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