WAITING

Everyday people go through life waiting. Whether they are waiting for their food at a drive thru, there significant other to get ready, or even at a stop light. We can't avoid waiting but in our society people don't like waiting. People are always in a hurry. The speed limit for California is at 65mph but most drive faster than that and even get mad at people who actual drive the speed limit. There are two types of waiting that I want to talk about. Waiting for God's will in your life and waiting for God's direction in the path you take. So many times we rush into decisions or say something without thinking. So many times we want life to bend and go our way. So many times we don't see the whole picture and were only focused on the destination(thanks Rome). See the truth is that if we only see our destination we might miss out on divine appointments that God has put in our path. We might miss opportunities to really help or save someone. Not physically saving but spiritually or emotionally. We might make decisions that will hurt us more than help us. Life is hard there is no doubting it. But we didn't create life so it's hard to try to control it. Life is like a river. It will carry you to the end but you can't control or stop the current. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

So we must first wait for God's will in our life. I have so many questions regarding my life. What is my purpose? What should I do? What is my goal in life? I ask myself but really I have to trust God. Sometimes we rush the answers and we need to wait for Him. Like the song says I wait for You! If you don't wait for God believe me you will stumble. If you don't wait for His will to be shown in your life, you will never enjoy the fullness of His blessings. i believe that we were created with a purpose and God wants us to live out that purpose. God can take us at any given moment but if we are fulfilling our purpose He will keep us here till it's done(again thanks Rome). So how do we know what His will is in our lives? Simple you pray and wait. You fast and wait. You read His Word and wait. You go to Church and wait. YOU WAIT AND WAIT! God knows what He is doing and when He believes your ready He will show you His will. You have to wait for Him and above all you have to TRUST HIM!

So the second part of waiting that I want to discuss is waiting for God's direction in the path you take. God's will and His direction are two different things. God's will gives your life a meaning and purpose. It helps you understand what you should be doing. God's direction guides you and places you where you need to be. The truth is that God will place people in your life because He wants you to make an impact. A simple God bless you or starting a conversation, can work wonders. But we as a society hurry through our lives that when we say hi, we walk away before the other person can reply. I have seen a homeless man and I hurried up whatever I was doing because I didn't have change to give him. I believe if we see a person who might be down and we took an extra minute to talk to them and pray for them. Or also if we just took an extra second to open the door for someone and greet them with a God bless you. You are making God proud. He calls us to be disciples but many times we hurry up. So we can have more time to be at home relaxing or watching our favorite show. Whatever the case may be we need to be patient. We need to wait because God will direct our path in His time. We need to wait because He looks out for us and will always want the best for us. We need to wait because God will place opportunities in our lives to tell someone about Him. We need to wait because our voice or our actions can make a believer out of anyone. Lastly, we need to wait because God created life too short and to beautiful to miss it. My question is are you IN A HURRY OR ARE YOU WAITING?

YESUS GITANO,

CARLOS

Diamond in the Ruff

In life we are shown a vision that manipulates our minds. Television, movies, Internet has set industry standards that crush a person's self esteem. Losing weight is a billion dollar business. Why? Is it because everybody just wants to be healthy or is it because the world tells you. You can't find love unless you look good. Is it because the world tells you need to be skinny to wear these clothes. Now I like working out and eating right. Not because the world around me tells me to do so, but because I have little ones and I would love to see them grow old and still be able to play with them. I'm not saying don't work out. Life in general is hard but it's even harder when the world measures you by your accomplishments rather than your potential. Life is not about seeing problems but progress. It's not about obstacles but opportunities. Life was not meant to be easy. It was meant to be lived! My pastor spoke on Sunday and said we are to be mirrors. Everybody on this planet is related to someone one way or another. I believe we should all be mirrors. Everybody has special talents, they look different, and act different. I believe we all have the same heart though. God's heart! I'm Christian but you can't see that when you look at me. Unless I have a tattoo on my forehead that says I'm Christian you'll never know. I believe when you look in the mirror you see who you are. There is no hiding. Your past, present and future can be seen in the mirror. So my question is Who are you? Who am I?

People believe in different things but bottom line is everybody on the planet is a sinner. We can't deny that nor can we change it. There is no way we can ever be perfect. When i look in the mirror I see a sinner but I don't see failure. I see potential, I see greatness, and I see hope. I carry God's heart with me and it changes my perspective on life. No matter what the world tells me. God's heart shows me the truth! I'm not perfect. Don't have flashy clothes or a nice car. Not a model like you see in commercials. Don't have a lot of money. Wasn't born into a rich family or a great neighborhood. But, when you see me...you see my mirror! When you meet me, my reflection should bring you comfort and joy because I was meant to love. I was born to serve but I'm not a slave. I was born to save but I'm not a savior. My life can be simple with the basic necessities to live and I still have everything. I may never be famous or have my name in books except for one. Yet, God knows my name and I am written in His book! Being a Christian or non Christian your reflection should always be showing God's heart. I live life because God's purpose lives in me. His Word is my water. His Spirit is my guide and strength. I am in this world but not of it because I know the Truth. My mirror shows my life. Who Am I? I'M A DIAMOND IN THE RUFF!

