Aren’t you happy or satisfied?

Start over! And what about starting over in the right way?

Here goes just a tip for you who want to start over:

Forgive.

Forgive that someone who hurt you; who said something you did not like; who betrayed you; who offended you.

Forgive yourself. Stop putting yourself down because of a mistake you made. It does not matter how bad that mistake was; if you do not drop it, forgive yourself, then you will never be able to start over and get it right next time!

Look at this wonderful scripture……

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

This means that we have the opportunity to start over every day!

How about you? What are you waiting for?

When it starts hurting more…

2012-01-31T07:36:00.001-08:00

Most of the time, we bear a situation to the point it starts hurting even more and we become so overwhelmed that we let go of all that we conquered for so long.

Thinking about sacrifice, which one is the greatest of all? The one we cannot forget?

Well, it is the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus did for us, our Savior, who died on a cross so that we could be forgiven and saved. But have you ever thought what could have happed should Jesus have given up when the moment came when it started hurting more?

Just the thought of it brings me great fear because we would not have the right to salvation…

Now, just picture this…There He is, our Lord Jesus, crucified and in the middle of His sacrifice, suddenly, when He is almost there, the pain gets stronger…What if He had asked the Father to end all that and to abort the mission? All that He had done on earth would have been in vain. All would be lost because a mission can only be a success or a failure. And if it’s not a success then the failure doubles!

We must bring this example to our own life. It is when it’s hurting the most that we should lift up our heads and go on! Because it is He who confirms in His word that He does not give us more than what we can cope with. Therefore, when the pain gets stronger, and if we give up, we will be throwing out the window all that we have already conquered!

And even if more and more situations come our way that makes it look like our fights are even greater, we must persevere, because if our Savior came to this world in form of a man, it was to show us that if we have the Spirit of God, although being “mere humans” we will be victorious!!!!

Written by Priscila Rebequi. (pictured above)

Changes...

2012-01-22T15:34:00.001-08:00

My dears, shortly we will be changing this blog's address.

We are already working on the new "look" and I can't wait to have it ready...

How beautiful, I can't get enough of it!

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how many times I've heard this song but the truth is that I don't get tired of it!

If I'm home alone, talking to God, this song is playing in the background... how marvelous! Everything passes! Everything is going to be alright! He is with us!

Here it is for you to try it. Enjoy!

The Price of Disobedience

2012-01-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

I was 7 years old when my brother and I were waiting at home

parents to come home from work. A little while later my dad calls

to tell for my us that he's on his way and was only going to stop

by a shop before coming home.

Immediately I ask:-"Dad, let us go over there to meet you!"

- "No, my daughter! Daddy is on his way!" My dad answered.

I insisted- "Please, let us!"

Again he said no -"There's no need for that my daughter,

I'm already on my way."

But I, anxious and disobedient, asked for the third time -" Dad,

let us.... we can make it there quickly!"

Defeated by my insistence my dad agreed - "Alright, come

with your brother and I'mm meet you there."

-"Yupppyyy!"

I was so happy and I ran out with my brother (who at the

time was 11 years old.) We left our house and went to meet our

dad.

When we reached the main road (it was very busy), I quickly

spotted my dad on the other side of the street.

We decided to cross over right there (I didn't want to go all

the way to the pedestrian walkway).

I looked both ways quickly and I ran in my dad's direction happily!

All of a sudden, BOOOOM!.... I was hit by a car!!!!

I was launched meters away! Just like a rag doll I twirled in the

air and I was thrown very far from where I was.

I was rushed to the hospital. While inside the car, I didn't understand

what had happened, I placed my hand over my face and it was full

of blood. I fell into despair! I cried a lot!!!

Oh how I regretted having been anxious and disobedient! But,

at the time, it was already too late.

I spent a few days in the hospital and returned home but till this

day I carry a scar with me! :(

With my sad story I want to show you that if you are anxious and

disobedient, sooner or later you will suffer the consequences.

Perhaps God is talking with you the same way my dad insisted with

me.

He is saying: "Don't do that, my daughter, wait!" And you, perhaps,

are acting like I did.

Be careful friends. Don't wait to have a "scar" that you will regret

later!

Kisses and till next time.

Written by Raquel Ouverney, a pastor's wife in England

Men also read...

2012-01-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

Good morning Mrs. Nanda,

Wow, it's very strange to be writing here. But, I don't know, at the same time that I find it weird, I think it's necessary. Like a way of venting. And also just in case someone else reads this comment

and is helped by it.

I'm a 28 year old man, I have a two year old son and I have been separated for 4 months now. I decided to post this comment precisely because this blog is written by a woman.

I always thought that I was powerful, the "man", that dominated any situation, proud, arrogant and full of myself. Because of that, and because I distanced myself from the presence of the Lord

Jesus, I lost my family. My husband and child left. It was an 8 year marriage, and in the UCKG.

