Joy in the Midst of Hard Times?

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The Bible gives us great insight for this puzzling question. In James 1:2-4, it says; “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Isn’t it interesting that James tells us to “consider it all joy, when we go through different trials..“? It is certainly a difficult task to be joyful when we face hardship. However, that’s exactly what the Bible tells us to do! I am sure that if we each take into account all of the trials and tribulations of our past, we can come to a common conclusion that we endured and that our faith grew as a result.

Our outlook on the matter needs to change in order to experience this joy that we are to practice while under such tribulations. How so? By having faith and knowing that our Lord is right there with us and that He will see us through! Simple right? YES INDEED!

In the wonderful faith chapter in Hebrews 11, the Bible tells us that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” You see, we need to have the faith and assurance that no matter what, our God will see us through! If you recall the message I gave a few weeks ago…while Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were in the fiery furnace, it was Jesus who was right there with them. They didn’t get burned and they were smoke-free when they came out!

So today, as you face your fiery furnace, know that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is right there with you, so count it all joy! James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Consider it all joy, for He will always see you through!

Are you going through a rough time in your life presently? Please know that there is a church that will pray for you. Feel free to send us your prayer requests by using this link. (Prayer Request)

Day 9 of our Fast

The corporate fast and prayer is well underway at Vida Nueva Christian Ministries. We are at Day 9 today. 2 Chronicles 7:14; "if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Fasting is a privilege and allows for the Christian to grow closer to God. It is also a very powerful weapon. During our fast, let us be specific about our prayers. Remember that our focus during this fast is to pray for the youth! This generation is under attack and we must intercede for them during these very trying times. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Let us declare this verse for our youth!

If you need a copy of the outline we are following or would like to send it to someone, use this link (FASTING OUTLINE).

A few things to keep in mind during the fast:

  1. Meet with the Father daily! Set a time from your busy schedule to sit with the Master and Creator of the Universe! He always has time for you!
  2. Pray without ceasing! Just because you have finished praying during your scheduled time, doesn’t mean you have to stop praying. As you go through your day, be open to pray for others as the Lord leads.
  3. Keep a journal. There are some incredible things He has done, and will do in your life. This is a good way of keeping record of answered prayers or experiences.
  4. Trust Him for your miracle! "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:4-6)
  5. Have a spirit of expectation! When you meet with the Lord, know that He too has set that time aside just for you, so be expectant that He is there with you, hearing your cry and listening to your heart.
  6. Seek after Him fervently! For…"He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6)

Let us know your experience during this fast so far. We would love to hear from you!

21 Days of Fasting

21d_fastingAs we begin our 21 days of fasting on September 1, let us prepare our hearts to meet with our Savior daily to pray for the following:

Repentance (Personal, the Nations)

  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
  • Matthew 4:17 - "From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

Our Church Body (For health, growth, etc.)

  • Proverbs 3:7-9 - "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."
  • 1 Chronicles 4:10 - "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request."

Schools/Administrators/Teachers

  • Phillipians 2:10-12 - "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Our Youth/Our Children/Prodigal Sons & Daughters

  • Psalm 144:12 - "Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace."
  • Luke 15:23-24 - "And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began."

Fridays
Pastor Ricky Gallinar
Vida Nueva Radio Show
6:30pm - 7:00pm
WMCU 1080AM

Pastor Ricky Gallinar
"Pastores del Reino"
9:00am - 10:00am
1360AM Radio Luz

Sunday’s Services
English Service
       9:30am
Spanish Service
      11:00am

Kenneth Copeland Ministries

We're partners with
Kenneth Copeland Ministries