when Jesus says, “rejoice with Me.”

“3 So he told them this parable:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:3-7 ESV

SHE GETS IT. The exact words transmitted through a text message this morning. I rejoiced when the opportunity came to share the Gospel with a co-worker. The best gift a believer can give to someone is the Gospel with a Bible, in order to nourish their soul. Immediate discipleship.

On Tuesday, I had scheduled an appointment to then be told I was not on the appointment calendar. There went two hours I thought, but a bookstore was nearby and I bought two ESV bibles. Little did I know they I would give one of them to a co-worker. When God interrupts your schedule, it’s well worth it.

Corporate America. It is all I have know n for the past 8 years. I oftentimes wonder why God had not sent me off on a flight sooner for full time missionary work in South Asia or Haiti. In a city where luxury serves as a main coarse meal and pride as an appetizer, there is nothing of interest that comes to my mind. It’s a hard field to plant seeds because in the end, in the material world – “they have it all.” However, God has whispered to my soul, that I am meant to be here, to shine a light in dark places. People around me are experiencing spiritual poverty. With the countless of one-to-one conversations w several co-workers, they are empty and broken desperately seeking satisfaction. With many ethnicities and religions, this is the mission field for the time being.

Embracing it. The people God places before you are there for a reason – respond in obedience to the Spirit.

other Scripture reference:
Psalm 73, 2 Corinthians 6:2-10, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 & 2 Corinthians 13:3-6.

TGC blog reference:

The Spirit Is Willing But the Schedule Is Tight

in His endless Grace,
Esther Victoria

a saint’s petition through prayer.

as I sit here at work I cannot grasp how rich a puritan’s prayer were. the Valley of Vision, is a great book filled with grace-filled prayers from the Puritans. My heart overwhelms, in a good way, and it deepens my love for Jesus in unimaginable ways. nonetheless – – sometimes, before, I approach the Throne, I am out of words when I pray. It is just like a dog seeing his reflection on a glass sliding door and instantly hits the glass. has my faith wavered? I ask myself — have I let the spiritual desserts within prevent me from asking Jesus for help? is it pride? is it my parched soul? the distractions? the anxieties? i have faced spiritual warfare and oppression this past month – – it has not been pretty. some questions are probably left unanswered, however, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty where He continues to extend His grace. I am brought back to the Scriptures when Paul write in Romans 8:26-27 – – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” in moments of weakness, despair, trial, weary soul – the Spirit who lives within intercedes on my behalf. no prayer is a short-lived half asked prayer – – long prayers are rich, but short two sentence prayers are just as rich. God is more focused on the person’s heart, in its conditions and its motives. It’s in weakness of the saint, where God’s power is made perfect in weakness; His grace is sufficient. In Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” he pleaded three times with the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” we discover – Paul’s persistent petitions with God, and despite of his “storms” – he was content and still was seeking God through prayer.  

Throughout the Scriptures, we note that Jesus, the Son of God, dismissed Himself to be in fasting and prayer with his Father. Jesus pleaded with God three times also. Matthew 26:38-44 — ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ⁴² Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” ⁴³ And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴ So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.” Jesus prayed the same prayer three times pleading with the Father, but notice how both Jesus Christ and Paul were content in whatever the Lord would grant. knowing that i am never alone in my storms or much rather thorn in my flesh, i know God is moving my heart to seek Him in prayer to draw near to Him and enjoy God even then. Jesus wants my heart.  

The hymn below brings me great joy in every season I face knowing the end goal once this race is over is being face to face with Christ my Savior and Lord.  All Glory Be to Christ – Kings Kaleidoscope   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm7smZbajQA

in His endless Grace, Esther Victoria

God’s work unfolds in CF Miami Springs.

In these past 10 months, it has been beautiful to witness God’s hands continually at work throughout my home church, Christ Fellowship’s 7th location in Miami Springs. It has all come together as Christ mutiples fruitful volunteers in being the hands and feet of Jesus within the communities of North Miami-Dade. The church is not necessarily the building, it is the people and Christ Fellowship Miami Springs has been a replica of the first church found in Acts 2:40-46. As a family, we have grown in the word through our small groups, gathered in family fun days, and served the community. As we have all patiently awaited this moment, in just three Sundays from now the Grand Opening will take place on September 22, 2013. For God to have appointed all of us as instruments to further His kingdom is only something we can all glorify God together in!! Church planting, in fact has been hard work, yet it has been rewarding. There is nothing like knowing God is in full control of every little detail from investing and discipling the flock to bringing people to hear God through His word. I pray for all of us to continue to be a family receiving one another in love and to radiate the light of Christ to a world that so needs Him.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2: 8-10

“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

http://cfmiami.org/campuses/miami-springs

in His grace,

Esther

whom He loves.

