Saturday, May 31, 2003
How does God forgive?
The forgiveness of God is a mystery to us. How a holy God can on His own initiative forgive us is beyond our comprehension – But He does. No matter what you bring before Him, He is willing to forgive you. If you don’t believe it, just try it! He forgive instantly!
-John Roe
-I John 1:9
“If we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right. He will forgive our sins and make us clean from all our wrongdoing.”
Friday, May 30, 2003
God has forgiven you completely!
You can’t buy forgiveness.
You can’t bargain with God.
You don’t try to bribe God.
You don’t have to beg God.
You are forgiven by God and you are forgiven completely. All of the stuff in your life that you have done wrong, and all the good stuff that you haven’t done is all forgiven. Completely wiped out! Gone, gone, gone! Live in the forgiveness of God and quit beating yourself up for things that God has already forgotten about!
-John Roe
– Colossians 2:13-14
“He has forgiven all your sins, He has utterly wiped out the evidence of broken commandments which always hung over our heads, and has completely annulled it by nailing it to the cross.”
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Have you ever asked yourself why you feel depressed? You could give me many reasons. For example, you could say that you have problems with your parents because they don’t have enough time for you, or that your best friend deceived you, or that your boyfriend or girlfriend left you, or that you don’t have a boyfriend/girlfriend and you feel alone. Perhaps you had a bad day at work or at school or you feel ugly. Maybe you feel like you aren’t important to anyone, etc. You could continue with your list and have pages and pages and never end.
But today you need to realize something very important. If you have Christ in your heart and you are seeking Him and you fill your life with His love, He will change that depression into joy and He will fill any emptiness you may have in your heart.
Don’t wait any longer. Seek God with all of your heart.
-Erika Cervantes
-Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Are you prepared to reach the goal?
Now is not the time to be seated as a spectator, watching while others run the race to arrive at the goal. Just as a runner prepares himself with much training and discipline, that is how you have to prepare yourself. The first step is to seek God with all your heart. He will give you the power you need to run the race. Spend time in prayer and Bible study. This will give you the strength to face and jump over the obstacles that come your way.
An athlete only runs to get one more award, which only serves as a decoration. But you are running for that prize that lasts forever. It is eternal life, and a life lived from victory to victory.
-Erika Cervantes
-1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
How many times have you preferred to not take a risk because you were afraid of failure? Another thing that stops you is the fear of what others will say if you fail. But you need to take risks to get what you want, even in small things.
A few weeks ago, I read something that I want to share with you. I pray it will bless you.
To laugh is to risk looking foolish.
To cry is to risk looking sentimental.
To get close to someone is to risk getting involved in his/her life.
To show your feelings is to risk showing your true self.
To share your ideas and dreams with others is to risk losing them.
To love is to risk not being loved.
To live is to risk death.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
(Author Unknown)
But if you don’t take a risk, you will never win. Perhaps you will avoid pain and suffering, but you will not grow because growth comes from all the experiences in your life. Everything we experience in this life helps us in one way or another.
-Erika Cervantes
-Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Monday, May 26, 2003
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. This is the day we remember those who have given their lives defending our freedoms. For many people, it only means a three-day weekend and time for fun. But when you think about the many people who gave their lives so that we can maintain our freedoms, it is a sobering thought. We have been hearing in the news about those who have died in the latest war. I’m sure their families would want us to take a few minutes to honor the ultimate sacrifice given.
I would encourage you to take a moment today to remember the many men and women who died so you can live in freedom. But I would also like to encourage you to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross over 2000 years ago. Because He went to the cross and paid the price for your sins, you can live free from sin. The price has been paid for you-all you have to do it accept it.
On this Memorial Day, remember those who have fought for your freedom, and if you know a veteran, take the time to thank him or her for serving our country. But I would encourage you to take another moment or two and give thanks to Jesus for buying your eternal freedom on Calvary.
-Ardis Rivera
-Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Yesterday I received an e-mail from a great friend with the surprising news that he had found a job. In order for him to get this job, he had to take a test and have several interviews. He told me that the exam was very hard and that he knew that he was offered the job, it would be because of God’s intervention. Actually, he didn’t pass the exam, but he was offered the job. The key is that he recognized that in order to get the job, it would be because of God.
