The awakening of faith

Every living being, no matter how strong or smart they may be, is unable to take action while they are asleep. Likewise, no machine, regardless of how powerful it may be, can operate when it is turned off. When people and machines are in a state of rest, this means their functions cannot be performed at the moment, no matter how natural or simple they may be. Numbness or the lack of energy leaves them fragile, vulnerable, inoperable and useless.

This same is true when faith is dormant. It does not serve any purpose or make a difference whether it exists or not. What good is having power if it’s not used? Or have something that does not function properly? What good is having, if nothing is being done with what you have?

To encourage us to use our faith – knowing that, when we use it, we will achieve everything we want and need – God left what is needed to awaken it in His Word. He left His guidance in the form of commandments, advice, exhortations and promises; tools, such as prayer, fasts, tithes, offerings and vows; and examples, the acts of the heroes of faith and their results. This can cause our faith to be shaken, because it urges and encourages us to do something about what was proposed and taught.

Faith must be awakened so that you can do what you were designed to do, just as living beings need to be awake to use their full potential, and machines must be turned on to operate. It is not with words or with being aware of what needs to be done that we put faith to work, but with action. If you do not take action, your faith remains dormant, and is useless, because it won’t bring you any results. The main characteristic of being dormant is passiveness, and the main sign that something is awake is action.

Perhaps you have been complaining to God about not giving you this or that, when all along, He has given you all the conditions to achieve what you want – and these conditions are in your faith. The problem is not what God has not given you, it’s what you have stopped doing with what He has already given you. What have you done with your faith? Faith is a gift from God to each one of us, but we choose whether we will make good use of this gift or if we’re going to let it sit gathering dust.

As long as your faith is dormant, your victory will be in a deep sleep. But the awakening of faith is the awakening of the life you want to live.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE
 

“But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope…” Ecclesiastes 9:4 NKJV Many people are in search of happiness, health and wealth. Those from small towns move to bigger and more developed cities, with the intention to get better job opportunities, for study purposes and pursue good careers.
Armed with a certificate, they know they could find good employment with good income, they will be able to buy a good car, a house and in future get married and have children. Once the person has understood what he wants, the race to conquer his dreams will start. There are thousands or maybe millions of people trying to achieve this, but how many are really succeeding? We’ve all heard of qualified people who can’t find jobs. How many people end up getting married to the wrong person out of fear to remain alone? After so many attempts to be happy followed by failure, one starts thinking he was born to suffer,  or that it is his destiny to be a looser. Some end up consulting clairvoyants, taro readers, and palm readers- someone who can tell them about their future  and one who tries to prevent problems. The solution is closer than you think! Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJV Regardless of having a degree, good education, money, a beautiful wife, rich husband or anything else related to ‘success’, without Jesus you will get nowhere. I have seen many people who failed to understand the spiritual law of life, as much as they understand the natural law. As a branch cannot survive when taken out of the tree, which is the source of life, no one can succeed if he lives away from Jesus Christ. I have seen rich people unable to enjoy their wealth because of an incurable disease, a trauma/ tragedies or even addictions. No matter how hard you try, if you live away from the source of life, joy and happiness, life will be fiction for you. Dear reader, it was not in vain that Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross. If you find yourself lost without direction, know that God can take you out of your pain. Just get closer to Him and follow His word.  In order to help you, we have our church opened every day; there are chains of prayer for different purposes, daily services, counseling, using Holy Scripture as the source of guidance. Do not think that your situation has no solution. As He opened the Red Sea for His people to go to the Promised Land, He will do for you as well.
God bless you all!

Letting go of people who separate us from love

This month in the Love Therapy we’ve been talking about the importance of letting go of ideas, people and things that hurt our love life. Attachment to these things stops the flow of true love in our lives. It’s inherent to humans to get attached to things. We’re like glue: we easily stick to people, things and ideas, sometimes, for no apparent reason. If they’re good or harmless, it’s ok; otherwise, they can be fatal to our happiness in love.