But I decided to write this comment after reading a post here, and more precisely , due to a response given by a young lady.

A few months ago I thought I was the all powerful owner of reason and today I find myself reading your blog, Vivi Freitas and Cristiane Cardoso's blog. Things that would have been impossible for me 4 months ago, before the separation.

Thanks to the Lord Jesus he has given a chance and it is with great happiness that I have returned to His arms. And reading your blog (because you are a woman) and being marveled and bewildered by what I read here (words that a inspired by the Spirit of wisdom) is a reason for happiness in me because I see the changes that God has done inside of me.

I hope this comment can help a man or woman, either or, who thinks they are something or thinks they are capable on their own, to revise their own concepts and values and come to understand that only the Lord Jesus can indeed capacitate someone.

May He illuminate you very, very much and I hope with all of my heart, because I needed to read women's blogs (because I thought that women were only the weaker part) to realize that God doesn't chose the capacitated, He capacitates His chosen ones.

All of this I said because I thought that what was really "precious" was to be a man and now I see how "valuable" it is to be of GOD, it doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman. While I read the answer that you gave on your blog I thought to myself: "how I would like 1% of the Spirit that she has". But I know that God doesn't give his Spirit in measure and when I receive him, I am confident that I will be the happiest person of all time.

Dear Friend,

All vents are welcome (as long as they are like this one...hehehe). I am happy to know that such simple messages have reached and helped you, in spite of them being written with women in mind...

And do you know what? Fight to receive what is most Precious in this life and everything else will be added on, including your family!

Continue in this faith and you said everything! God doesn't give his Spirit in measure... Receive Him 100%! And be the man that you family so desires and needs.

In faith,

Nanda Bezerra

The hypocrite of heart

2012-01-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

This morning, we meditated upon this word: Job 36:13-14

“But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath; they do not cry for help when He binds them. They die in youth, and their life ends among the perverted persons.”

In the dictionary the Hypocrite means:

· Pretense of kindness

· Pretense of ideas

· Pretense of opinions

But described above, is not only the hypocrite as we know it but the hypocrite of heart.

How do you understand this word? What does it mean? What does it mean to be a hypocrite of the heart?

I would like to hear from you…

Below is what some of you have already answered:

Anonymous friend:

From reading this Biblical verse I understand that the hypocrites of heart are those who attract to their own heart: anger, grudges, envy, and as a result, are destroying themselves in a way they cannot imagine. They do not ask for help or for forgiveness despite all.

Michelle Pagnoncelli:

To me a hypocrite of heart is the one who learns to say what is right. Learns to do what is correct but that does not actually come from within her.

It’s as if she is an excellent actress that knows what to do in order to look good in people’s eyes although the intention of her heart is way different.

They are hypocrites and their life shows it but we sometimes think: But this person is so kind, preaches so well, she is so this so that…

But due to the true intention of the heart, her life is tied up.

God showed me that we must be careful in order not to become like that. That the way to sincerity is one of sacrifice. And where there is sacrifice there is victory also. A hypocrite’s way is sweet and easy but its end is bitter.

At the end of the day, the one who blesses is God and He will not look at how we speak or look but what’s inside us.

We cannot deceive God.

Valeria from Indaiatuba/Sp

A hypocrite is a deceiver, false, pretender that does not practice what he preaches.

The HYPOCRITE OF HEART, I believe it to be the one who is deceived by his own heart. Lives by what he feels, allowing himself to be moved by emotions.

It is the heart that dictates. The person is so influenced by his heart that he allows it to get dirty, “the hypocrites in heart store up wrath”. He deceives the person so much that “they do not cry for help”. He makes the person believe that he is well with God when in truth he is not and this makes his soul to die. In other words, he gets cold spiritually, falls and then “their life ends among the perverted persons.” The person goes back to being under satan’s dominion.

2012-01-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

What should I do?

Hi, are you ok?

I have friends at school that swear a lot and I want to evangelize them. However, if I stay too close to them I fear being contaminated. What should I do? Please help me.

Dear friend,

I know very well what you are talking about as I went through something similar. This can indeed be dangerous. If they do not want to change, then you should stay away from them.

Every time there is an opportunity, invite them but remember, ”Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.”

PS. My list of emails is growing daily and at the moment it’s amounting to more than 120 questions. I will prepare videos so I may answer more promptly so stay tuned. Coming soon…

2012-01-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Mrs Nada, how are you?

I wanted you to clear up a question for me. I have a friend who is observing a young man but I know things about him that don't correspond to the attitude of a man of God. If I let her know, will I be gossiping?

I don't want her to suffer, I really want to help her but I don't know if that's the right thing to do, please help me!

Kisses and may God continue to bless you and your husband.