Many times we try to do things on our own and because of this we don’t see the desired results. But when we work together with God and allow Him to do the impossible while we do the possible, the results will be more than we could ever imagine.
-Erika Cervantes
-Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Two years ago I heard the testimony of a young woman who is serving as a missionary in Spain. This young woman’s testimony had a great impact on everyone who was present to hear her speak. We could all see that she had trouble walking when she went to the pulpit. We learned that her problems with walking were due to an illness. But that wasn’t all. When she started to speak it was evident that she also had problems in speaking. It was difficult to understand her.
She ended her testimony by saying, “Look at me. If I can do all that I have told you I have done, you can do the same. Never say that you can’t do something. Ask God to help you as I have done and He will help you.”
So, I would like to ask you what you are waiting for. If this young woman could work for God even with her handicaps, God can surely use you and He desires to use you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Friday, May 23, 2003
Have you ever asked yourself why you are so afraid of failure? I think that the majority of people fear that word. We find two kinds of people.
The first is the kind that, after experiencing failure, blames themselves for not achieving success. They spend their time telling everyone that they are bad people, destined for failure. They think there are no more opportunities for them, and I could go on from here.
The second type of people is the kind that sits down and analyzes the reasons for not achieving the desired result. After doing this, they get up and try again, but this time they take into account the mistakes previously made.
It is likely that the second kind of people will achieve the set goal. They can achieve it because they don’t see failure as an end, but as an opportunity to improve.
God has given you wisdom. So don’t believe you are a fool when you try to achieve a goal. If you feel you need more wisdom, ask God for it, and He will give it to you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Colossians 1:9-11 NIV
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
Thursday, May 22, 2003
One time, one of my dogs got too close to the edge of a stairway and fell. After that experience, he never again went near the edge of anything. Now my dog relates any edge with a bad experience and he keeps his distance.
This type of thing doesn’t just happen to animals. Have you ever had a disagreeable experience? Do you hope to avoid that type of experience again?
However, you are just punishing yourself and possibly others around you by putting up a barrier to your potential. There are two sentences that limit your potential in different situations.
The first is when you are asked to do something and it seems difficult, you say that you have never done it and can’t do it. But, why do you say that if you have never tried it? Perhaps you are putting a limit on your potential when you say that you can’t do something.
The second is when you start doing something and you don’t see the desired results right away and you give up, saying you will never try it again. Have you ever asked yourself how many times the successful people tried and failed before achieving success? I assure you that they all tried many times before achieving success.
You have to decide whether to sit still and say you can’t achieve anything or to get up and keep trying until you succeed.
-Erika Cervantes
-John 15:5 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Throughout your life you have met people that have been a great blessing to you. I am referring to those people who have been there to encourage you, to give you advice, to challenge you to achieve your goals in life.
But, unfortunately, there are also those who try to discourage you, telling you that you will never achieve your goals and who tell you that are no good at certain things. The worst thing about this is that is easier to believe what the second group says. Then you no longer try to meet your goals because all you see are obstacles (doubt, fear, insecurity among other things).
Right now I want to encourage you to stop thinking in the lies that you have been told. Get them out of your head and throw them away. Then keep going forward, knowing that God is always with you and that He will help you every step of the way.
-Erika Cervantes
-Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the LORD , your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
How many times have you said that you trust in God? Saying it is much easier than doing it, right? But trusting in God works. If you trust in Him, you will discover something very important in your life. You will realize that He loves you just the way you are, whether you are tall, short, fat, skinny, ugly or handsome. It doesn’t matter what you look like. Jesus’ love is so great that He didn’t avoid the cross. He died there for you. That is the best reason to have a good self-image.
There is a song by Michael W. Smith that is called “You’re Alright”. One of the verses says:
“To learn how He loves you is to learn to love yourself,
to live the life He’s living in you
And what others think of you could never measure to the wealth
Of what He’s paid and given to you.”
Michael W Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodrigues
1986, Emily Boothe Inc./O’Ryan Music, Inc./Whitney Katherine Music, Inc
Always remember that God is with you, holding you up no matter what your worries may be. When you begin to see your life the way He sees it, and you realize that He died for you, you will understand the great love He has for you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Romans 5:6-8 NIV
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Monday, May 19, 2003
Do you have something in mind that you would like to do, but you believe you can’t do because your fears and your insecurities don’t allow you to go forward?