Certain people can also be one of the greatest impediments to your happiness in love. Ideas travel through people (no ideas are exchanged in the graveyard) — and many people are conveyors of ideas that cause serious damage to your love life.

In order to be happy in love, you shouldn’t allow anyone to come in between the two of you, only God. The moment someone gets between the two of you, your relationship will begin to end.

Watch this three-minute video:

In this movie, Clarice grew up in a home where her mother controlled everyone, including her dad, with an iron fist. With her mother using bitterness, resentment and anger to teach her, Clarice became a bitter woman, just like her mother. After a car accident, she brings her mother over to live with them against her husband’s will. Now, Clarice and her mother unite to get rid of her husband, Dave, by sending him away from home. But Clarice re-assesses the situation with her husband and confronts her mother. She finally realizes that, in order to solve the problems with her husband, she has to stop allowing her mother to interfere in her life and marriage. “I do not want to end up like you,” she tells her mother, after having finally come to her senses.

The first order God gave the first couple was: 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  – Genesis 2.24

If we have to let go of people we’re strongly attached to from birth so we can become one flesh, let alone others. However, how many couples are allowing their child, step-child, real or virtual friends, mother-in-law, father, brother, ex-boyfriend, ex-wife, an old crush, naked women from the Internet, WhatsApp buddies, chat groups, etc., SEPARTE THEM from true love?

Re-evaluate the people you’re letting into your life. Consider the people you interact with socially or through social networks. Examine if you really need to be fantasizing with sexy photos and videos of people who have nothing to do with your life, and yet can hurt your relationship.

Detach yourself from people who separate you from love. Let go of people who push you away from God. Cut yourself loose from those who hurt you.

Just like Clarice did with her mother, this can be the first step to rebuilding your relationship, or the preparation for a new one.

Girlfriend on call

Longing was something a couple felt when they saw each other very little. It was a feeling a wife felt after seeing her husband leave the house early in the morning and only return late at night. It was something that inspired us to write letters, which would only arrive days or even weeks later and when received, they brought out a smile. But this longing died when the internet era happened.

Today, everyone talks to each other all the time through WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, emails and other social networks. As much as this has made many things easier, it also damaged other areas and one of the most serious damages happened to relationships.

It’s hard to see a young man miss his girlfriend, after all, she keeps in touch with him all the time! And if he forgets to tell her good morning, she’ll be moody with him… this is how it is now. It’s as if they already wake up together, they are the first and last person to speak to each other daily.

At first, you don’t see anything wrong with that, you come to think that they are getting to know each other better; but are they?

If you are talking all the time, how will you know if he likes you? On the day and time he calls you, do you leave everything aside to answer? You know what this is? Girlfriend on call.

A girlfriend on call has a lot in common with a nurse on call. They normally don’t have fixed work hours and therefore have limited time for themselves. She has to stay awake at dawn, work on weekends and holidays. Her job is very important but at the same time unappreciated in the market. The surgeon also has hard working hours but by no means is he unappreciated in the market, on the contrary, they earn a lot more than nurses.

The difference is not only in the years of study and the achieved diplomas, but also the availability of the two. One only works during the surgery, the other works all the time. One is not available for everyone, their client has to schedule a time to see him and even then he is usually available only for specifically a few hours a week.

I’m not trying to belittle the work of a nurse on call, I’m trying to make an analogy with relationships. If you are always available for your boyfriend, what incentive does he have to conquer you? The message you give him is that you are already in the palm of his hand.

The same applies to wives. If you are calling your husband all the time, what incentive does he have to call you?

And you know that nice feeling of longing that existed when you dated? You will never be able to have it if you want to be in touch with him all the time.

Longing does good to the relationship, it increases his desire to see you and to please you, it makes him think of you more often and plan a [near] future by your side… longing makes a man want to marry you sooner. The less he has of you, the more he will want you.

