Archive | Uncategorized RSS feed for this section

Born This Way

11 Jul
We’re four years apart; we both come from Latin backgrounds full of faith; we each have more than three names; we cling tight to our beliefs and stand for what we believe in. Sure, I guess you could say that Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta and I have a few things in common.Wardrobe preferences, income, make-up prep time, stage presence, and talents are a few not-so-slight differences that don’t exactly make us twins.  However, despite the obvious fact that I am no Lady Gaga; an even more drastic factor makes us more different than black and white.

We were both born flawed, fickle, imperfect, unfaithful, confusing, sinful, and ultimately—human.  With habits that should probably be broken, tendencies that are anything but pretty and sins that would’ve been better left uncommitted; yes, we were both born this way.  The difference is that I know I’m not meant to live this way.  I recognize that I was not destined for a lifetime of failure and sin. 

Just. Being. Real.  I believe this is where the church has miserably failed. In our attempt to radically change the world—we’ve failed to let them in on the process. The struggle.  The failures.  The realness of how encouraging hearing Proverbs 24:16: “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again” really is.  Paul had no shame in admitting his humanity;  “…I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”  (Romans 7:18b,19)

So, let me pause and take a moment to side with Gaga and say, you are right.  You are right in that you should come clean and blurt out your failures, share your struggles, and rip off your masks. Solely so that together, we can find support systems, gain traction, learn from our mistakes, throw off our burdens, and move on.  There’s something magnetic about someone with enough confidence to admit their flaws and shortcomings.

However, in contrast to this, we live in a society that has pushed “flaunt your flaws” a little too far.  While I applaud confessing one’s sins—parading them around has quite the opposite affect.  They’ve fully embraced part 1 of a two step process.  Videos, lyrics, photos, books; everything seems to be headed in the same direction.  Society has attempted to function in its dysfunction by claiming struggles to be lifestyle choices. “We were born this way, made this way, expected to live this way.”

This kind of mindset forces you to take the easy way out in life—day in and day out.  Never really reaching your full potential—falling short of who you were created to be.  Putting on a show and encouraging others to do the same, because at the end of the day, ultimately, you know you’re living your second-best life.

Excusing your mistakes, twisting truth into error, and dubbing sin as acceptable is not brave; it’s living in denial. And last I checked— denial is failing to face your fears.  Our fear of failure has encouraged us to re-name failure as success.  While embracing destruction as a trend, I believe nothing breaks God’s heart more than seeing his children living a life in extreme chaos, confusion, and sin.

Maybe you have a tendency to make mistakes, choose wrong—or even pick Judas.  To this I say, so what!  The good news is that Jesus Christ died so you wouldn’t have to embrace it as a lifestyle. Why throw a party in the ditch when you can get out of it.  There is freedom from sin and all of its drama.

So yes, we were all born this way, each the same way—sinful; but that doesn’t mean we have to live that way.  I encourage you; be brave; face your fears and cling to Christ who will always overcome your failures.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death… If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:1-2, 31 

Boost Your Boldness

5 Jun

Throughout the Bible, you will find men.  These mere men bravely challenged cultural norms, authorities, and kings- all in the name of God.  They changed history, shaped society, and made a difference.  They said no, not to prove a point or be rebellious; but because it was inconsistent with their already established lifestyle and relationship with God.  I’ve been studying the book of Daniel– if you want an extra boost of boldness–I highly recommend it.

Lifestyle—

The book of Daniel opens up with a dinner scene.  While other men were overjoyed to be offered such foodful-bliss, Daniel looked past the endless supply of gourmet foods set before him.  He knew the “choice foods” lacked substance.  Daniel was well aware that you are what you eat.  He was confident enough to challenge the officer in a food-eating contest of “who will be stronger.”   Not because he was a Jewish brat too good for the five-star royal palace; but because he had personally reaped the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  To everyone’s surprise, Daniel proved to be stronger after only eating fruits, vegetables and water.

How many times do we find ourselves scarfing down whatever has been served before us?    Sure, fancy schmancy things this world has to offer may temporarily satisfy our carnal taste buds– but they lack nutrients, strength, and life.  We’re prone to eating the wrong foods only when we haven’t experienced the legit stuff.  In order to call out the fake– you must first be acquainted with the real. 

