On Prayer & Meditation – PleaseBeStillMoments

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…

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“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

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-4 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

animation space GIF — ***Via Giphy.com***

Dysfunctional Symphony
by Oscar Roca

LORD, I’m thankful for making this time of year one of my favorites by changing dysfunction to order.
It wasn’t like this when my family was broken up into chaos, and people were calling our family disfunction. You don’t believe in labels, and neither do I.
I had to see this season how You saw it in order for me to be the first one in my family who would take disfunction and turn it into harmony through You.

This is the reason why over the years, Mary and I have made Thanksgiving & Christmas joyful & functional to all who enter our lives.
LORD, this joyful order is all You, and I thank you for making it a perfect synchronization in You!

For those who are stuck in your pasts, it’s time to move in and enter into God’s peaceful functioning order.

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

November 24, 2019

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8 Days of Giving Thanks T-5 Days |Thanksgiving 2019

Today I want to thank God for the children and grandchildren I’ve been blessed with. They make my life joyful. Without them, my wife and I’s lives would be different.

Even more so today, since I’m getting ready to go to a USC-UCLA with one of my daughters who got me the tickets for Father’s Day… and those moments are priceless & extremely thankful memories.

Thank You LORD for this gift.

P.S. Fight On!

November 23, 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-6 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Today, I’d like to thank God for the wife of my youth. She has been with me through thick and thin, in darkness and light. She has seen my worst and has been the reason for my best.

During this time of reflection, I thank God for this priceless gift, which was wrapped before the foundations of the world. God knew exactly what kind of wife I needed, so He breathed life into this precious baby who would later on, marry a cocky and mischievous nineteen-year-old. Most people who know us whether Christian or not, will look at her and ask me, “how does she put up with the hurricane that is you!”

I smile and think to myself:

She has learned to stand still and move with the hurricane! Always keeping herself inside in the eye of the storm!…

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Hoy quisiera agradecer a Dios por la esposa de mi juventud. Ella ha estado conmigo contra viento y marea, en la oscuridad y la luz. Ella ha visto lo peor y ha sido la razón de lo mejor de mi vida.

Durante este tiempo de reflexión, doy gracias a Dios por este regalo invaluable que fue envuelto antes de los cimientos del mundo. Dios sabía exactamente qué tipo de esposa necesitaba, así que dio vida a este precioso bebé que más tarde se casaría con un engreído y travieso de solamente diecinueve años de edad. La mayoría de las personas que nos conocen sean cristianos o no, la miran y me preguntarán,”¡¿cómo soporta ella, el huracán que eres tú?”!

Solo sonrío y pienso: ¡ella ha aprendido a quedarse quieta y moverse con el huracán! ¡Siempre manteniéndose adentro en el ojo de la tormenta!

Y por este regalo, siempre te estaré agradecido Señor …

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019

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Did He Really Say That You Couldn’t Do?…. |The Spiritual War On God Pt. 2

|The following post was just as tough for me to write as the previous one. This division in the Church is something that has, for my generation, been a battle between Christians. Apparently, we don’t have enough battles waging against us, so we’ve come up with one against ourselves….yay us...

——The war against God in society continues and will only get worse. We, The Church, need to know that the enemy is laughing and kicking back(idiom for sitting in a comfortable plush chair, drinking demon juice and watching us do all their dark work).
Notice I did not say the war on men; because the war that is being waged on the Church and its morals, history, and standards; is ultimately against God, with men being the scapegoats.

|…but hold off on excusing the men, because we are part of the problem, and have been for a long time. I’ll get to this next post.

——I am not here to add to the division. I am here to give scriptural reference to the insanity that this issue has become. I am not one to insult a woman and tell her to, “Go home,” like a famous pastor recently said… I believe that is insulting and unbecoming of someone who has so many ears listening to him, but that is for another post.

…But I am also not one that will give somebody a Free Pass if they are scripturally in error, no matter if it’s a famous pastor, or a fellow Christian friend… That is not who I am, and people that know me, know that I only stand for these things spiritually:

Only Christ, Only Scripture, Only Faith, and Only Grace.
So when the popular culture comes knocking at my door, I ask myself:
——Is this scriptural?
—— Will this glorify God?
—— Will this unite the Church?
——Is this issue showing love or hate?
—— Is this based on our faith in Christ?
—— Does this follow the original Spirit filled Acts Church?

—— When I am counseling someone, the above questions are always on my mind. Now getting back to the subject…

——In the previous post, I asked a straightforward question—To show me anywhere in the Bible where women had roles of Priest or High Priest, in either the Hebrew (OT) or Greek (NT) scriptures. I gave examples of women being used by God as Prophetesses and Deacons but never as Tabernacle/Temple Priests or Teachers.

What I am about to say is not meant to be sexist, arrogant or proud. I would not be here if were not for my mom, wife, daughters, & other women who have given me valuable life lessons through our interactions and relationships…

——Now, if, after you answer these next questions, and still can dispute the word of God, then go ahead and call me whatever you like. But, I hope that at the end of the questions, you see that God has an order for the family. This order extends out into society. And society without men and women in unity, can’t exist. There are many things that men can’t do.On the other hand, there are things you women can’t do that a man can.

|Here are a few more points to look at and ponder:

—Before I get to them, I would like to mention Deborah, the Prophetess, and Judge of Israel. Again, she was neither a Levite or High Priest(ess). Deborah never worked inside the Tabernacle. It is never recorded that Deborah was able to go in to sacrifice at the Altar or go into the Holy of Holies. This is a huge deal, since God had qualifications for serving in the Tabernacle/Temple:

One, was that you were a son of Aaron. Yes, a male, I want to be clear about this. It is not me saying this, it is coming straight from the LORD. Two, a priest had to come fromt the line of Aaron.