Longing was something a couple felt when they saw each other very little. It was a feeling a wife felt after seeing her husband leave the house early in the morning and only return late at night. It was something that inspired us to write letters, which would only arrive days or even weeks later and when received, they brought out a smile. But this longing died when the internet era happened.
Today, everyone talks to each other all the time through WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, emails and other social networks. As much as this has made many things easier, it also damaged other areas and one of the most serious damages happened to relationships.
It’s hard to see a young man miss his girlfriend, after all, she keeps in touch with him all the time! And if he forgets to tell her good morning, she’ll be moody with him… this is how it is now. It’s as if they already wake up together, they are the first and last person to speak to each other daily.
At first, you don’t see anything wrong with that, you come to think that they are getting to know each other better; but are they?
If you are talking all the time, how will you know if he likes you? On the day and time he calls you, do you leave everything aside to answer? You know what this is? Girlfriend on call.
A girlfriend on call has a lot in common with a nurse on call. They normally don’t have fixed work hours and therefore have limited time for themselves. She has to stay awake at dawn, work on weekends and holidays. Her job is very important but at the same time unappreciated in the market. The surgeon also has hard working hours but by no means is he unappreciated in the market, on the contrary, they earn a lot more than nurses.
The difference is not only in the years of study and the achieved diplomas, but also the availability of the two. One only works during the surgery, the other works all the time. One is not available for everyone, their client has to schedule a time to see him and even then he is usually available only for specifically a few hours a week.
I’m not trying to belittle the work of a nurse on call, I’m trying to make an analogy with relationships. If you are always available for your boyfriend, what incentive does he have to conquer you? The message you give him is that you are already in the palm of his hand.
The same applies to wives. If you are calling your husband all the time, what incentive does he have to call you?
And you know that nice feeling of longing that existed when you dated? You will never be able to have it if you want to be in touch with him all the time.
Longing does good to the relationship, it increases his desire to see you and to please you, it makes him think of you more often and plan a [near] future by your side… longing makes a man want to marry you sooner. The less he has of you, the more he will want you.
- See more at: http://blogs.universal.org/cristianecardoso/en/girlfriend-on-call/#sthash.3CBDSAsQ.dpuf

Longing was something a couple felt when they saw each other very little. It was a feeling a wife felt after seeing her husband leave the house early in the morning and only return late at night. It was something that inspired us to write letters, which would only arrive days or even weeks later and when received, they brought out a smile. But this longing died when the internet era happened.
Today, everyone talks to each other all the time through WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, emails and other social networks. As much as this has made many things easier, it also damaged other areas and one of the most serious damages happened to relationships.
It’s hard to see a young man miss his girlfriend, after all, she keeps in touch with him all the time! And if he forgets to tell her good morning, she’ll be moody with him… this is how it is now. It’s as if they already wake up together, they are the first and last person to speak to each other daily.
At first, you don’t see anything wrong with that, you come to think that they are getting to know each other better; but are they?
If you are talking all the time, how will you know if he likes you? On the day and time he calls you, do you leave everything aside to answer? You know what this is? Girlfriend on call.
A girlfriend on call has a lot in common with a nurse on call. They normally don’t have fixed work hours and therefore have limited time for themselves. She has to stay awake at dawn, work on weekends and holidays. Her job is very important but at the same time unappreciated in the market. The surgeon also has hard working hours but by no means is he unappreciated in the market, on the contrary, they earn a lot more than nurses.
The difference is not only in the years of study and the achieved diplomas, but also the availability of the two. One only works during the surgery, the other works all the time. One is not available for everyone, their client has to schedule a time to see him and even then he is usually available only for specifically a few hours a week.
I’m not trying to belittle the work of a nurse on call, I’m trying to make an analogy with relationships. If you are always available for your boyfriend, what incentive does he have to conquer you? The message you give him is that you are already in the palm of his hand.
The same applies to wives. If you are calling your husband all the time, what incentive does he have to call you?
And you know that nice feeling of longing that existed when you dated? You will never be able to have it if you want to be in touch with him all the time.
Longing does good to the relationship, it increases his desire to see you and to please you, it makes him think of you more often and plan a [near] future by your side… longing makes a man want to marry you sooner. The less he has of you, the more he will want you.
- See more at: http://blogs.universal.org/cristianecardoso/en/girlfriend-on-call/#sthash.3CBDSAsQ.dpuf