 

God’s discipline – an act of the Almighty, teaching whom He loves through chastening. Ah! Yes, discipline, something I have continued to learn overtime and this time around more than ever. So you see, I’m a little hard-hearted and stubborn at times and without noticing I tend to not take certain situations to God because I think I can handle it – clearly, I can’t, but there have been exactly three situations this year where I have not asked God for His peace or guidance and get ahead of Him like if it is my will to begin with. O wretched soul, that I am. Each of these situations, I would clearly not have God’s peace, but would get ahead of Him and in a way rebuke Him. Oh my gosh! 😦 Each time, my Heavenly Father, corrects me in showing me my faults and by this third time this week it was more evident as the other two. As much as I want to serve and share God’s word everywhere, I can’t – I am not God, nor the only follower of Christ.

Earlier this year, I had wanted to go on a cruise with friends. I let the flesh in and did not want to listen to God. Eventually, I had injured my foot three weeks prior and was unable to go on the cruise. Then I wanted to go to Cuba with my Abuela this year, again getting ahead of God, and sure enough I started Grad school and financially was unable to go. Then here I was a couple months later, without going to God and saying I was going to go to Haiti, although getting the days off, I didnt have His peace and finals weeks is the week I would have been in Haiti. His discipline is painful, but it’s out of His love that He molds you and shapes you. All the while, Jesus has specifically placed priorities in front of me that I can’t take advantage of. Forgive me, Father. As much as my heart is for missions, globally, I need to be faithful with the people He has placed in front of me today, to live out the Gospel and make disciples here in Miami. So yeah, definately need to be obedient with what is in front of me.

” And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
⁶ For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”^[a]

⁷ If^[b] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ⁸ But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰ For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. ¹¹ Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11 NKJV

in His name,

Esther

give it to Him.

 keeping it short and sweet this morning.  circumstances are alot easier when you put your trust in Christ. He created you for His glory. He did not create you for you. Put your trust in Him and He will give to you according what you need – more of Him. ❤ do not be deceived. all your desires and dreams – give it to Him. be content in where He has you today.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

” Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

good day friends.

in His name, Esther

in its time: beautiful.

Happy 1st of April 2013! It’s been several weeks that I blog, but I wanted to keep you in the loop as to what God has been doing in my own life. Just like in this new season of Spring, God has been doing incredibly new  internal changes in my own heart.  Afterall that is what He is after, our hearts being transformed into the likeness of His son Jesus Christ. Sometime last week, several random people sent me the same two verses. When that happens I usually say to myself, yeaup God is trying to tell/teach me something. The first verse came from 1 Samuel 16:7 which states,  “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I stayed focusing on the part that says the Lord looks at the heart. I started to ask myself  what are my motives behind everything, really? the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of coarse! But clearly, sometimes my actions or my words can say/do otherwise. I fall short all the time. It’s the perserverance of holiness and righteousness of Christ that keeps me going. <33

In Ecclesiastes 3 we read that everything has its time. We know as followers of Christ, we each have been given different seasons of time & we experience joy everlasting through it all because our Hope is anchored in Him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 talks specifically about that. Althought different circustances or seasons change, God is still God and we have much reason to be joyful in that because He is working all things together for good to those that love Him and that are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). Lets draw back to Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Focus on the first part of the verse, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” That is exactly what I am experiencing in this season. I have seen God’s hand at work so beautifully. He shapes & He forms. In it’s time: beautiful.  Here are some interior changes He is currently doing in my life, all for His glory!!!

1. talking less; listening more. (James 1:19)

2. testing a genuiness of  faith. (1 Peter 1:7)

3. practicing discipline. – clean eating, fitness, more time in the Word, finances, doing chores. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

5. guarding my heart and emotions. (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:7)

6. keeping my thoughts pure. (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8;Ephesians 6:17)

7. gentle and quiet spirit. (1 Peter 3:3-4; Philippians 4:5)

8. humility. (Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10; Matthew 23:12)

9. having an everday servant’s heart. (Phillipians 2:1-11 and John 13:12-14)

10. depending more on God’s will. (Romans 9:16; Ephesians 5:17)

In what ways this season has God been interenally changing you? I hope this has encouraged you!

in His name,

Esther Victoria

walk in it.

