My husband and I were raised in Catholic families in Colombia, and from an early age our parents taught us the fundamental moral principles of the Catholic religion. But on April of 1989, when we were born again, we began to understand the true meaning of being a Christian and since then our relationship with God has become more personal. Since then we began to write. José Joaquin wrote reflections about the love of God and messages of hope for humanity, and I wrote wise advice for all families everywhere.

Friday, March 29, 2019

THE POWER OF THOUGHT AND SOME ADVICE



The good management of our thoughts gives us eternal life because it is the reflection of a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Only in Jesus Christ, imitating his life and in tremendous obedience to Him, we reach out to Heaven.
To all those who decide to read this message, I want to communicate that as long as we live we can take possession of all spiritual goods, for example: Put our beautiful lives in the arms of the Lord and with Him achieve everything we want and as far as we can imagine. Father God always wins, but what a great happiness it is to see him win when we despise everything apart from Him. The eternal goods surpass the goods of this life and happiness from above fills us with joy and peace. The angels in Heaven sing to God and we, his children, on this earth also sing to the Lord.
The good direction of my life, by the grace of God, I want to share with all my brothers and friends of the world so that we can go with the Lord. Choosing Him is a complete business; there is no better way than traveling with the Beloved through the ways of God.
The money that goes into your pocket or the bank, do not get attached to it; see that there are brothers who have needs and it is a beautiful opportunity to do good. The Word of God tells us, "I was hungry and you gave me food ..." (Matthew 25:35). Distracted brother, you cannot hide because the fire of the Spirit reaches you wherever you are. I myself have failed in this, but my repentance is sincere. To our God I ask forgiveness in thanksgiving because over the course of life, I’ve come to understand better the Lord's greatness and his rewards. How He loves his children! I want to thank and ask God for forgiveness and I advise you brother that you do it too.
That of eternal life is something very serious. Let us not doubt for a moment that the Lord will take us to Heaven because we are purified with the redemptive blood of the Lord Jesus.
Cordially,
José Joaquín Agudelo G.
May 15, 2009
WRITER'S NOTE: Dear brother, if you read this, I would highly appreciate if you shared it with your beautiful friends.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE


Hello family and friends. This Lent, let us repent, ask God for forgiveness, let us change, and let us say: "Lord, change me, for when I decide to change, others can also change." Getting the habit of reading the Bible would be an excellent change because when it is not a habit in our lives, it demands more effort. Galatians 5:17 says that the desires of the flesh are contrary to the desires of the spirit, so if we feed the desires of the flesh, we do not even try to open the Bible. Let's intentionally take time to read it, separate a specific time, and respect this consecrated time to hear the voice of God. Let us then indicate this space within a busy agenda and not compromise it for something that we believe is more important; Be assured that there is nothing better for our spiritual and earthly life. Do not forget that things that have true value require dedication, patience and sacrifice.
Everything is a matter of priority. Knowing and reflecting on the Word of God is something that we must all do. Let's start with one chapter per day because we would only spend five minutes, but first we must pray another five minutes so that the Holy Spirit gives us joy and understanding. Let's devote another five minutes to reflect and apply. And finally five minutes to finish thanking God for how wonderful his Word is. Does it seem a lot to dedicate to your Creator and Redeemer, owner of everything, of your life, of your time, twenty minutes? So there is no excuse for not doing it.
 Now I invite you to reflect on an illustration through a dialogue between a candle and a match.
One day a match told a candle: "Today I will turn you on." Oh no! said the candle, "Don’t you realize that if you turn me on, my days will be numbered? Don’t do that evil to me.” “Then you want to stay as you are now all your life? Hard, cold, and without ever shining? "Asked the match. "But do you have to burn me? That hurts and also consumes all my strength,” murmured the candle. Then the match answered. "You are absolutely right, but that is our mission, you and I were made to be light. What I can do as match is very little, my flame is small and my time is short, but if I pass my flame onto you I will have fulfilled the purpose of my life. I was made just for that, to start the fire. You are a candle and your mission is to shine. All your pain and energy will be transformed into light and heat for a long time. Hearing that, the candle looked at the match that was already at the end of its flame and said, “Please turn me on.” Really this was a beautiful and bright flame! Observe that as well as the candle, sometimes it is necessary to go through hard experiences and has pain and suffering so that the best of us emerges and it is shared and we can be light.
Also do not forget that a calm sea does not make good sailors; the best sailors sail the rough and turbulent waters. So when you are going through the turbulence of life remember that loving, serving and sharing is the fuel that keeps us alive and united. You were made in the image and likeness of God and if you also receive JESUS ​​CHRIST in your life then you are light of the world. Your mission is to radiate light, but let it be guiding light and not dull or blind. My desire is that we be light for all where God wants and until He wants because his times are perfect and his plans are wonderful. Shine in the middle of the test!
Now think about this:
If scientists found a human cell on Mars they would proclaim that there is life on other planets! In contrast, a cell in the womb of a woman is not considered life until after twelve weeks. Thus "professing to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22). Foolish people who do not observe how many human cells and embryos are killed in the world with abortion and the most serious thing is that they are authorized by their own mothers. Remember, God does not make evil. Evil is the result of the absence of God in the hearts of human beings. We forget that we are free to choose, but prisoners of the consequences of bad decisions, because the fool gives free rein to his desires, but the wise man holds them back.
I tell you that Jesus Christ with his death on the cross has knocked down the wall of enmity that separates God and men and has brought us reconciliation and peace. Look at the cross, look at Jesus Christ, look at his empty tomb, and take advantage of His salvation.
Enjoy Easter remembering and living such a momentous event!
With love,
                       María Fanny Agudelo
                       3/15/2019