Details make all the difference

 

For an electronic device to function, each wire, no matter how small or thin it is, must be properly connected. If just one wire is disconnected, the entire function of the device is compromised. When this happens, it no longer matters how beautiful or how modern the device is. A single disconnected wire can cause it to stop working and become useless.

The details that keep faith active are like these wires. Usually, no one gives them much importance, but they are specifically responsible for keeping our faith running properly. Each of these wires is a short prayer or a thought about the Word of God, which places you under the protection, direction, dependence and care of God. They are what guarantee your physical and spiritual integrity, not the fact that you have the Holy Spirit. By neglecting these details, many who are of God have been hurt, and some even lost their lives.

After all, it’s no use having your weapons in hand if you’re not going to use them during the war; it’s no use to be of God and not protect yourself from the attacks of the devil. You make mistakes and are vulnerable to the mistakes of others when your wires are not connected to God. This is when your faith device begins to malfunction.

Put God before the small things in your life too. This constant exercise of faith neutralizes the actions of the devil and protects you from human mistakes. Ask Him to bless the professionals you come across, guide the means of transport you use, preserve your going out and your coming in and eliminate the inspirations sent by the devil from the minds of the people around you. This is the foundation for you to continue living, fighting and winning. By doing so, you will maintain the physical and spiritual conditions to continue working for the Kingdom of God.

Give due importance to details – they make all the difference. One detail can be decisive in what will or will not happen in your life. Both, the blessings of God and the tragedies caused by the devil are born from details. Of the two, the one that will interfere in the small things connected to you, is not always the one to whom you surrendered your life, but the one you allowed to act – whether through prayer or a lack thereof.

Confidence

Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. NKJV  
Where is your confidence?
QUOTE OF FAITH
Never cast away your confidence.

Today we are going to talk about a subject that when you find out what it is, the first thing that will come to your mind will be: “Lord!!! Seriously? That cliche subject! I can’t stand reading about it! It’s for believers! I thought we were not supposed to be religious, right? Please!? I don’t think today’s post is for me! I’m going to pack my things now! I’m even with courage! Isn’t there something else to talk about today in the blog?!” The answer is, NO!
Today we will talk about your relationship with God. Nothing new! I know you may be a step closer to closing the screen, because you are sure this post is not for you! If you thought about this, then keep reading! It is you that I want to talk to. Here you come and tell me: “But Quel… I already have a relationship with God! At my own time… but I have one! The important thing is to have one, right? I go to church and I’m baptized in water! I received the Holy Spirit! I don’t have bad friends, I don’t get involved with the boys in the world… I do everything right, and you want to know something? I’m even an assistant! At school/collage, you should see me! I’m practically a saint!” Did something similar come to your mind? Okay, sit down because now we are going to talk, from student to student.
Having a relationship with God is much more than just going to church and praying! Together we are going to figure this out in the next posts For a very long, long, long time I thought I had a relationship with God, when in fact I was very far from Him! Can I tell you something? I was raised in church and I never set my toe in the things of this world, let alone the whole foot! But get this, I was an assistant, my life was good, I was practically a saint! But nothing saved me when I found myself alone. Nobody could help me or understand me. Many times I even tried to explain, but it was impossible to convey in words what was happening inside. Some things were no longer important to me. Being with people was indifferent, when in fact I felt lonely. I loved everyone around me, but whatever! Everything seems to turn and move while you are there! Frozen! I had a thousand questions, but God’s silence was obvious. But, what about the devil? Oh, he spoke a lot! To all my questions he had answers! He suggested a way out, a more “loose” life, more “laid-back”. I knew there was no evil spirit in me! I knew I had been delivered! I knew God! But something was happening to me! Could it be the famous “desert” everyone talks about?
The devil will always show you more interesting things to do when you want to take the time to have a relationship with God. Even our education (apparently in a harmless way!) ends up hindering it. Everything seems more interesting than praying or meditating on the Bible. Having a relationship with God is having your moment with Him, without the pastor to help you pray, without the pianist playing in the background to fill you with the emotion of music, without anyone to intercede! It’s only you and God! I know well that our studies consume a large part of our physical and mental strength, but you can’t decide having a relationship with God based on how you feel! Are you tired? Sleepy? Worried about the exam? All of this is feelings, feelings that will not help you at all! For a long time I felt like praying, I felt sleepy, I felt like going to church, felt, felt, felt… but where did all those feelings take me? I decided to have a relationship with God, don’t depend on what you feel and partner up with Him. After all,  you decided to be a #BulletProofStudent and partnering with Him that shields you.
- See more at: http://blogs.universal.org/cristianecardoso/en/allied-students/#sthash.7Y7dkMJp.dpuf