Yesus Gitano,

Carlos

BATTLE CRY!

When your standing on a battlefield starring at your enemy. Knowing that you are out numbered and can easily give up. There is one thing that gives you courage and motivation to push forward. One thing that gets rid of fear and brings intimidation to your enemy. A Battle Cry! See A Battle Cry is a word or a phrase that you say to fire you up. It is something that gives you the hope when your looking at an enemy that just wants to destroy you. The reality is that we are at war every day of our lives. We all fight battles every day and we all end up wounded. There are two sides to choose from. Good and evil. You take away one letter and add another and you have the two generals that lead the army. God and the Devil. I have fought for both sides and believe me when I say God's team is the only team you need to be on. Trust me though when I say when you choose God's team you will fight and struggle so much. When you choose the Devil's army you will have a life that is pleasurable, sinful and you can do whatever you want.

Now you may say to yourself why would I want to join the good side where I will have to fight daily? The reason is simple...THE CROWN OF LIFE. The only reason you will ever need to fight for God is the Crown Of Life. You are fighting for your future and your salvation. What does the Devil promise you if you fight for him. Sin, heartache, failure, wickedness, and eventually that leads to nothing. You have two sides to choose from. One promises life, blessings, and love and the other destruction. The reason why more people choose the Devil's side because it's the easy way out. It's the side where you can find pleasure but not satisfaction. You can find lust but not love. You can find a free ride but not to paradise. Being a God fighter is hard, hard work. No doubt! Those who endure temptation, those endure the struggle, those who endure the fight will get the reward. YESUS GITANO is my battle cry and It took a good friend to help me realize why I needed a battle cry. You need a battle cry to help you push forward. To help you stay in the fight and to know that what your fighting for is worth everything. What is your BATTLE CRY?

Yesus Gitano

Carlos

Am I Saved?

When I think of being saved. I picture somebody who is lost or in trouble and wants help. In a sense that is what it is like to be saved by Jesus Christ. See in life there are people that are saved and some that are not. What does it mean to be saved? Christianity is based on a center point which is Jesus Christ. In order to be saved you have to believe and trust Jesus is the Messiah and put Him first in your life. Many Christians that claim to be saved do not put Jesus first in there lives. They seen the glory and greatness of God but yet do there own thing. So are you saved? Am I Saved? Now if we believe in God and make Jesus the Lord of our lives but are not heading in the direction God appointed for us. Then no, I don't believe we are saved. How can we be saved if our lifestyle and our choices are not God focused. You see the moment you choose Jesus. BAM! Your life, your choices, and your mind should all be transformed. How do you know if your transformed? The people that know you and interact with you daily should be the best witness to your transformation. The moment you said yes, the world you live in should eat, sleep, and breathe God. Everything you say and touch should be inspired by God. WE CAN'T BE REDEEMED AND STILL BE A PART OF THE DEVILS PLAYGROUND.

Being saved means that all of God's love and grace flows through us for the world to see. Our lives should feed the Gospel to the hungry and bring the Living Water to the thirsty. God created us in His image to do good works in which He prepared in advance for us to do. Whether we take the wrong road or get stuck in the ditches on the right one. All it takes is for us to call on Jesus for help. That is what makes you saved. Having Jesus in your heart so much that anytime you need help. Turn to HIM. Every time you get tempted or feel the pressures of the world around you. Turn to HIM. You turn to Jesus not drugs, alcohol, porn, money or any other outlet you think will cure you. The devil is always out to confuse you and take away your salvation. It all comes down to choice. Is the pleasures of sin worth your freedom? Is sleeping with the devil worth losing your Savior? We will always be sinners and unholy. But we are loved more than we can ever imagine and that is why God give us grace. God loves us so much that He is willing to overlook our blemishes so we may enter His Kingdom. We are sinners by nature but we are saved by God.

Yesus Gitano,

Carlos

J.O.Y. (JESUS ONLY YOU)

Christmas is right around the corner and as I look around while driving home I see lights that say Joy and Joy to the world. Joy means to be happy but it doesn't mean happiness. Why do I say that well because my life can be full of hardships but I can still have the Joy of the Lord in my heart. Joy for me means something else that I hope it will mean the same for you. It means Jesus Only You. Joy should stand for Jesus Only You for everyone. Since Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas this should be on everybody hearts. Believers should always celebrate Jesus life daily. Joy also should have a special meaning for non believers and that is that JESUS OFFERS YOU. Jesus offers you the gift of salvation. It doesn't matter who you are, what situation you are in. God loves you just how you are and if you are broken even better because the Lord loves to fix things. I wish people would just open there eyes and see the beauty of Christ. The beauty of the Father and the greatness of His love. When I was a little kid I remember Christmas would be the best time of the year. I used to love the lights, the tree, the scene, and the presents. I remember people used to tell me lets see what Santa Claus is going to bring you this year. I hope you've been good so Santa Claus can bring you something nice. Now having kids of my own I don't want Santa Claus bringing me or my kids gifts because Jesus gave us the best gift of all. SALVATION! God is who I put my hope and trust in. Jesus is the big brother I look up to and live my life after. Jesus is my Lord! I want people to understand we are the same...doesn't matter rich or poor, black or white. We have the same heart, the same blood, the same emotions...BUT BEST OF ALL WE HAVE THE SAME JOY!

