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Encouraging & Inspiring Thru God's Word

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Category: Encouragement

Back To The Garden—T-13 Days |Christmas 2019 Series

T-13 days Until Christmas!

—In my previous post, I mentioned that Joseph, and his future bride Mary, who was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, were in a bind, trying to find a place to rest for a few days in Bethlehem.
They were forced by the Roman Emperor’s decree to go to their ancestral tribe’s town to get counted in a Roman Empire wide census.

This was one of the principal Prophecies being fulfilled by God for verification. But there were others…

Genesis Genesis 3:15

—You see, God had promised Adam and Eve, right from the beginning of their disobedience, that He would one day redeem them and reconnect His relationship with them. Redeem means to buy back, or release the debt. This redeeming was going to be fulfilled by Jesus on the cross.

2 Samuel 7:13, 2 Samuel 7:16 BSB

But here’s another amazing part:

—Jesus also had to fulfill God’s promise to Adam. One of his descendants would be born to stomp on satan’s head. Not killing him but injuring his devilish whisperings.

This devious and evil fallen being would wreak havoc on Adam and Eve’s descendants, until Jesus’ work of redemption on the cross. ( Genesis 3:15 ).

—And, Jesus had to come from the line of King David due to the promise God gave this king. That one of his descendants would be The Anointed One or Messiah of Israel( 2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Samuel 7:16 ), thus being born of Mary’s line through David ( Ruth 4:18-22; Luke 3:23-38 ), and also legally through His step dad Joseph’s line through David ( Matthew 1:1-17 ).

Satan would never recover. His weapon is the intellectual essence of this world…

—Satan would never recover. His weapon is the intellectual essence of this world. People who are influenced by this enemy and his hordes intellectually, are also those not spiritually connected in a relationship with Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:55).
Those who “hear his voice”( John 10:27,
John 10:14 ) have lessened the effect of the enemy’s whisperings. We are filled by God’s Spirit, who gives us discernment to perceive something is wrong when we come across things that may not be good for us.

All this to say, Joseph & Mary could not find a room to rest in their ancestral place. Yet, they both had family in Bethlehem, who may have helped them but were unable to host them correctly.

—This little family would end up in a place with animals who witnessed the birth of their God incarnate. It would be a perfect conclusion to God’s promise of one of Adam and Eve’s descendants, who would come and make things right again. Reconnecting humanity back to God in a sort of garden-like-state.

Here’s what I mean:

Two people—a man & woman back in connection with God and his creatures, like in the Garden.
No poor, poor Joseph & Mary, God had them where He wanted them.

—Alongside His other creation. The Almighty would also be making the animals reconnect with their Creator. The little donkeys, sheep, and goats would be a witness for their kind; since they could see who this Baby really was!
Why would God want His little creatures there?
—Like Joseph and Mary’s fore-parents when they were taking care of the Garden, more specifically, God’s animals.
God orchestrating this incredible manger scene to show his children that this God-baby-King was setting the Garden scene back to what it should have been….thus fulfilling the Genesis prophecy, and the Davidic prophecy of a Messiah coming to set things right.
—No other man in His-story has even come close to fulfilling just one specific prediction written thousands of years before ever taking place.
—Jesus fulfilled hundreds and hundreds of pre-written prophecies regarding His First Coming or First Advent.
More to come on these predictions being fulfilled…

If you don’t have a connection with Jesus, make this incrdibly wonderful time of the year be the moment you reconnect with your God, don’t wait:


How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God


Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

December 12, 2019

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But You, House of Bread…T-14 Days |Christmas 2019 Series

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

At the time of this prophecy, Bethlehem’s population was about 200 or so. When Jesus was born, there was no room at an inn. The town of under 500 would not expect so many people visiting all at once. This overpopulation was due to Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) demanding a decree for all his subjects to be numbered in a Roman census.

The decree forced people to go to their ancestral towns to get counted. Not because the emperor was concerned about his subjects, but because he wanted to ensure the empire was taxing its subjects correctly.  

So right around 4-6 B.C., a future family of three traveled about 80-90 miles from Nazareth (Luke 2:4). They were tired, and poor Mary had been putting up with the bumps and bruises of sitting on a donkey through steep mountainsides to get to their ancestral town. 

So the “no room at the inn” scenario is highly possible.

Now imagine all of them tired and dirty from travel. Baby starts moving more, and Mary is feeling all of it. Men, we don’t have a clue about this, but the women who have gone through the process of giving birth definitely know what comes next!

Typical Jewish House during time of Jesus—Courtesy of Jesusstory.net

Joseph! I don’t care if there’s no room at the inn! This baby is coming out whether we have reservations or not!