Hitting rock bottom and attentive ears

 

 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet. – Psalm 141:6

The “judges” in this Scripture are not righteous, but evil; those who use their authority and power to do evil. The psalmist confidently says: “they are overthrown…” Those who practice evil will certainly be overthrown. Do not doubt the greatest justice from the most perfect Judge: God, the One who will make sure the wicked stumble and fall.

This is why David did not worry about bringing about justice with his own hands when he was being persecuted by Saul and his army. Twice, he had the opportunity to kill Saul, but chose to let God deal with him. And God’s justice was perfect.

If the unrighteous persecute you, then turn to the Righteous Judge. Present your case to Him.

Many times, we feel tempted to repay evil with evil in a relationship, to retaliate, get revenge from the wrong we’ve suffered from a partner. The more powerful response would be to repay evil with good. It is as if you were “heaping coals of fire” on that person’s head (Proverbs 25:21-22). The good you do in exchange for the wrong you’ve received will burn in the other person’s conscience.

But it doesn’t end there. Notice the second part of the verse: “…and they hear my words, for they are sweet.” Some precious lessons are found here:

• There is no point talking to evil-doers when they are on top of the world, they won’t listen. Only when they fall, will they be willing to listen. Sometimes, you need to wait and let a person hit their head hard so that they will value what you say. Pride precedes a fall, and a fall precedes humility.
• When a proud person is humbled, the temptation to say: “I told you so! I warned you!” is very strong! But do not lose your cool. The pain of the fall will say this on your behalf. Like David, let your words be pleasant, not sarcastic, accusing or mocking. Ensure your words are always uplifting, not discouraging. Evil falls by its  wickedness and pride. You do not need to interfere. Focus on being positive, not negative.

He answered

Psalm 99:6

Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel was among those who called upon His name; they called upon the LORD, and He answered them. NKJV

Even today God answers those who call upon Him.

QUOTE OF FAITH

They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.

To those who need immediate change

If Jesus, in flesh and blood, came to your house, sat down with you to listen and give you advice, do you believe your problems would be solved?

Pause for a second. Picture this: Jesus, in person, sitting down on the couch in front of you, listening, talking to you, and ready to help in whatever you need.

You may think: “I wish…” but would He solve your problems and change your life? Let’s look at a situation where this exact scenario took place, and its two very different outcomes.

You may read about this story in the Gospel of Luke 7:36-50

Simon, the owner of the house, who offered a dinner to Jesus and His disciples, had this opportunity, but received nothing from Him. On top of that, he saw a prostitute, who hadn’t even been invited to be there, being blessed by Jesus right under his nose.

The truth is that many who saw Jesus face-to-face, spoke with Him, touched Him, did not receive anything from Him. The story of Simon reveals that if you do not show your faith, then even being in the physical presence of Jesus won’t help.