It has been a little over two months that I blog and my apologies for that. Alot has happened since the year started. Good things I might add. I have been thus inspired from last night’s Small Group in Miami Springs and for the love God has demonstrated to new relationships I have formed in the start on the new CF Campus in Miami Springs. Furthermore, alot of prayers have been answered and it has left me beyond humbled.  I have seen God’s faithfulness on a whole other level as I have prayed without ceasing according to His will. He has clearly shown me the way to walk in the good works that He had prepared before the foundations of the world.  This verse has been nudging at my heart for the past few weeks. Ephesians 2:8-10 which states  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” But now what? is exactly what I have asked myself.  Wrestling with my will verses God’s will has always been a tough one for me because in my mind I have clearly painted a picture of what life was suppose to look like. But who am I kidding? I do not have that authority. Since my transformation of coming to know the living King, Jesus Christ, I have realized that it was never about me to begin with. I was bought with a price – a price that I should have paid, but Jesus Christ interceded on my behalf, being my Advocate – living a sinless life and dying a sinner’s death, resurrected on the third day to be with God the Father. The life I know live, I live to Christ. We are to walk as He walked everyday  remember? (1 John 2:6). I live to bring Him glory and seek to continue to walk  in the good works. What JOY!  Phillippians 1:6 says “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” I believe it – to walk firmly in His ways according to the will of God. We may not know which way to go, but if we press on towards Christ and His Kingdom business, the Holy Spirit will guide us and say “this is the way, walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21) We just need to be willing to die to ourselves daily in order to find our lives in Him, surrender all of  “our desires” to Christ as He continues to sancitifies in the power of His will. (Matthew 16:24-25) Remember we walk by faith not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). Sometimes, I think I don’t make any sense becuase from one though to another from one bible verse to another – yeah thats my brain for ya – It’s all chaotically puzzled perfectly in one piece. Be patient with me.

I am no Bible expert, but I have found that clearly, every word, chapter, and book in the Bible is all about God – His glory and His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no denying it. He shows us how to live as we continue to perservere and hope for His return.The phrase that I kept stumbling across from last night to this morning was The Will of God – repeated many times in the Scriptures and clearly for a reason. So with that said, why not encourage you all to read the following Scriptures as a Son or Daughter of Christ on the “Will of God?” Please note that I searched on the ESV Bible App Bible verses on “Will of God.”   =p

“Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. ¹⁷ If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. ¹⁸ He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” John 7:16-19

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:9

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”                                         1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; ⁶ not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷ with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ⁸ knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” Ephesians 6:5-8

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17

keep praying.

keep repenting.

keep waiting.

keep persevering.

keep seeking Christ.

keep walking.

His will > my will.

in His name,

Esther Victoria

Mission: Miami

Happy New Year Friends! I pray that you have started off the NEW year with NEW challenges & NEW Goals for the glory of Christ. 🙂 So sitting here at work, yes I know I’m suppose to be working, but God has been pulling at my heart to write about the City of Miami. Pondering as to why sometimes God would put me here, to serve God in this city rather than living in India so to speak. Miami is a mission field for those of you that have no realized that. With many areas to serve this city, we just get caught up with life and the daily routine. We pray, have our quiet time with God, we fellowship, go to church, join a small group, and if possible join in and do an outreach ever so often. But my question for myself and yourself, how can we live in such a way that we are reaching Miami for Christ? How does that look like? Spending time with people that do not know Christ? Extending your hand to the poor? Coming up with ideas and dreams that God can do IMMEASURABLY MORE? I ask this because the City of Miami-Dade county is special, special to my heart. God has been faithful all along to put the right people together to make things work for His KINGDOM.  Furthermore at times, we get so caught up on our Social Status. We base our identities such as job titles, that we easily forget who we are in Christ. He has granted us the Holy Spirit. We are all one in His eyes.  We are all sinners saved by Amazing Grace. I am no better than someone because I have been a Christian for 5 years or because of how much I make yearly. In The Eyes of God, I am a sinner in need of a Savior- end of story. With that, that is the cry of many Miami-Dade residents. Many do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, many do not attend church for various reasons. If they know who  Jesus is – more than likely its the Wealth, Health, and Prosperity Gospel.  Have Faith, Be Positive, but the Salvation has not captivated their hearts and living in sin has become the norm for many Miamians. Miami, a city well know for its luxiouries, beaches, night clubs, and lots of tourism alot of things that please the eyes, physically rich, spiritually poor. It should burden our hearts that people are without Christ. We need to come together and be the difference in making Christ known whereever He places us!