Dear friend,

If the things you know about him are true facts, in other words no "hearsay" but things that you saw, then it wouldn't be gossip if you let her know.

In fact, when I was single I had a friend that told that my boyfriend was cheating on me and she had seen everything. She had known for quite a while but took her time in telling me, I felt very upset at her... I would have liked for her to tell me before. I hated playing the fool.

Of course, not everyone will react the same way. Perhaps your friend will not like it, but you will be doing your part in helping her. You also need to respect her decision because it is possible that even after you telling her these things, she may still decide to stay with him...

You Defended her Mom...

2012-01-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Nanda, I agree with all of the advice that you gave that young girl. But you are definitely defending the mom.

You are doing what most people do in thinking that it's always the daughter's or son's fault and that's not true.

That young lady most certainly must follow your advice, not because she's wrong, but because with those "weapons" she is going to change her mother.

Of course that young lady must have defects, but we all do. Her mother should know that and value her, even more so if she is an assistant.

I say to you young lady, don't wait for people to value you, even your own mother and even if everyone blames you. Jesus know's your worth and He understands you and that's enough.

My dear,

That was my opinion and in reality it was the young lady that was asking for advice and not her mother. This being so, it is she who has the power to change- do you know what I mean? My advice has to be for her and not for her mother.

And sincerely, I believe that a mother deserves respect and I perceived a lack of respect in the way she wrote.

I'm not saying that moms are always right, but it is necessary to understand that mothers are humans and can also make mistakes- even is she is an assistant. Assistants are also humans.

If she puts into practice that advice that was given, I'm sure that the situation will change. Feeling sorry for her and telling her how wrong her mother is won't change the situation, right?

I was also a daughter that had many problems with my mom, if I had only had a Christian foundation and advice like this, everything would have been different... I have no doubt about that...

She makes Herself as the Victim...

2012-01-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Mrs. Nanda,

I would like your help because my situation is that my mother is an assistant and I'm not, however, I make an effort to do things right but all she can do is criticize me.

When I say something, she begins to paint herself as the victim and makes me feel like the worst daughter in the world. If she orders me to do 10 things and I only do 9 (due to lack of time), she always says that I didn't do anything. Because of that I get really upset, for the devil uses it against me a lot to make me feel bad and think that I'm not a good daughter.

Gosh, she only sees the bad things. It seems as though I don't have any qualities. Not to mention that she always makes it very clear that she doesn't believe in me. Please help me, this has

hindered me a lot and what's worse is that my sister is also an assistant and the same thing happens with her but she is able to deal with the situation better than me. Please counsel me.

My dear,

A good question.... Who is wrong in this situation?

Answer:

I'm only hearing your side of the story and your mother certainly has her
side too.

There's no doubt that she has her reasons but the truth is that you are not very
worried in understanding her reasons, is that right?

According to your point of view, she is wrong. According to her

point of view, you are wrong.

One thing is for sure my friend, your mom doesn't want what is worse
for you.

If she has been complaining, she must have her motives...right or wrong,
she has them...

And there's more, perhaps in your opinion you are giving your "best"
in you chores, but for your mom that isn't good enough... How about
striving to be even better??

What if out of the 10 things she asked you, the one thing you didn't do
was indeed the one she wanted you to do?

You say that she makes herself the victim... Forgive me if you are
going to be saddened by what I'm about to say right now but I
think that this is a bit disrespectful and in reality you paint yourself
as a victim throughout the whole email... It isn't very pleasant to hear that,
right?

I can just imagine your attitude, words and even your body language in
front of your mother... you need to respect her friend.

You are not a bad daughter, those thoughts are being placed by the devil
and not your mother.

You just need to reevaluate your actions and change, that way
your mother will also change. You can also be sure of that!

Tips:

* Help out more with household chores;

* Do things without needing your mother to ask;

* When you've finished doing something, ask if it's alright and
if it isn't (without making a sour face) do it again until she approves.

* Talk to your mother and tell her how you have been feeling;

* Even if you are tired, help her where she needs a hand. You are
not going to die, you can be sure of that;

* Try to understand your mother, think about the
responsibilities and problems that she faces
and be understanding;

* Invite your mother to pray with you every evening or morning;

After you put these tips into practice, everything is going to change
for the better!

Send us an update, ok?!

Things that they do...

2012-01-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

I am working on something and I would like to hear your opinion...

What things do men do that absolutely annoy you?

Another friend…

2012-01-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ummmmm, you will like her so much. Her parents leave in Greece and are very different…She has something about her that is very interesting too…She loves eating even though she is so slim :)

I don’t want to be a sham…

2012-01-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Mrs Nanda,

I am 18 years old and begun seeking the Holy of God not so long ago. And just as another young girl said on a previous post, during yesterday’s meeting I realized that what was missing in me was sincerity towards Him.