• The woman entered as a prostitute, but left holy; she came in lost, but left saved.
• Simon ended up worse off than before — he did not believe, doubted that Jesus was a prophet and, to make matters worse, learned he was filled with prejudice.

What happened there?

The sinner gave all of herself: the body she used to lie down with men, she laid at Jesus’ feet. The tears she’d cried all her life, she shed on His feet. She used her pretty hair as a towel. The mouth she used to seduce her clients, kissed His feet. And she poured out the most precious perfume till the last drop upon Him. All she had went to Jesus.

The result was immediate! No words were exchanged, but there was action.

Do you want immediate change? Do you want to stop being a certain way and become a new person?

• From being jealous to being secure
• From being an adulterer to being faithful
• From being aggressive to being calm
• From having low self-esteem to being self-assured
• From being lonely to being chosen
• From being rejected to being accepted
• From being shy to being brave
• From being separated to reconciling
• From being divorced to being married
• From being used to being valued
• From being an addict to being clean
• From being anxious to being confident

Then put your faith in action! Pour out all of you at the feet of Jesus. Detach yourself from wrong ideas, thoughts and bad habits — everything that ties you to your old life. The change will be IMMEDIATE!

6 reasons why sex before marriage affects a relationship 

We are sexual beings and that is why sex has always been, is and will be a matter of great importance, especially because it is a common desire in everyone. Sex is also one of the greatest tools of intimacy between the couple and that is why it has a great influence in the mood between the two. Unfortunately, sex has been seen as something bad, impure, tiring, selfish and even fleshly for many couples who stop having sex after marriage.

What many don’t know is that behind this bad reputation about sex is linked to the fact of having sex before marriage. When the couple does not wait for the wedding night to have sex, usually the following happens:

1. Sex gives the couple intimacy at the wrong time. In the minds of many, they don’t have to win over the other person and now that they slept with their partner, they no longer need to make any effort to conquer him/her – he/she already gave everything they had to give. That’s why many begin to be possessive, jealous and even controlling. They live as if they belonged to each other without wanting to commit to marriage.
2. For women sex usually means a complete surrender to the guy and she creates expectations that he will surrender to her too, but no. She starts to behave as if she is won over but also feels undervalued in the relationship. He doesn’t give her as much attention as she gives him. He doesn’t commit to her as she does to him. Many never get married, for what? They already have everything!
3. The sexual act between two people who are not married is usually to satisfy themselves and not their partner, it ends up not being enjoyable as it should be. That is why many women after getting married don’t have the desire for sex, they associate sex as something selfish. Fatigue or stress is a reason to deny intimacy to her husband for several days, weeks and even months — and when she does, it’s by obligation.
4. Not everyone who has sex before marriage gets married, this means it’s possible that you are giving some of your most intimate moments to a person who will not be with you for the rest of your life, and this boyfriend or fiance can be part of your sexual baggage. I was impressed to read about a survey done in the United States, where it was discovered that the women carry a bit of the DNA from each sexual partner, and this DNA is part of the children she may have…
5. Another possibility is the undesired or “desired” pregnancy. Those who get pregnant unintentionally, completely change direction and become a mother at the wrong time. Without being ready, she is scared of possibly having to raise a child alone and may even get married with the first guy who is interested. The one that willingly gets pregnant without their partner knowing puts him against the wall, and he ends up marrying her just because she is pregnant. They will always have this between them… “he only married me because I was pregnant”, “I was not ready to get married, I will live life as a single even if I have the title of husband”. Not to mention that they both never had a life together before they began a life of three… no time to adapt, no preparation, the relationship is always in conflict.
6. And the sexually transmitted diseases… no one speaks about the subject but there is a lot of people carrying incurable diseases out there!

The man who respects you enough to wait for the wedding night shows that he values you above his physical needs. He has the profile of a husband that you want and need.