I remember that when I was a small girl I would go for walks with my father and suddenly we would come across a mud puddle. I thought it was enormous and told my father that I couldn’t possibly jump across it because I was afraid of falling or getting hurt (and of getting wet). But my father told me not to be afraid and to take his hand and we would jump over it together. I don’t remember that I ever told him that I didn’t want his help. Instead, I immediately took his hand and together we jumped over the puddle. Once across the puddle, I would look back, realizing that with my father’s help, I could do it.
It is the same with God. I know there are times when you feel afraid and you are unsure about jumping over a puddle (call it problems, pressures, disagreements, etc.). But God is right by you, waiting for you to take His hand and let Him jump over the puddle with you. Remember that you may think the puddle is huge, but in God’s eyes, it’s really small.
Don’t wait any longer. Take God’s hand and jump over your puddle with Him.
-Erika Cervantes
-Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sunday, May 18, 2003
We humans tend to always think that whatever is coming is better than what we have right now. In winter, we can’t wait for spring to come, bringing its’ warmth and by the end of summer, we wish the days were cooler. It seems we are never satisfied. Have you ever thought how great it would be to be an adult? Being an adult may seem like the best thing ever, but enjoy your teen years. Don’t waste time wishing that the future would come quickly. Enjoy each and every day that you have as a teen.
But, take advantage of your teen years to develop a close relationship with God. You will never have a better friend, and as the years go by, He won’t move away like some of your friends will do. He will be there at all times for you no matter where you are. And, as you grow into adulthood, He will guide you each step of the way.
-Ardis Rivera
-Ecclesiastes 12:1 NIV
Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”-
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Have you ever felt frustrated because you felt you couldn’t do something? I’m sure you have. The worst part about this is not in the frustration, but that the frustration can lead to discouragement. Then you don’t even feel like trying because of your fear of failure. You get the idea that you can’t do something and you tell yourself that you are crazy to even think of trying.
Now is the time to stop putting yourself down. If there is something you have considered doing, try. It doesn’t matter how many times you have to attempt it before getting it right. Keep trying. Just remember—if it takes several attempts to be successful, always keep a positive attitude.
-Erika Cervantes
-Philippians 4:13 NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Friday, May 16, 2003
How many times have you asked yourself the question, Who am I? Perhaps you have asked yourself this question many times. But do you really know the answer to this question?
Some may answer it by saying, “I am Frank (Susan)”. But that just gives their name. Others may answer by saying, “I am a student” or whatever occupation you they have. But that doesn’t answer the question either. That answer simply gives the occupation.
Perhaps you don’t realize how important you are. You can find the answer to this in the verse given below.
-Erika Cervantes
-1 Peter 2:9 NIV
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Do you know how valuable you are?
I begin with this question because I have met many young people who don’t realize how valuable they are. Even Christians have a hard time grasping the idea of how valuable they are.
Almost always they are looking around and thinking they would like to be like the girl in the group that attracts all the attention because of her beauty and/or intelligence. Or they want to be like the popular boy in school. It is easy to spend your time in wanting to be like someone else, not even seeing all the positive qualities you have.
I would like for you to realize that you are unique. There is no one else in the world that has your personality, your way of thinking, your qualities, your feelings, etc.
Remember that God created you and you were made in His image. Remember that “God doesn’t make garbage”. So why do you feel like garbage?
-Erika Cervantes
-Psalm 139:13-16 NIV
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Last week I was sitting on the sofa and suddenly a dog (her name is Goldie) came and put her head on my lap. She looked at me in a very special way. When I saw her eyes, I felt such tenderness toward her. I realized that she just wanted some attention and love.
How many times are you so busy with all your activities that you forget to go to God and tell Him that you love Him? God is always watching you and when you don’t spend time with Him, did you ever think that He looks at you with eyes full of love, saying, “Here I am. Look at me. Spend a little time with me.”
God wants you to know Him and to spend time with Him. He wants to show you how much He loves you. So, if you have not spent time with Him lately and you haven’t told Him how much you love Him, now is a good time to do it. He is always there with His arms open to receive you, waiting to pour out His love on you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
I have a question for you. How much do you value your family?
Perhaps you will say that you value your family very much or perhaps you don’t know what to say. There is a saying that you don’t know what you have until you lose it. I would like to suggest that when you have your family near, it is easy to take it for granted.