I opened my heart, however, when I leave the church to go home, as soon as I get there, I get myself stressed with my brothers to the extreme. And on the following week, Tuesday I end up manifesting in the church.

What can I do to stop manifesting and be completely free?

I do not want to be a sham.

I do not want to pretend that I am something I am not…Born of God!!

My beautiful,

That is an extremely important step but it is not enough. If you still manifest, this may be because you are still leaving an open door to the devil.

Cut off from your life all that is wrong. Lies, deceit, grudges, envies and everything else you find.

Look deep inside! Do a spring-cleaning!

Friend, do whatever it takes to remove all the rottenness that the devil has brought inside you.

Get revolted against that! Until when will you accept this situation?!!

Even today, right now! While reading these words, all evil is being destroyed and taken out of your life in the name of the Lord Jesus.

I determine that! Be free!

Do you believe in this? If so, let it be done!

If you do what I told you, to remove all the dirt, this evil will not come back as from today. You are free!

And let it be so to all those who read this message and believe!

How wonderful!!! I am jumping of happiness for you!!!

Friend, go in this faith and be a blessing!

Now you can surrender yourself in these 21 day fasting and be sealed!!!

It is over for the devil!!!!!

P.S. If you have a question that you would like me to answer here in the form of a "post",which will not only help you but many other people, write to me in the comment box below this post and I will be answering within my possibilities. Please avoid adding very personal details.

Boyish…

2012-01-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

You know the boyish kind? You will fall in love with her mischievous way!!!

She Hated my Long Hair...

2012-01-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

If you are young and think that it's too early for you to take God seriously, just look at what Eunice, a pastor's wife here in England, has to share with you...

I grew up very lonely and in spite of apparently having a beautiful family, within four walls only I knew how rejected and alone I felt.

My parents always tried to give me their best but due to the many problems that they

faced I was always stuck in second place.

My mother's practically lived in the hospital with my sister and even when she wasn't in the hospital she was either working or studying.

And so I grew up very rebellious. I never liked rules. I did what I wanted to do, for there was no one to watch over me.

I remember that I used to go to school alone and I was very scared of an older girl who hated me just because I had long hair hehehe.

One day she locked me in the restroom and said that there was a woman dressed in white in there. You know those legends told in school just to scare us? She was a meanie, wasn't she? lol

I was a child and I believed everything. I cried a lot and I didn't want to go to school anymore... Everyday became a nightmare.

In order to defend myself I began hanging out with people that brought me some assurance, you can just imagine who those people were, right?

I began to fight in school and make people fear me. I used to say cuss words, slang and I only didn't do worse things because I began to seek God at fourteen years of age.

From that moment on my life changed completely. I didn't even have to distance myself from my "friends" because they distanced themselves from me. They wanted to talk about things that no longer interested me, and so they began distancing themselves...

I began to make new friends that added to my life. Now they were friends like sisters because we had the same Father.

The Lord Jesus loved me, gave me love and brought discipline to my life.

In this way God made me a new person and with an immense desire to help those that live lost like I once did.

Another day I will tell you how I met my husband and how one day while we were datingI broke up with him out of revolt ...

Till next time!

By Eunice Silve (Pastor's wife in London)

Things men do that annoy women...

2012-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just came home from an amazing Therapy of Love meeting.

The "theme" today was: Things women do that annoy men.

Well, well... That was very interesting.

You know what was the best part of it?

They were talking about things we do that annoy them, but at the same time they did it in a very respectful way and nobody felt offended (at least not me and the people I spoke to after the meeting...).

They were so caring not to offend and only to help us, and even though I already respect all those men so much, now it's even more!!!

Next week is our turn, we will speak of things they do that annoy us and I would like to hear from you too.

Please add here your comment with things they do that annoy you and I'll choose the best ones for us to talk next Saturday.

If you missed today, don't miss it next week!!!

Therapy of Love at the Rainbow Theatre. Saturday 7pm, 232 Seven Sisters Road, London N4.

See you all there!!

Mischievous!

2012-01-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

Just take a look at her mischievous expression. She is a cutie!

The Prince Who Turned into a Frog

2012-01-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

I’ve been reflecting a lot about marriage these days.

I must say, it has been very interesting taking a look at where my marriage began. So much has happened since then, I cannot even recognise the woman I was back then. When I got married at 20 years, I was immature, to say the least, and so as expected, I made many mistakes.

See, I grew up reading romance novels. From the time I was eleven years old, I would grab my mother’s romance novels and would lose myself in their pages. From one hero to another, I learned one thing – somewhere out there, there was a man who would do everything I wanted him to do, say everything I wanted him to say, in the way I wanted him to, he would give me everything I wanted to receive, be everything I wanted him to be. And, in that rare moment that he did anything contrary to my will, he would quickly come running to apologize. Oh, how I couldn’t wait to meet this Prince Charming!