The wedding night doesn’t need to be one more night, it can be THE NIGHT. You can both surrender completely, without holding back, without doubt, fear or afraid of the next morning. The first time that he touches you will be because he valued you first and not because he had a simple attraction for you. It will be the beginning of a life together, only you two!

Friends who are still virgins:

A dear friend of Renato and I likes to say, you don’t need to lose your virginity, simply give it to your husband — that way, you will always know where she is. 

Friends who are no longer virgins:

Don’t continue to do what’s wrong. It’s never too late to stop doing what’s wrong and start doing what is right.

Depend on who?

This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. 1 Samuel 1.3-5

Can a person be before God for a long period of time and remain sterile, not having a before and after to tell? Of course they can!

Notice that Ana went up every year to present a holocaust, which was double the portion her “adversary” Peninnah offered.

However, she would return angry, crying, and not eating. Do you know why?

First: She did not know how to identify her true adversary, who was not Penina, but her infertility, which was mainly why Elkanah had another wife.

Second: Hannah insisted on using her emotions, and God never changed someone’s life by the size of their pain, because pain has a size and dimension for man but not for Him, Who heals and delivers from any situation with the same ability. What makes a difference is the size of a person’s revolt.

Third: Her holocaust was twice as much as Penina’s, but it was given to her by her husband and not formed by her own faith; this is, she spent a long time hidden behind Elkanah’s faith, when she was the one that was sterile and, therefore, Hannah should have been the one to form her own sacrifice.

Friend, you can share a pain, but you can not share a responsibility, and you are responsible for changing the situation you are in, like what happened with Hannah, who only turned the tables when she decided to be independent and act with her own Faith.

So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 

And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” 

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 1 Samuel 1.9-18

The same woman that could not have one child, had six. It only depends on your faith, so stop being sterile!

God bless you greatly!

The assembly
 

1 Samuel 17:47
Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” NKJV
Who can contend with the power of the Lord?

QUOTE OF FAITH
The LORD does not save with sword and spear.

How dependent are you?

 

One of the most common desires of a human being is to be independent. Independent of parents, relationships, children and even favors. It’s really frustrating to have to rely on others to get what you want, but we don’t always have the pleasure of being so independent… that’s when irritation kicks in. The thought of having to wait on others and feel like you are in their hands. This is what Renato and I see the most during our counseling at the Love Therapy. People who depend on others who don’t give them anything, they cheat, abuse and ignore them.
But there are many people who depend on others and don’t know it, out of everyone, I think these are the most unhappy. When you don’t know that you depend on others, you don’t do anything to be independent and it makes you stop in time as well as a vulnerable person.
Some examples of dependent people:

• You never see your mistakes and you need others to call your attention.
• You can’t stay away from social networks and you always need to know what’s happening there.
• You depend on other people’s attention to feel good.
• You check who liked and who didn’t like your posts.
• You don’t like to be alone and always find an excuse to have someone with you, whether it is to go somewhere or to stay at home.
• You need to be in a relationship to feel happy.
• You need compliments to feel good about yourself.
• You don’t like to take initiatives and are always waiting for someone to take them for you.
• You are always asking for prayer and advice. Between you and God, there is always someone to intercede for you.
• You need someone to point which direction to take. You are not firm on your own.
• You don’t seek to learn new things and depend on others to teach you only when it really becomes a necessity.
• You don’t read and don’t keep yourself aware of things and so you depend on others who do it for you.
• You are addicted, whether it is a drug, food, social networks, television, pornography…
• You depend on friends to exercise or to do a diet.
• You depend on feeling motivated to do do everything. If things are not in order, you don’t do anything.
• You depend on the weather outside to feel good. If it is raining, you feel grumpy.
• You depend on the mood of others to be in a good mood.
• You only treat well those who treat you well.
• You depend on being in church to be in spirit.
• You rely on a pet.

As long as you depend on others, you will never feel good about yourself and will always be with that feeling that you are not the person you should be.
In order to stop being dependent on others, you need to learn to depend on God, only He can give us the ability to do so.