Joseph, trying his best to protect and care for his family, does the next best thing to a reserved room at the inn—He saves money, and the little family gets comfortable in a manger (Luke 2:7). 

Courtesy of Psephizo

Now you may be thinking that these mangers are filthy. Yes, they were. Anywhere animals are kept will be dirty, but remember that most animals’ living spaces were at the bottom of the dwelling where their owners lived. They had to bring them in for safety reasons—one was to keep them warm, and the other was to keep them from being stolen. 

All this to get to the House of Bread or Beyth-lechem, where Jesus’ lineage was. Both Mary and Jesus’ step-dad were from the same tribe or clan or house. Except each came from different ancestors before ending with David.

The same David who slew the great Giant Goliath and the same one whom God promised one of his descendants would be the Messiah of Israel and the world.

The incredible prophetic utterance of Micah is astounding. The odds of two people from the same ancestor (David), getting together and having to travel just under a 100 miles through steep mountainous terrain, and Mary being with child. Then as soon as they get to their destination, she delivers, while extraterrestrial things are happening right outside of the little town, with a moving star leading Magi to the very spot where a baby king was being born, would be astronomical! Thats for a future post!

For now, just think of you and your spouse meeting and then getting married. Only to have to go to your ancestral cities for a world-wide census. What would be the odds of both of you coming from the same city or town? Let alone having a male baby being born in that town at the exact time you had to be there for the census?…

This was what Jesus did, fulfilling an 700-800 year old prophecy or prediction of the coming Prince of Peace whom the Jews called their Messiah…


How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God


Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

December 11, 2019December 11, 2019

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God with us — T-15 days |Christmas 2019

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


Isaiah 9:6

To think that the Creator of the universe humbled Himself and became a Baby to fulfill His promise thousands of years back. This prophecy in Isaiah chapter 9, was about 700-750 years old. One of many predictions or prophecies which came true!

More to come….


How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God


Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

December 10, 2019

oscarlikes2writeLeave a comment

Preaching In The Pulpit Is… |Sermons & Studies Series

Teaching the Word of God is one of the most honorable things one can do. But when we are preparing the study or sermon, we must be very cautious as to what will be said and taught.

We must be prayed up, studied up and most importantly, be serious of who we are representing.

Sometimes, I hear of pastors who are constantly trashing the people. Or some others constantly joking in the pulpit. Others, using language that is far from the Holiness of the pulpit. What we must be extremely conscious of:

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

The pulpit is to preach:

The Father’s Love, Interjection & Correction

About Christ’s power of Redemption 

& Transformation

About the Spirit’s constant 

Sanctification & Instruction

The pulpit is about:

Sin’s Seriousness & Grievousness

Damnation to Salvation

Man’s Fall & Separation

God’s Forgiveness & Eternal Plan

Of Action

About Christ’s Obedience

About man’s Connection Correction

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

It’s about God’s:

Holiness

Praise-worthiness

Awesomeness

Righteousness

Fearfulness

Greatness

FOR Praying for God’s: 

Intervention, Edification

Supplication, Acclamation

Intercession, Cessation

& Confession

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

The Pulpit is not for self:

Edification, Elation, 

Inflation, Narration

Reputation, or 

Accolades

The Pulpit is definitely not for:

Being funny all the time,

Crowd-Pleasing 

Vulgarity, 

or crowd Elating

Not for self Agendas,

Or Selling yourself

December 6, 2019

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The Quiet, Unsung Heroes |Real Christlike Service

|” “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” —Colossians 3:23(ISV)|

There are people who you’ll never hear from and will never be famous’ Christians. They won’t be household names, and that’s how they want to be remembered. We had one of the best babysitters in the world. She was older and a devout Christian woman who loved our kids as her own.

As soon as I finally go home at the end of this journey, she will be one of the first ones I will look for to thank.

I also know two women, not sure if they are both home with the LORD. I know he of them is. They, too, will be on y list of living examples to thank. These two ladies were selfless and incredibly faithful to Christ.
Their long term after school Bible study program for kids in the inner city of Long Beach has planted more seeds of the Love and grace of Christ, then all the best sermons by pastor’s in the pulpits around Los Angeles ever will. I include myself in that pulpit sermon example.
You see, Christ calls very few to teach, and very few do it well. But Christ calls all of us to make disciples of all nations. This includes our country. We don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find disciples — especially the little ones who love hearing about Jesus and all the stories in His Bible.
These unsung heroes of Christianity doing their service without any special recognition from any leadership or church. Their crowns are waiting for them in heaven, where they will be escorted like royalty throughout the halls of the Great Throne room, where Christ himself will crown them in front of all to see! At least that is how I imagine it will take place.