You can imagine how excited I was to get married.

I was finally going to live my fairytale. I was ready to be swept off my feet and be charmed by my prince. But, the prince I married turned out to be a frog! (So it seemed to the girl who believed in fairytales). He never did anything I expected him to, always said the wrong thing, didn’t explain his point of view as patiently and gently as those Mills & Boons heroes did, he never allowed me to have the last word, never talked for hours on end, like a best friend. It’s funny now, but back then, it was painful to realize that the perfect man I’d hoped for didn’t exist. What now?

It was time to wake up! And maybe, it’s time for you to wake up too. True love isn’t a mere feeling. It isn’t selfish expectations. It isn’t those butterflies you feel in your stomach. No! True love is far better, far stronger, far superior than the idea of love painted by Hollywood and romance novels. True love is sacrifice, action, it is a decision – the sooner you learn how to separate love from your feelings, the sooner you can
experience true love.

By Moti Bernardino

Empty Words

2012-01-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Mrs Nanda,

I'm 15 years old and one of these days I read a post you wrote titled "Blah, Blah, Blah" and I noticed that every time I seek God's presence, my words are completely empty. I even speak, I close my eyes but my mind and my thoughts are in another place and I don't know how to think only about Jesus while I'm seeking!

Please help me, for I want to become a young lady of God :)

My dear, you are not alone, this happens a lot because controlling our thoughts isn't easy but it isn't impossible either.

The moment in which you are seeking Him has to be special, you need to be sincere...

Our thoughts escape our control when we are not paying attentions to what we are saying and because of that we aren't being sincere.

Try to imagine that the Lord Jesus is right there in front of you (He really is!). What would you tell Him?

Would you praise Him? Would you tell Him how much you love Him?

Then do that, but let's suppose that on that day you are sad, you have a problem... Then unburden yourself with Him. Tell Him what is inside of you.

Perhaps you will say: "My God, I don't know what to say, I am so empty, help me! I want to say that I love you, but how if I don't even know you? I want to know you my Lord. I want to be able to praise and love you. And so on... Sincere and true words always!

That's a good start...

What is important is that you control your mind and not allow it to wander off, thinking about what you will do after the meeting, what you will have for lunch, what you will cook, what you will study, etc... And who knows what ever other thoughts the devil brings forth.

Be on the look out during these moments and you will overcome this.

In case this happens constantly and you are not able to overcome these thoughts, then participate in one of the deliverance meetings at church, which is no reason to feel embarrassed, because you may still be in need of deliverance.

A kiss to all!

P.S.

If you have a question that you would like me to answer here in the form of a "post",which will not only help you but many other people, write to me in the comment box below this post and I will be answering within my possibilities. Please avoid adding very personal details.

What a Cutie!

2012-01-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

She is a cutie and you are going to be enchanted by her...

I'm an adolescent

2012-01-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Nanda,

I am merely a 12 year old adolescent and my parents are not going to the New Year's vigil and I really want to go... Should I seek the Holy Spirit during the final moments before the new year? What should I do?

My lovely what joy to know that young girls like yourself follow this blog!

Lovely,

What a marvelous and God inspired idea you've had!

Yes, do that indeed. Start the new year in God's presence and it doesn't matter where you are, He is going to be there with you.

That is already an excellent step to start the new year in the best possible way.

A kiss for you and all of the dear readers that make of this blog an instrument in the hands of God.

Just wishing a happy new year full isn't going to change your or my life, so I won't do that...

But I determine that this year 2012, you and I are going to excel through our own actions based on God's will!

We are going to succeed!

Should I go or not???

2012-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Mrs Nanda,

“Here goes a question: I have been married for 13 years. I do everything to please my husband (he is not yet converted). I told him that I would be at the new year’s night vigil at the UCKG but he did not seem pleased with it at all.

Should I go or stay with him?

If you say no, I am going to think: I please him all year round, how hard can it be for him to come with me this once to the UCKG?

If you say yes, the accusation thought comes saying that I am pleasing my husband but not my God. It is hard…”

My dear, you did not give me many options here did you? Lol

Look; what this situation shows me is that you have a cruel doubt inside you and this is not good at all.

Friend, I am not going to tell you what you should do, that is not up to me to decide, but I will tell you something…

Whatever you decide to do, if that decision is taken in fear it will all go wrong.

But if you are sure of your decision and go in faith, without fear, with assurance that you chose right; I have no doubt that it will be a blessing!

And do you know what?

This goes for all decisions or indecisions in our lives.

Whatever you decide, do it with assurance! Go in your faith! It will be a blessing!

Doubt is the devil’s surname!