JESUS ONLY YOU!

Yesus Gitano,

Carlos

Highway to Hell

This title was once a famous song and I believe the reason why it was so famous was because people believed in it. People believe that there final outcome is going to be hell. I have heard people that I met say were all going to hell so might as well do what I want. It pains me because they are so far from the truth. The truth is that there is a hell. The truth is that one day non believers will go there. Also this truth is the most important out of all the truths I just gave you and that is GOD WILL NOT SEND YOU TO ETERNAL DARKNESS. ONLY YOU CAN SEND YOURSELF TO THAT PLACE. I hate when people say God is love and merciful. He will never send anyone to hell...and they keep living the same way believing in that. Yes God is love and He is merciful. In fact all through your life God is giving you the chance to get into Heaven and avoid Hell. See God will never send anyone into hell. If you don't believe He simply will not let you into His house. What people don't understand is He has every right to do whatever He wants. God doesn't want to see people go to hell...He didn't create man just so He can condemn them. God gives us every chance to enter His Kingdom. My son Isaiah will always be my son till the end of time. I love him more than anything but if I told him never to steal and he goes out and steals. He goes to jail because of it, It is not because of me he is in jail. It was not my will to have him in jail. My son had every chance to do the right thing and simply chose the wrong one. By the way my son is only 9 and he was the only example I can think of. (sorry son) As you can see It's not God's will to see people in Hell.



There is a story of a man who was out hiking. He came close to a cliff because he wanted to look down. He slipped and lost his footing fell over the cliff but before he went down to far he was able to grab a branch. As he hung there on the branch he yelled and yelled for help but there was nobody around. Then suddenly at the top of the cliff there was a somebody who said I can help you, just let go of the branch and take my hand. The man puzzled said who are you? My name is Jesus I can save you if you just let go of the branch and take my hand. The man was losing his grip of the branch and said no I can't, you're not strong enough to lift me up. Jesus said please just trust in me, believe that I can save you and you will be saved. Yet the man on the branch still said No and then said is there anybody else up there. The world is always looking for the wrong Savior. Money, companionship with the wrong person, reliability in the wrong economy, and anything else they think can save them. Jesus is the truth, the light, and the way. NO ONE...NO ONE will get into Heaven unless it's through Him. So if that is you thats hanging on that branch waiting for somebody else. Think again before it's to late. Let Jesus save you and start taking the HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN.

Yesus Gitano,

Carlos

Long Distance

Did you know that God is in another realm then we are. He is seated on the throne in Heaven. Seems like such a Long Distance away but in reality it's not. A lot of believers have a Long Distance relationship with God. What that means is they treat Him like a distant relative that visits once in a while. They get all excited when they feel His presence in Church but when they go home He is not involved in there lives. You will never see God from a distance. You will never see His face especially if you're trying to see Him from a distance. God speaks to us every day. He tries to be involved in our lives always. But if you're to far from Him. You'll never hear or see Him. I understand it gets tough to stay in constant connection with the Almighty. In our world it's so easy to reach for things that you see instead of reaching for Him that is unseen. I've been through it. I have had a Long Distance relationship with God. I have called out to Him from a far only to feel bad because I felt He wasn't listening. God is listening and He is answering but if you're to far from Him. It's pointless for Him to respond because you won't be able to hear Him. So how do you stay close to God?

How do you stay close to distant relatives? First step is to call on God. We don't need a phone to call Him. We can just close our eyes and believe in our hearts and begin to talk and we will be where He is. Best part is that there is no long distance phone bill. With God you always have free minutes and He always has FREE TIME TO TALK TO YOU! Second thing is to always pray. When you feel that God is not near or times are getting tough pray and He will answer. The Bible says ask and He may give it to you. Remember it doesn't say whatever you want it's yours. It says He may. May being the key word because God wants only the best for you. Thirdly is read the Word. Read your Bible. If you really want to hold God's hand...READ HIS STORY. The Bible tells you everything you need to know to be close to God. Lastly, serve God. Be a channel for God's blessings not a reservoir. Be ready to preach the Gospel. Be ready to help others. Be ready to just serve. When you serve God, it means you carry His heart. There is no better way to stay close to God then by carrying His Heart.

Yesus Gitano,

Carlos