happy cleaning GIF
Happy Cleaning GIF

So here’s to all the unsung heroes who serve day in and day out, throughout their lives. There are Sunday school teachers who are never noticed by anyone for a job well done. Or servants who clean the toilets at home and church. You are doing what God is asking of you. To the housewives out there, who decided to stay home to homeschool your kids, and to those wives that have to work to make ends meet; know that you are highly appreciated where it counts, in heaven.

bored spongebob squarepants GIF
How it is teaching kids
Courtesy of #spongebob squarepants

To the single moms or dads out there who can’t serve in their church, but help your children and their friends with the ultimate Christ-like manner and love at home.To the unsung heroes who are out there feeding the homeless, widows, and orphans.

Whether you are doing it here or in faraway lands, and you may be struggling to make ends meet. Remember, there is a reward in heaven with your name in it. Your compensation will be given to you by Christ.

To all those who don’t get the coffee served or pastries given for your service, don’t look at what others are getting for serving Christ. Their reward has already been given here on earth.
Yours is accumulating and expanding in heavenly tokens, which will be melted down into the biggest crown you’ll ever see! It will be so heavy that a neck brace will come with your crowns!
Lastly, to the servants who never complain or want accolades—keep doing what God has intended for you. Keep fighting the good fight.

Keep running the race that is set before you, without looking to the left or right.

There are people like yourselves who are quietly praying for you and your loved ones. That in itself is the highest form of love shown….and the greatest weapon for you to be able to go out into the Great Harvest Field, continuing your service to the One who loves and cherishes you…Thank you for doing your thing quietly and faithfully….

O.Roca

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-2 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Thank You LORD for those who serve us

by Oscar Roca
Soldier Coming Home
Bible verse John 15:13

Today I want to thank all those who serve people in any capacity. From the waiters and waitresses at restaurants, or the store employees who work hard to keep the aisles and checkouts clear, to the first responders who selflessly give up their family time to keep all of us safe and in good health.
I especially would like to thank the men and women in the armed forces who will not be with their families this upcoming Holy Day Season.
I pray that all of You make it back home safely and that you are blessed by the LORD tremendously. Your selfless service to this country and the world is noticed and appreciated by all in this family.
LORD, I thank You for all those that will be working to stock the aisles and clear the busy holiday checkouts. I also thank you for the local public servants who are out there keeping our streets safe and doing extraordinary things in emergency services. I ask that You keep them all safe as they take care of this community.
Father, I ask that You bring those that are far away from their families, peace of this season, where Your Son came down from His throne and became a humble infant, only to accomplish Your will—to save humanity from their sins which separated us from You.
May all those serving in the military find Your peace, joy, and love while they are out there putting their lives on the line for all of us. May they also know Father, that we are praying for their safety and the safety of their families left behind without a dad, mom, uncle, aunt, brother or sister. I pray that they will feel the love of their families, communities, and especially the love of Your son Jesus. I pray this in Your name Lord…

______________________________________________________________________________

“Nadie tiene un amor mayor que éste: que uno dé su vida por sus amigos.

Juan 15:13 Spanish: La Nueva Biblia de los Hispanos

Hoy quiero agradecer a todos los que sirven a las personas en cualquier capacidad. Desde los meseros y meseras en los restaurantes, o los empleados de la tienda que trabajan duro para mantener los pasillos y las cajas abiertas, hasta los primeros en responder que descuidan el tiempo de su familia para mantenernos a todos seguros y en buen estado de salud.

Me gustaría agradecer especialmente a los hombres y mujeres de las fuerzas armadas que no estarán con sus familias esta próxima temporada de días santos Navideños. Oro para que todos ustedes regresen a casa sanos y salvos. Que el Señor los bendiga tremendamente. Su servicio altruista a este país y al mundo es notado y apreciado por todos en esta familia. SEÑOR, te agradezco por todos los que trabajarán para abastecer los pasillos y despejar las cajas de compras. También te agradezco por los servidores públicos locales que están manteniendo nuestras calles seguras y haciendo cosas extraordinarias en los servicios de emergencia.

Te pido que los mantengas a salvo mientras cuidan de esta comunidad. Padre, te pido que le des a los que están lejos de sus familias, la paz de esta temporada, donde Tu Hijo bajó de Su trono y se convirtió en un Niño humilde, solo para cumplir Tu voluntad, para salvar a la humanidad de los pecados que nos separaron de Ti.