PS. If you have a question and you would like me to answer it as a “post” here where not only you will be helped but others too, write to me as a comment to this post and I will reply as soon as possible. Please avoid giving personal details.

Who is she?

2011-12-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

This little girl has so much to tell!

Soon you will get to know her better and will get to know some of her tricks…

Help my daughter…

2011-12-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Nanda,

My daughter and I are assistants and she does everything in the church but at home all she does is to clean her bedroom and wash her own clothes, she does not want to learn to cook and spring cleaning in the rest of the house, no way!

I am very happy to see her serving God but my husband always complains that I am overloaded with work as she is always resting when not going to church.

Are we been unfair with her? Or should she help around more?

Dear,

Unfortunately, this has become very common amongst young girls. They do their best in their church, evangelize, clean and do everything but when arriving home they do not give a good testimony.

That is really not good because maybe the pastor is not even aware of what’s happening at home, but God sees everything. Not to mention that we want to fight for our family so they may know God, but when they look at our lives and at what we do…that’s it…all down the drain.

Friend, talk to your daughter and explain to her that you would like her to help around more often so that you may not feel overloaded and also for good testimony sake. Make her see that there is no use of doing so much in the church and giving a bad testimony at home.

It is important to remember that by shouting and being angry, you will not achieve much. A friendly and caring conversation will accomplish much more than shouting and demands. Therefore, choose a suitable moment to talk.

Explain exactly what you would like her to do at home and how good it would be for her to learn to cook and so on…

I hate you!

2011-12-30T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday hatred was born inside me- one against insecurities. The more I thought of it the more I noticed how much an obstacle to my faith this was. There is no greater blockage than insecurities to impede an inspiration from God to be fulfilled because this brings doubts. This is satan’s main weapon against God’s chosen ones. If you have any doubts on this subject, see the examples below:

Moses- When God appeared to him and asked him to go and deliver the children of Israel from slavery, his answer was: “…O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before or since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 3:11,4:10)

Jeremiah- When called, his answer wasn’t any better. He argued: “…Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6)

Gideon- Even after a great manifestation of revolt, when God commanded him to go in his strength, he answered: “ …Oh my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15)

These men did not even think before they answered. Their insecurities were so profoundly rooted in them that it came naturally. And the same applies to many of us. We are so used to living with our insecurities, that these have become second nature to us and consequently a stumbling block to our faith if we surrender to them. If the men mentioned above, had given in to their insecurities, they wouldn’t be mentioned in the Bible. God would have to move on and look for other people He could use. What about us? How many times did God have to move on and look for other people He could use because we were unable to surpass our insecurities and answer His call?

Reasons why you should hate insecurities:

· They make you have small expectations. Due to insecurities, you end up dreaming small because you do not believe you deserve better.

· You do not portray a good image of God when you are insecure because you induce other people’ s pity.

· You are made tail and not head because you do not believe you can lead.

· It gives you a spirit of fear and shyness and not one of power.

· They are the opposite of what God wants for you. God is about to make great things happen in people’s life, GREAT THINGS. But what you will receive will only be according to your faith. The first thing you should do is to believe that the dream you secretly dream is worth it. You can have the greatest revolt inside you, the greatest faith but if you do not believe in yourself, if you do not believe you are worth much, the revolt you have will only take you to small blessings. What a waste! Do whatever it takes to overcome your insecurities. Hate it, act against it. Do not accept it to depreciate you. Next time you have the thought: “Who do you think you are?” Tell yourself: “I am God’s warrior! Who are you to stand in my way? Get behind me because I hate you!”

By Moti Bernardino (Pastor’s wife in the UK. And just for the record, she is South African but learned to speak and even write Portuguese).

Merely an unprofitable servant...

2011-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Do you know when you do everything right and even still no one seems to notice?

Oh my! How frustrating!

It seems as if no one values you in spite of all of your efforts...

At home you do everything that your are asked to do.

At work you complete all of your tasks faithfully.

With your family, at school... What's wrong with everybody?!

Can't they see?

All of you efforts to do exactly what must be done totally ignored!!!

Well, here goes the painful response... And please note, this response doesn't come from me but from the Lord Jesus himself...

"... So likewise you, when you have done ALL those things which you are commanded, say, "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do." 17:10

In other words friends...

When we have done everything that is expected of us.

When we fulfill all of our responsibilities, all of them done correctly...

We haven't done anything outstanding!

God expects a lot more of me and you!

Friends, this is so strong that I'm going to stop here and allow you to assimilate this message...

The Best End of Year Investment

2011-12-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Many people at this time of the year seem to loose their common sense, especially when it comes to their finances. I know it feels great to give gifts, actually, I love to give gifts to the people that I love; but everything has a limit. At this time of the year all limits are thrown up in the air.