Worship—

“The drums are off beat… We’ve sung this song sixteen times this week… Someone please inform the ‘joyful noise’ behind me that she can’t sing… The lights are in my eyes… Typo on the screen.”  I hate to admit it, but these are just some of the conversations bouncing around in my head during chapel.   Sometimes, the most un-worshipful things are discussed between the hours of 8AM and 9AM.   Distractions– they’re everywhere, always threatening to cheapen the reality of a loving God worthy of my praise.

We hear stories of martyrs around the world and ask ourselves “in the face of death–would I take a stand?”  I’ve asked myself this question various times.   Most of us would answer eagerly and without hesitation—“yes!”  After all, “to die is gain” …right?  Unlike most of us, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were actually faced with this question– and it wasn’t hypothetical.  In Daniel 3, we see that these men took a stand and refused to bow– while the knees of others buckled.  And God proved to be faithful.

In our laziness, we struggle to push past the distractions and worship Him.  We say we would die for Christ–yet we fail to take a stand in the small “insignificant” issues that we come in contact with every day.  To say you would die for Christ while failing to live for Him is a double standard.  Our lives should be a symphony of worship– a life spent in passionate pursuit of the God who first loved us.

Relationship—

Do you ever find yourself  ready for bed and dozing off, only to realize that you went the whole day without saying a single word to God?  “My alarm went off late… I just need to go to bed… I’m hardly ever alone… God knows my heart.”  These are all excuses I’ve both heard–and used.  Is God really that big a part of my un-ordinary, everyday life?

In Daniel 6, we read that Daniel was consistent in his prayer life.  He was well set in his ways.  He was faithful in his relationship with Christ even when threatened with death.  This world throws options, alternatives, and even threats in our face, but it’s easy to say no when there’s a God to whom you’ve said yes.

To Daniel, communication with his Maker was more important than life itself.  Daniel’s example of steadfast commitment challenges me to ask myself:  If praying were illegal—would I be found breaking the law consistently?

In A Nutshell–

Despite being threatened with death, four men broke the law– not because they went out of their way to, but because they were men of consistency.  When you’ve made it a habit to  stand for small things; the big things naturally become no-brainers.  Consistency is the key to boldness.

So, yes; while living for God you might find yourself in a fiery furnace, alienated, or thrown into a den of lions.  But rest assured, “To the faithful He shows Himself faithful.”  (Psalm 18:25)

Rachel Allish Zamora on Twitter!

2 Jul

Consider This:

16 Dec


We are called to live above reproach.
[ Reproach:  Blame, discredit, disgrace.]
Like it or not, you’re born with the ongoing option to be an example or be the excuse.  So let’s raise the bar, set the standard, and exhibit Real Love with skin on.

So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. -Romans 14:12
Also: Romans 14:14-23

Don’t Kill The Wounded

3 Sep

Don't Kill the Wounded

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35

The Church is the only army that kills its own wounded soldiers.

One of our lectures this morning has left this topic burning in my heart. I wonder; how true is this distressing statement within our congregations, ministries, & other social JC-loving gatherings? I am currently striving to be one who doesn’t prove this to be true in the body of Christ.

I am not perfect; I have found myself guilty of this several times. I am learning daily that I am not the Holy Spirit in other’s lives. I cannot convict, judge, condemn, or assume I know what’s going on. In order for anything I do to be of worth; it can’t be in anyway any part of me. All Him, all the time, with zero percent of myself involved.  This is how Jesus lived. “Where You go, I go. What You say, I say.”

How often do we rush to the scene with a handgun and badge? We insist that we know what’s going on and understand everything from our outsider perspectives. We are so quick to judge that we leave encouragement and our God-given loving hearts behind. What if, instead of pretending to play the ‘police’ role, we switched mindsets?

Please hear me, I absolutely believe in rebuke from Godly counsel & accountability- or possibly even donkeys. I am so thankful to have the privilege being surrounded by people who I am submitted to. They are far more matured and seasoned than I am. So, I am not at all saying the principle is incorrect, but I do believe the method which we execute in (no pun intended) is often flawed. I absolutely refuse to be a modern-day Pharisee in heels among my peers.