Today I was talking with a young man who told me of the pain he felt because he no longer has his family and that he would give whatever it would cost to have his family back. Unfortunately, that can’t happen. I can understand this young man’s pain even though my situation is nothing like his. I still have my family, but at the moment we are far apart.
I know that many young people prefer spending time with their friends. I am not trying to say that this is bad, but give your family the appropriate place in your life. Don’t wait until you no longer have your family to realize how much you need them.
-Erika Cervantes
-Exodus 20:12 NIV
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
Monday, May 12, 2003
This last weekend, the words “I love you, Mom” were used quite frequently since May 10th was Mother’s Day in Mexico and it was yesterday, the 11th here in the United States. But, do we really know what it means when we say love? I have heard many say things like “I love my shoes”, “I love my dog”, “I love my car”, “I love my house”, etc.
Yesterday, I was in a restaurant celebrating with a friend who is a mother. I observed all the mothers who were there with their small children. I thought to myself that they were supposed to be celebrating and yet these mothers could hardly eat their own food because they were feeding their children and taking care of their needs. I thought that this is what it means to love your children. I didn’t see one mother who seemed upset that she had to tend to her children. I actually saw the opposite: they were all smiling and enjoying the job of taking care of their little ones.
Remember that your family loves you the way Jesus wants us to love each other.
-Erika Cervantes
-Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
Sunday, May 11, 2003
A few days ago I heard that a cat had had her kittens. I asked where the kittens were and was told that the mother had them hidden.
I was thinking about this—how the mother cat does everything possible to protect her kittens from harm. If an animal does this, imagine what your mother would do for you. And keep in mind, God is also taking care of you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Psalm 91:3-4 NIV
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. Tomorrow mothers will receive special treatment in many different ways. It is good to honor our mothers on this day. But as I was thinking about this, I was reminded of several women in my life who never were mothers and yet they had a huge impact on my life. I know of several women who dedicated their lives to teaching other people’s children, whether in school or church, but never had children of their own. I still remember how the teacher I had in the first four years in school would encourage me to practice the piano and actually gave me a big stack of her own music (most of which is so difficult that I will never play it). I keep that music as a special remembrance of a very special woman even though my children can’t understand why I would want such old music. Of course I also remember when she made me stay in from recess to work on long division because I just couldn’t grasp the concept. I finally understood it with lots of help form a very patient woman. I remember being asked to sing and play at her retirement party. And when she died, there was an emptiness in my life, even though I was in high school by that time.
I’m sure you can think of at least one such woman. Maybe it would be a good idea to send a letter or a small gift to one such person, just to let her know what her life meant to you. You may never know how much it could mean to that one very special person that has come to your mind right now. I know that if I could, I would love to talk to Miss Anderson one more time.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Friday, May 9, 2003
Have you ever asked yourself how much your mother loves you? Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but I am sure that your mother loves you in a very special way. From the time mothers become pregnant they show this love. They care for us for nine months in the womb. After we are born, they nurse us and care for us with a very great love. The years will pass and you will be a young adult and your mother will still worry about you. You will never stop being her child.
Take a few minutes to remember the sacrifices that your mother has made for you and don’t forget the little things. I know that one day, if you would ask her if she has sacrificed for you that she may say yes. But you will know that she has made sacrifices by the great love she has for you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Isaiah 49:15 NIV
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Today I was thinking about a question that I asked my mother several years ago. I asked her if she had ever been afraid that she would be able to help us achieve our goals in life. She answered that yes, she had had that fear. She also said that she had been afraid that she would not be a good mother, since she had lost her mother at a very young age.
Then she said, “When you are a mother, you will understand that there is something very strong inside of you that will give you the strength to fight for your children and for their future. You will be willing to give your life for your child.”
That last statement had a great impact on me. Shortly after that I found that it was true when I discovered that Jesus died on the cross for you and for me so that we could have a better life.
-Erika Cervantes
-Romans 8:31-32 NIV
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Today I was thinking that Mother’s Day is coming up very soon. I thought about how many children wait for this day to give their mothers a present or to give her a hug. But I would like to ask a question: why wait for some special day to tell her or show her that you love her. Why wait for this day to give her a flower or a hug?