I want you to read the following facts and if you are a devoted follower of Christ, I would challange you to even ask you where you are in regards to reaching Miami for Christ? How can you take that extra step? Apply what the Word of God teaches in the Scriptures. Pray, He will make a way. Ask.Seek.Knock.

Facts:

Miami is the second most un-churched county in the United States.

Miami is one of the poorest counties in the United States.

Miami is a hot spot for sex trafficking and prostitution.

Miami has currently more than 50 missing children.

There are about 83,000 children in Florida that are homeless.

Florida is one out of three states that are highly involved in human trafficking.

Miami has countless number of strip clubs.

Miami has many adults that are homeless.

Miami contains alot of partying, alcohol, and drugs.

Miami has more abortion clinics than starbucks.

In Miami, God has placed at least one person in front of you that needs Christ.

In Miami, you can shine the light of Christ to many areas.

In Miami, you can through Christ give of yourelf sacrificially.

In Miami, as followers of Christ, we need to be determined, that people will be changed by the power of the Gospel.

In Miami, God has chosen you, as his elect, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a dark city.

In Miami, God is equipping you to invest in and make disciples.

**to get involved  get plugged into a church or to find out more about the City of Miami go here:

Christ Fellowship Miami – www.cfmiami.org

Calvary Kendall & Calvary Downtown Miami – http://www.calvaryconnect.com/

Fight Hunger Miami http://fhmiami.com/

SOL Media – http://www.solmedia.net/

Polaris Project – http://www.polarisproject.org/

XXX Church – http://www.xxxchurch.com/

BeLoved Miami – http://belovedmiami.com/

Heartbeat of Miami – http://www.heartbeatofmiami.org/

Caring for Miami – http://caringformiami.org/

Chapman Partnership – http://www.chapmanpartnership.org/homeless-shelter/miami-charity.php

Kristi House – http://www.kristihouse.org/

Miami Rescue Mission – http://miamirescuemission.com/

His House Children’s Home – http://www.hhch.org/

I pray you are challanged and make a difference in one person’s life for Jesus Christ!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:37-40

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

God of This City – Christ Tomlin

[Verse 1]
You’re the God of this City
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You are

[Verse 2]
You’re the Light in this darkness
You’re the Hope to the hopeless
You’re the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

[Verse 1]

[Verse 2]

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our god
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

LOVE takes sacrificial measures for God’s glory.

in His name,

Esther Victoria

testimonial: how i came to know Christ.

.-..-.
`·.·´
●/
/▌
/ \       I can’t get no satisfaction . . .

*Please note, after reading, I pray that this story reflects and points  to Jesus in every way. God allowed many trials to happen in my life all for His glory . Despite all the bad things I did, He still chose me to be forever His. I couldn’t have done it without Him. [Soli Deo Gloria]

When I was 12, I “accepted” Jesus Christ in my life and was baptized that same year.  At the time, I honestly didn’t know what it was like to have a relationship with God. For me I saw it more like morality than anything else. A couple months later I received devastating news that I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure. I was told by my doctors that I would never have my own children. My only option for a family would be adoption. This news not only made me blame God for was happening to me but I started to hate Him as well. I wanted nothing to do with Him.

From that day on, I started to rebel and no longer trusted my parents. My youth years from 15-21 began to take a new direction.  I did not understand and I starting looking for satisfaction in many unforeseen areas. My life revolved around the night life and I craved to be the center of attention. I began to dig myself in a deeper hole –  cursing, late night partying, sex, bi-sexuality, drugs, and alcohol made my life complete , or that was my mentality of life then .  While I lived to enjoy every pleasurable moment, these short-lived pleasures turned into complete emptiness and pain. My actions were a result of feeling unloved and I felt that I needed these things at the time in order to fill that void. I was empty.