I’ve had my share of disappointments when it seems others are standing in judgment instead of with an honest heart search of truth, or offer solutions in love. However, I’m sure what I’ve experienced only pails in comparison what others have endured within the four walls of our at times; not-so-safe congregations. And yet, we wonder why we have a bad reputation after we strike down our own with our gossip, judgment, and legalism.

It has been said, time and time again that; “Our perception is our reality.” I wish that I would remember the fact that my perceived “reality” isn’t always reality. We each have our own set of customized goggles through which we clarify and define our world & its drama. Without the heart, love, and mind of Christ; these goggles can proceed to hinder the very things the Lord is trying to show, teach, or minister to us. Or perhaps a situation has been brought to our attention so that we could pray, instead of spreading rumors in our “holier than thou” blind assurance.

I believe it comes down to one thing; we are human, therefore; we are flawed, imperfect, and quite frankly- we have no idea what we’re talking about. I’m not saying that the Lord doesn’t give insight, or words of knowledge. I’m simply saying that at times, I find myself standing in judgment while expecting others to stand in mercy on my behalf.

Most likely, my battles are not your battles, and your battles are not mine. So, who am I to judge? As brothers and sisters, it is our mandate that we uphold and encourage each other in the Lord. BUT, the method & motive should ALWAYS be in and through a way which portrays love; not judgment or self-righteousness.  Lord, help us. This is far more easily said than done.

My mom always taught me “Throughout life, God will always allow people to portray & exemplify both what to do, and what not to do.” As some kid in the movie said a hurtful word; I distinctly remember when she first instilled this saying in my mind. This whole standing in judgment thing is most definitely, without question; a “not to do”.

We are so quick to point out flaws; we forget that others could just as easily do the same about us. What I sow, I shall reap. Ah! What would the church look like if we realized that the more we sow gossip and judgment; the more others will judge and gossip about us. The higher we feel about ourselves, the further we have to fall. This is such a powerful concept it makes me cringe. “Anybody who thinks they are God’s policeman will be judged.” -Gary Hayness

At the end of the day, we must realize; we are each a work in progress. We are all equally condemned, sinful, awful, hateful, distasteful, miserable, and pathetic- apart from the saving grace & faith in Jesus Christ and His completed work on the cross.

Let us live & abide in love, after all; we serve Love- flawlessly exemplified Himself. Lord, more of You; less of me.

Consider This:

24 Aug

Consider This

You’re covered where you’re called.
So don’t worry! If you are called, rest assured; you will be covered!

Proverbs 21:30, Jeremiah 29:11, Job 42:2, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 John 5:18-21, Proverbs 10:29, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 29:15

How Small is Your Faith

6 Jul

Who are you to doubt Me?
Who placed you on dry land and redeems your broken heart?
Who mends your mind and replaces your mourning with laughter?
Who loved you before you were spoken into existence?

Why do you doubt
Who are you to unbelief
How small is your faith!
I move mountains and shake oceans,
I make you smile and remember your sorrows.
How much do you trust Me?

Are you willing?
How ready are you?
Be prepared!
But wait, when My timing’s right,
All will be clear.
Then my directions will be complete.
Then you will find fulfillment.

You can only dream,
I create your reality.
Hope in My words,
Have faith in My peace.

Don’t fret,
Be still my child.
I love every part of you,
I long for all of you.

Count on My words,
Cling to My promises,
I will not fail you.
Trade your temporary happiness
For My never ending joy.

Only in Me will you be accomplished.
Only through Me will you have peace.
Only with Me shall you prosper.

Only because of Me will you meet the one,
the one designed to accompany you in this journey.
Created to abide in My love,
Predestined into your life.
Equipped beyond measure,
And far better than you’ve imagined.
I desire to give you My best,
Don’t settle for mediocre,
My plans are not out of reach.

I turn the tide,
I change the seasons.
I create your reality,
Be patient My darling,
Wait on Me,
Trust in Me,
How small is your faith.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.