Que todos los que sirven en el ejército encuentren Tu paz, alegría y amor mientras estén lejos de su seres queridos, arriesgando sus vidas por todos nosotros. Que ellos también sepan Padre, que estamos orando por su seguridad.  Además oro por la seguridad de sus familias que se quedaron sin un padre, madre, tío, tía, hermano o hermana en estas temporadas. Oro para que sientan el amor de sus familias, comunidades y especialmente el amor de Tu hijo Jesús. Amen…

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019

oscarlikes2writeLeave a comment

8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-3 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Isaiah 1:18

Thankful for a God who reinvents us!

by Oscar Roca

I just got a sent a picture of a blind farmer who was passing through his land, looking for his turkeys. The funny part was that he was walking right in front of them, and they were making cow sounds. 

I laughed so hard because this time of year, turkeys are the main course on the plate in my country! 

But then, I started pondering on the fact that those turkeys in that cartoon are so incredibly wise! Yes, I know it’ s just a funny cartoon mem, but think about it, when was the last time you reinvented yourself? 

We all must take this journey called life. I invite you to reinvent yourself today; don’t wait until New Year’s Day to write a list of things you want to reinvent in your life. Start today. 

—What is your physical goal?

—What is your mental goal?

—What is your job goal?

—Most importantly, what is your spiritual purpose?

I don’t have a clue on the first three since I most likely don’t know you personally. But, I do have an answer to the last one. Get to know God personally before this Thanksgiving holiday. I promise you with God’s help; you will be able to accomplish anything in life. I also know that God will reinvent you. 

Wherever you are in life, whatever your past mistakes or regrets, stop holding on to them.

Start fresh on this special Holiday Season. Finish Christmas with the Peace of The Christ Child, who can take all your past away and make you a new person.

I thank God for fresh starts. I know, because He gave me one when I asked Jesus into my life and committed myself to Him. 

Here are some links if you want to reinvent yourself spiritually… 

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

oscarlikes2writeLeave a comment

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T—12 Days O Come All Ye Faithful! |Christmas 2019 Series

Jeremiah 23:5 —Matthew 2:1—Micah 5:2—Luke 2:9 |O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.O Sing, choirs of… Continue reading →

December 13, 2019December 13, 2019

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Back To The Garden—T-13 Days |Christmas 2019 Series

—In my previous post, I mentioned that Joseph, and his future bride Mary, who was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, were in a bind, trying to find a place to rest for a few days in Bethlehem.They were forced by the Roman Emperor’s decree to go to their ancestral tribe’s town to get counted in… Continue reading →

December 12, 2019

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But You, House of Bread…T-14 Days |Christmas 2019 Series

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2 At the time of this prophecy, Bethlehem’s population was about 200 or so. When Jesus was born,… Continue reading →

December 11, 2019December 11, 2019

oscarlikes2write

God with us — T-15 days |Christmas 2019

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 To think that the Creator of the universe humbled Himself and became a Baby to fulfill His promise… Continue reading →

December 10, 2019

oscarlikes2write

Preaching In The Pulpit Is… |Sermons & Studies Series

Teaching the Word of God is one of the most honorable things one can do. But when we are preparing the study or sermon, we must be very cautious as to what will be said and taught. We must be prayed up, studied up and most importantly, be serious of who we are representing. Sometimes,… Continue reading →

December 6, 2019

oscarlikes2write

The Quiet, Unsung Heroes |Real Christlike Service

|” “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” —Colossians 3:23(ISV)| There are people who you’ll never hear from and will never be famous’ Christians. They won’t be household names, and that’s how they want to be remembered. We had one of… Continue reading →

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS | THANKSGIVING 2019

The origins of this sacred Holyday by Oscar Roca 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.… Psalm 100:4 & 5 LORD, thank You for always providing for us. Like the first Pilgrims who came… Continue reading →

November 28, 2019

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8 Days of Giving Thanks T-1 Days | Thanksgiving 2019

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. —Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV I’m thankful for the free gift of eternal life. It can’t be earned. It’s only thru His grace and… Continue reading →

November 27, 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-2 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Thank You LORD for those who serve us by Oscar Roca Today I want to thank all those who serve people in any capacity. From the waiters and waitresses at restaurants, or the store employees who work hard to keep the aisles and checkouts clear, to the first responders who selflessly give up their family… Continue reading →

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-3 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Thankful for a God who reinvents us! by Oscar Roca I just got a sent a picture of a blind farmer who was passing through his land, looking for his turkeys. The funny part was that he was walking right in front of them, and they were making cow sounds.  I laughed so hard because… Continue reading →

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

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