All this is due to the manipulation we are under, even without noticing it… Gifts for everyone make sure you do not forget anybody. And the house decorations, Christmas tree, Christmas dinner, new year’s supper, etc.…

How can someone start the New Year with the “right foot” with so much pressure?

Out of nowhere you end up spending your Christmas bonus to try to please everybody. And the worse part is that you already start the New Year burdened with debts!!! What kind of life is that for anyone?

Not to mention the money that is spent on the Christmas dinners that get more and more expensive every year. Who came up with the idea that turkey is compulsory?

To tell you the truth I don’t even like turkey that much! I much rather have some chicken; but no, there has to be some turkey somewhere. You know what?

Turkeys are on strike! It’s going to have to be chicken!

It’s sad but at the same time shocking to see so many people who become blind by so many empty feelings that come along with this time of the year.

Who was the Joe blogs that came up with the idea of the Christmas tree just so he could hide the truth from children and place such a great burden on the parents???

Parents who sometimes cannot afford to buy certain presents and find themselves devastated and humiliated, because according to what is said on TV, a family can only be happy if they have a huge and beautifully adorned Christmas tree and the floor under it littered with gifts.

What about the families who can’t afford all this? How do they feel? What about the child who doesn’t yet understand this, and thinks that at Christmas that chubby man with a white beard will come down the chimney with a bag full of presents?

First of all, maybe in this child’s humble home there isn’t even a proper chimney and he would have to call the fire brigade because the chubby man would get stuck!

What about the Christmas tree that you so proudly display in your home? Have you ever asked yourself where this tradition comes from?

Well, let me explain it for you. In the past there was a people who used to worship the trees. They would adorn them and present sacrifices at the foot of those trees.

A total pagan practice. For the financial market this was a great opportunity, and as blind following the blind, many follow this practice without even knowing why.

I know it’s pretty and children love this kind of things and many times we say we do all these things for them. But all this fanfare of feelings and the manipulation from retail outlets doesn’t do anyone any good. Even more so to the children who think that it is all beautiful and innocent, but it’s not!

And just to finish, since today I am already taking longer than usual… If Christmas is to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus (although there is no indication as to when His birthday is or that we should be celebrating His birth) shouldn’t He be the one receiving gifts?

Now my question to you is: when was the last time you gave Him a present?

He doesn’t want our money, a new electric shaver, a new jacket or even a new pajama.

What we should be offering as a gift is our hearts, our personal will, our traditions and abandoning our sins behind. We should be leading other people to know Him and contribute so that others around the world would know who He is.

He doesn’t want you to be sad and full of doubts. He wants you to be a new creature. He wants to be born inside of you.

This is what Christmas should mean to everybody.

This is the best investment you should make this end of year.

Think about this, and who knows… Maybe there is still time to change and invest in what really matters.

Especially for You

2011-12-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

My dear friend,

I really wanted to be there by your side so we could talk through these difficult moments…

I understand you may not feel at ease to speak to someone about these things. I know it’s not easy.

You are facing many problems. In your marriage, financially, your self-esteem is very low, your family fights constantly; but this is not the greatest problem…

My dear friend, you do not have yet the assurance of your salvation; you are not yet born of God.

In my point of view the greatest problem you are facing is not your husband betraying you or the lack of money, or even the arguments between your family members… But if you die today (God forbid!), what is the point of having a lot of money or a family that sticks together? You cannot take them with you! (I am not saying that they are not important, but your priority should be your salvation) Salvation however, can guarantee you an eternal life of peace and tranquility together with our Lord! This is wonderful!

And not only this. Being born of God means having Him within us!

You know those moments where you feel weak and worthless? With Him living inside you, all this changes! He makes you stand and understand how beautiful and precious you are to Him!

You know those moments of profound sadness, where nothing that your family or friends say can comfort you? Very well, in those moments He can come into your heart and comfort you, raise you up and help you carry on and cast away all the sadness.

This is the best and greatest gift that He gives us.

When I was still quite new in the church still in the first few steps of learning to live by faith, I read a verse in the Bible that I never forget!

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be added to you”

I also was struggling with a lot of problems, but when I read this I decided to put it in practice. I stopped focusing on my problems and started seeking the Kingdom of God in first place!

Everything the pastor would say, I would do it…

“You have to stop lying.” I would stop.

“You have to stop doing things you know are wrong.” I would stop.

“You have to be baptized in water.” I got baptized.

And I didn’t stop there, I would meditate on the Bible and practice what I was learning… I started to forgive, having good eyes, etc…

A change started happening inside of me as I continuously sought the presence of God. It didn’t happen overnight, but the day that I was born of God was the happiest day of my life!

If I didn’t have Him within me, I don’t know where I would be today.

Dear friend, I also go through many battles, persecutions and difficult moments… But this is not a problem for me; as long as I am in His presence I know I will overcome whatever comes my way!