But, we do the same thing with God. Perhaps you ask yourself why. It is easy to answer that question. How many times do we go to God to ask Him for something or to tell him everything we are experiencing. But how many times do we take the time to just tell Him that we love Him?
Think about this for a few minutes and then decide to take the time to go to God and tell Him how much you love Him. And don’t forget to go to your mother and show her how much you love her.
-Erika Cervantes
-1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Last night I was thinking about something that happened to a friend of mine. This friend is a mother and one of her children said some things that hurt her deeply. As I watched the tears flow, my heart was saddened and even though I am not a mother, I understood her feelings.
This situation made me think of two things. The first is that at times, we as children hurt our mothers and we don’t see the pain we cause. It doesn’t matter how many times we hurt them, they never hold it against us. I proved this once more when this friend was telling me about what had happened, but never spoke badly of her son and never said she no longer loved him.
The second thing is that we do the same thing with God. As His children, we hurt Him by our bad attitudes. I can almost see the tears running down His cheeks as He sees how ungrateful we are as His children. But He never stops loving us. He is always concerned about us, hoping that we will come back and realize our error.
Today, think about the times you have hurt God and ask Him to forgive you. Also ask Him to show you the times you have hurt your mother. Then go to her and ask her to forgive you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Monday, May 5, 2003
Yesterday I was thinking about the fact that Mother’s Day is approaching. For the majority of us, it is a day to spend with family and to celebrate with our mothers. But I was thinking about those who no longer have the privilege of having their mother with them and that Mother’s Day can be a very sad day.
So I would like to talk first to those of you who still have the privilege of having your mother with you. You should be very thankful that God allows you to spend time at her side. And if this is not the case, what are you waiting for? Don’t lose the great blessing God has given you.
Now, for those who no longer have your mother with you for whatever reason, I want to tell you that even though she is no longer with you, God is holding you in His arms.
-Erika Cervantes
-Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
Sunday, May 4, 2003
It doesn’t matter what your parents are like, whether they are good or bad, it is common to have disagreements with them. Now if you permit these problems to grow, you can become bitter. And what is bitterness? It is that which comes from the lack of forgiveness. This will lead you to be full of resentment and rebellion.
You need to be aware of the fact that God judges the heart and anyone who is not right with Him is totally wrong. What you need to do is to confess your own shortcomings (bad attitude, self-indulgence, ungratefulness, etc.) and you choose to forgive the faults of others.
If you have a disagreement with your parents, ask God to show you your own faults and confess them. Decide to forgive. Jesus has the power to heal your relation with your parents.
-Erika Cervantes
-Malachi 4:6
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Saturday, May 3, 2003
I can remember more than one time that my parents disciplined me. Of course, at the time it saddened me and even bothered me. I even had thoughts that my parents didn’t love me. But, as the years passed, I realized that my parents were doing it for my own good.
Have you ever thought that when your parents discipline you that they do it because they love you? I know that at this time you may not see it that way and it may anger you. But, it hurts your parents to have to discipline you. Today, remember that discipline comes from the Lord. And God uses your parents to correct you.
-Erika Cervantes
-Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Friday, May 2, 2003
Your first human relationship is with your parents. But in spite of this, it is possible to not have a good relationship with them. Perhaps you have problems with them because at one time they said or did something that caused you embarrassment. But, right now, make a decision to honor them. How many times have you expressed gratitude to them for all that they have given you?
Ask God to show you how much love your parents have shown you. Perhaps today would be a good day to write them a thank-you letter as a way of honoring them.
-Erika Cervantes
-Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Our desire is that as you read these thoughts that you find some encouragement for your life. They will be thoughts that will help you meditate and possibly make adjustments in the different situations that you face. Our purpose for writing these messages is so that you realize that life isn’t so complicated when you have that one special friend at your side. I am not referring to any earthly friend that you may have, but to the one Friend who is with you at all times and who will never leave you. This friend is Jesus Christ.
As a young person, you go through different stages of development and many times you may feel as though no one understands you. I want you to know that that is not so. There are many people around you that are concerned about the things you go through. This is why we have started these messages created especially for you.
Not only will you be able to receive these messages, but you also have the freedom to express what you feel and talk about the things that you are going through. Together, with the help of God, we will find a solution. If you wish to contact me, press the “Reply” button to respond to this message with your thoughts or questions.
-Erika Cervantes