As time passed, my life snowballed into a bigger catastrophe. In 2004,  I  tried ecstasy pills for the first time at rave. I believe the people you hang with makes a big impact in your decision making. I admit, I was hanging with the wrong crowd, but I didn’t care. I wanted to do whatever I wanted. My bad decisions put me in unwanted situations and that same night I was date raped while unconscious from drugs.   I knew I didn’t want to take the path of drugs no longer. I felt so empty and I had no one to turn to. I became paranoid soon after and started to believe death was coming after me.. I  thought I would never reach the age of 21.  Sometimes while driving at night, I would feel the presence of demons and believed that I could not control the steering wheel. Although, I believe demons exist, it was crazy to think that they could control me like that.  I started going to therapy sessions and eventually I overcame my fears.
While my fears were conquered, I still felt lonely and insecure.  I never felt beautiful on the outside.   So in order to prove myself, I became a local model. I modeled from ages 18 to 20 and during that time, I walked around with a lot of pride. I craved the attention. Externally I felt beautiful, but internally, I still felt ashamed and empty. My temporary satisfaction could not control the angst I felt inside.

It soon became clear that I needed God more than ever.  I was eager to change my life. In an attempt to calm myself down, I began a serious relationship in 2006. He” completed” me and soon he became what I thought was my better half. I was not only fulfilled, but in love. After many on going issues in my relationship, I started to feel bored and fall out of love. I no longer felt in love and I was not happy.

180* Degrees in a New Direction .

Although it took awhile, during August 2008, it was definitely the start of a NEW BEGINING. My sister, Elizabeth invited me to join a Bible Study. At the time, I had no intentions of attending because I had no interest in anything that related to God,  however, since I wanted to spend time with my sister, I decided to go.  Tuesday nights became my favorite night because of a cute guy in my group.  God heard my cries, He knew my heart more than anyone. He allowed me to start having a crush on this guy so that he could begin to work on my life.  Attending the Bible Study allowed me to fully understand God and His perfect Love for all of us. He is a God of second chances. I put my trust in Him and He began to change my heart and change me from the inside out.
I wanted to learn more about the God I had abandoned years ago so I bought a Bible and began to read it. I started attending church with my sister. . After that day, for once in my life, I was completely satisfied. This was not temporary. His Love is eternal, it would be forever. God loved me despite my past, He received me. I made the decision to be baptized as a Re-Born again Christian. On September 25, 2009, my life changed forever. As the pastor put me under the water, I was leaving my past behind and starting fresh once I made my way back up. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” I was made new that day. The old me was gone and the new me was here!

Receiving  Jesus Christ in my heart, I saw the work of the Holy Spirit at a pace day by day. The last time I decided to have sex was a little after I gave my life to Christ which I would have to say was October 2008.  I cried that night. I knew it was God tugging at my heart and telling me me that having sex was created for marriage. I definately wasn’t married. I was single in the eyes of the LORD. I wanted to honor Him. It made the breaking up part with my boyfriend difficult because he had agreed that it was okay to stay pure until we got married. It took a very long time to break up with him because of that, but after alot of prayer and being mentored by others, I knew my boyfriend wasn’t going to be the one for me, I had to completely trust God in the relationship area so I broke up with him May of 2010.  It was clear, we were unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14) I am now thankful because God has allowed me to fall in love with Him in the relationship I have with Him! I am forever thankful for Him healing my heart and restoring it! My life now belongs to Him. Everything I do is ALL for His glory!

By the age of 24 in October 2010, I found out that in fact, I can have my own children. My physician informed me that it is impossible for someone with Premature Ovarian Failure to have their own children. He stated “it was a medical miracle.” He was right. God, who is my Physician had performed a miracle. He placed His hands over my ovaries and I have been cured! So all along for 12 years I lived thinking that I would never have children and here I was 12 years later fully blessed with what the Lord had done in my life . [Mark 5:21-43 is one of my favorite chapters! read it 🙂 ]

So I ask you today, what does it take to know God? What does it take to start fresh? Is it religion? is it church? is it being a good person? None of those things can save you in living eternally in Heaven. All it takes is to believe and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and begin a relationship with  your Creator God. How do you do that? Well here are some practical steps to take in inviting Him in your heart today!

1. Realizing you are a sinner. – Sin separates us from God. “For all have sinned and fallen short of His glory.” – Romans 3:23
2. Recognizing who Jesus Christ is. There was death upon a cross and He resurrected on the third day. “I am the way, the truth and the life.”John 14:6
3. Repenting and asking God to change your ways of living. God allows U-turns. Repent means that you want to turn away from all the sin that is destroying you. We will never be perfect, but we can always start to please God by being more like Him and obeying Him. to follow things that will destroy us or to follow things that with build us up?
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart by faith. Put your trust in Him. He has plans for you. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

If you want to make that decision today and have a humble heart to do so, pray this prayer out loud:

“Lord Jesus, I want forgiveness of my sins. I know sin separates me from You. I want to know that I am going to heaven. I’m tired of the old life I have been living. I want a new beginning. I believe that You died for my sins, and conquered death. I open the door to my heart today and I invite You in. I want to have a personal relationship with You. I want to follow You all the days of my life. In Your Son’s Holy Name, Jesus. Amen!”