This certainty and confidence only exists, because I know that He lives inside of me guiding and strengthening me when I feel week.

He helps me fight against my emotions and to live by faith! There is nothing more wonderful than this!

Remember also the promise in the verse we mentioned earlier: “everything will be added to you.” He has been adding to my life all the other things I need. And the same thing happens with all those who seek Him in first place!

Therefore dear friend, this is my advice… Do the same thing that I did, and you will have the same or even more than I have!

I love you even without having met you; now imagine our Lord Jesus who knows you better than you know yourself!

I will be praying for you.

Always in faith!

Nanda Bezerra.

How do you See?

2011-12-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

I may not have expensive clothes.

I may not have properties in my name or savings in my bank account. (As a missionary this is part of my sacrifice.)

I may not have a permanent place to live or the right to choose where I am going…

I may not have a diploma because I gave my life to serve Him on the altar when I was still very young.

I may not see my wonderful family or my lovely country very often.

I may not speak or write correctly.

I am not always proud of what I think or say.

I may look in the mirror and not be 100% pleased with what I see.

I may say, see and feel many things that many times I regret… but I consider myself to be one of the happiest and most fulfilled people on the face of this earth. Do you know why?

It’s not because of me, but because of Him!

He is my air, my joy, my fortress, my best friend, my first love, my motivation, my inspiration, my strength, my refuge!

Words do not do justice to what I want to explain in this moment… But I consider myself a truly rich person, because not even all the money in the universe would be able to buy what I have!

I have God Himself living inside of me through the Holy Spirit!

What could possibly be more precious than this?

He is able to love me in spite of all my flaws and limitations. Do you know why?

It is because He looks beyond my actions and sees the intention of my heart. And if we want to be like Him we have to do the exact same thing with people around us and even ourselves!

Unfortunately we usually have the habit of judging people and even ourselves very quickly, just because we said or did something we shouldn’t have. But even when we do something wrong, it’s because we were trying to do something right!

Those who are afraid of making mistakes and showing people that they are still learning, usually never get anywhere in life. For if we want to get somewhere in life, we have to try hard and not be afraid of exposing our mistakes. It is necessary to be willing to learn from them.

Dear friends, let us start looking at people and even ourselves in the same way that our Lord does. With love, care, and understanding

Thank you Lord for loving me in spite of my mistakes.

By Flavia Barcelos – Pastor’s wife in England

A day Worthwhile!

2011-12-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today was a wonderful day… To give is much better than to receive. My God, this is really true!

We went with a group of young women from the Sisterhood and also some lovely ladies from the V Woman, to visit a senior’s care home. We were so well received by everyone, and there was so much joy and laughter that we quickly got used to it!

We got there early in the morning and were shown around the home since the place was very big. Later, while they were having lunch we sang some songs with some music played by Priscilla (a Sisterhood pledge) on her guitar. We gave them each a present we had prepared, and after lunch for the ladies who wanted, we provided a manicure, pedicure and a massage! They loved it!

Before we left there was some more music and this time they wanted to dance! It was very funny! There was this particular lady who couldn’t stand for very long, but even sitting was still dancing.

When we left, some of them started to cry. I couldn’t believe it! They really needed what we were doing there. We only spent a few hours there and they didn’t want us to leave.

One of them asked us: “When are you coming back?”

-“Next year.” We said, because in only two weeks we would be in a new year.

-”Oh no. Not next year. I don’t even know if I will be alive next year!”

And we will be back for sure!

Another wonderful lady said: “These girls are making a difference in the world!”

It was a great joy to hear this, and even the young ladies from the Sisterhood were so happy that they couldn’t wait to come back. And we will go back! Next week we will visit another home, but we will surely return to see them again.

The perfume of our Lord being felt; what a wonderful fragrance!

Here are some pictures of that day.

As soon as we got there at the home's entrance.

This is Margaret, so kind and helpful. She showed us around.

He was so charming and cheerful!

Eunice giving out her gift.

Michelle, who couldn't stop crying. KKK

Aren't they beautiful!

Flavia did her nails and she loved it!

During lunch...

...With the girls singing. It was so beautiful! Oh...look at me trying to look like a singer!

They also loved it and saw how important a simple gesture is in another person's life.

They all received a little gift prepared by us with love. Thank you Flavia for your hard work.

Us, preparing for the massage...

Practising it on Beverly's hands.

So dear and loving!

She enjoyed the massage.

This one was so quiet but she stayed till the end.

This one was the most talkative. She even told us about when she was 17 and how she lost her home and her cats during to the second world war. I loved listening to her.

We had Priscila playing the guitar. She played a lovely background music all the way through our visit.

Nails done!

The dearest ones. The ones that stayed till the end and that did not want us to leave...