If you just prayed this aloud feel free to message me or email me at etoribio@ymail.com I would love to hear from you!

questions? prayer requests? need a home church? email me at etoribio@cfmiami.org

I invite you to visit my home church: Christ Fellowship – Miami www.cfmiami.org we have 7 campuses throughout Miami Dade County with many service times! ❤

in His loving grace, Esther Victoria Toribio

as it comes to an end: 2012 recap.

As I sit here in my cubicle at work on 12.12.12, I think and ponder at what a year 2012 has been. I can tell ya that this year through all the trials, God has definately showed me what it is to depend on Him more and more. He has showed me that He remains faithful through each circumstanc. He is shaping me into the woman He wants me to be. He has changed my heart in one year with different perspectives. He has showed me Himself through His glorious and majestic Word. He has been ever grateful to hold my hand every step on the way. Friends have come and friends have gone, but He reminds me that this life works in different seasons – His plan and His purpose will always prosper. He has showed me through the testing of my faith what humility looks like, what submission looks like, and what surrender looks like, and what a life devoted to Jesus – in prayer and repentance and in action looks like.

He has entrusted me to lead a small group – to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 5:2) I have been able to see what first hand discipleship looks like. He has showed me what it is to apply Matthew 18 – in confronting others. He has taught me that being legalistic results in religion and fear of many things is a trap the enemy can hinder people in. The book of Galatians has taught me alot – recommend you study and read it!  He has been gracious enough to show me my downfalls – internal heart issues and by His grace has allowed me to repent and exercise spiritually in areas that I had always put to the side.

He has opened my heart in an area that I thought was impossible, of which nothing is impossible with Him (Matthew 19:26) – He has given me such a love for children and to be a wife and a mother one day. He knows the way to my heart. (Proverbs 31; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Titus 2) He is complete satisfaction. (Matthew 5:6; Psalm 42:1-2) ) He continues to remind me that I am here to live for Him – for the One I devotedly follow – Jesus Christ and to reflect His example. (Luke 9:23-24)

He has given me wisdom and knowledge that can only come through a relationship with Him (Ephesians 3:16-21) – daily, morning, afternoon, night. The closer I draw to Him, the closer He draws to me. Its a beautiful relationship that I would not trade for nothing in this world. He is my One and Only and I exalt Him for what He has done on the Cross at Calvary!

He has given me the Holy Spirit since the moment of salvation back in 2008. He has given me a Helper, a Counselor – to discern everything – even in times of rebellion. (John 14:26) He has shown Himself mericiful – in everything. He has been a Protector. He will not allow anything to harm me. (Psalm 17:6;Psalm 118:6)

He has given me the ability to practice self-discipline  (Hebrews 12:11)- cleaning my room and being organized for one and being disciplined in the financial department. I still have alot of work to do there. 😉

He has given me a much deeper desire to witness to others about the Love that only God Himself can offer. He has given me the deepest desire for the unchurched people of the City of Miami and for the unreached, widowed, and orphaned in third-world countries. Thusfar, Haiti and India have my heart. I thank Him for the opportunities that He has given me to travel overseas and reflect His light to those in need. (James 1:27; 2 Corinthians 8:8-15; Matthew 25:34-40; Isaiah 42:7)

I have learned to listen to my elders – my mentor being one of them and my parents especially. Everything they say is true, hence they give me wisdom that only comes from God’s Word. It’s been a challange, but it’s really allowed me to obey.

He has given me the opportunity to work at a law office as a legal assitant, a position I was not seeking, specificially since I majored in Psychology. These weren’t my plans, but they were His. He has showed me within the past 7 years of working here – what it looks like to reflect Christ and work for Him in a building in the heart of Downtown Miami – to be His little light. I am humbled to even have a job. I am forever thankful for the staff I work with; at the end of the day we get the work done. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – All for His glory.

I cannot wait to see what 2013 will bring!! I am excited to see where He will lead me next as I yield to His voice!!!

He has given. He has. He is.

to know Him. abide in Christ. ( Philippians 3:10;John 15:5)

die to self. live to Christ. (Philippians 1:21; Galatians 2:20)

in His grace,

Esther