Yes Oscar, but that was then and now, we are all free in Christ…

Let’s take a look at the qualifications of an elder (Pastor— senior or on staff):

—The list of qualifications of an elder is given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. You can read these yourself. I’ve underlined the main point above…So an elder or overseer or pastor has to be a man, having only one wife, kind and respected, able to lead, etc. This man must oversee his family well, in order to oversee the church family second. Most pastors flip the roles of overseeing, making the church a priority over their families… I will get to this in my next post.

—Now, here is the interesting part, a deacon’s (or waiters’, helpers’, administrators’) qualifications are given with an extra addition:

—Notice that God inspired Paul to add verse 11, and give women the right to be deaconesses; adding requirements for them.

—My question to you is this: Why would God insert qualifications for women Deaconesses, but not insert one for women elders or pastors?

—Well wait a minute Oscar, you’re just seeing things, it means that Paul was inspired by God to add this for both elders and deacons!

No, that would be reading into God’s word and instructions…

—You see, God’s order is always perfect. God is intentional in everything He has ever done or will do. He placed the qualifications in perfect order, so there would be no— he said we said, shenanigans!

—God is telling All readers of this letter the requirements to be elders, deacons, and deaconesses. That’s it: no additions or subtractions. He does not add requirements for women elders, but only for deaconesses.

Had God wanted female elders (meaning pastors), He would have added a verse 11 qualification right after verse 7! You can also check out Titus chapter 1 to confirm these requirements for men.

So my questions to the female readers are:

—Based on the Bible’s authority and the qualifications of being a pastor-overseer-teacher:

— Can women be senior and/or staff pastors just because culture and society say it’s time?

— Or is it because the enemy has said— Did God really say you couldn’t be a senior pastor?

This last polemic question will be addressed next post…

If you are reading this and don’t know doctrine, or were just visiting this website, and you want to get to know God, here are a few links to having a Personal Relationship with Him:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

November 14, 2019November 13, 2019

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Did He Really Say That You Couldn’t Do?…. |The Spiritual War on God Pt 1

WARNING: TO MEN & WOMEN OF GOD—EXTREMELY TRUTHFUL & ABRASIVELY CONTROVERSIAL TO THIS CULTURE’S INCLUSIVE SOCIETY.

If you know me, you know that I have always told my wife and daughters that they can do all things through Christ. That nothing is impossible for them if God’s will is present.
Oscar Roca

This is why I’ve waited about a month or so to post this. I have revised revisions, and edit after edit. I’ve written it a few times, prayed about it extensively, and waited patiently.

(But being in God’s will is one of the most critical aspects of our walk. And it is as essential to me for them to succeed in life and be whatever God calls them to be.)

So what I’m about to say is a hard thing. But it’s something that must be addressed, to speak truth because God will never contradict His word. We know that the Word of God is true (Psalm 18:30).

—As much as it pains me to say this, it is in keeping with God’s word; and it is coming at a time where the church has divided itself on things that are as clear as night and day in the Bible.

—The Bible has a history of God using women in a wide variety of capacities.

—A well-known prophetess Myriam was a Prophetess (Exodus 15:20), Noadiah and Hulda were also prophetesses (Nehemiah 6:14, 2 Kings 22:15).

Deborah was used by God because Barak was too weak mentally and spiritually to lead a nation that was immoral and spiritually bankrupt. Barak did not want to lead and gave up his leadership. Deborah was not only a Justice but also a Prophetess. She led a nation back to God (Judges 4).

—God used Ruth to show us how God would bring a Redeemer for Israel and what a virtuous Bride of Christ should exemplify (Ruth 2:1-4:22 , Matthew 1:5).

—God used Esther to save her people from tribulation (Esther 4:14) .

—Mary, a teenage girl, was used by God because she was also virtuous and faithful (Isaiah 7:14 , Luke 1:28).
—Elizabeth was so devoted that she was past her child-bearing age, yet God used her to bring forth, per Jesus, the greatest man born of women, ever to live, John the Baptist (Luke 1:5, Luke 7:28).

—There are other prophetesses in the NT— Anna in Luke 2:36 who never left the Temple, yet, it never states that she went into the actual Temple or the Holy of Holies. An evangelist named Philip, who had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9).

—Jesus surrounded Himself with female disciples. These same women were the first to see the Resurrected Savior. Not the Apostles. And just like the story of the Justice- Prophetess Deborah, men were too weak, so God used women in there place (Matthew 26:56,Matthew 28:1, Matthew 27:55, Mark 16:1).

—I believe that women can be presidents; I agree that women can be CEOs of major companies.
— I believe that women could be the best of doctors or astronauts, and they will excel in everything they fix their minds on…
— I believe that women bring a different dynamic to every aspect of society.
— Here’s where I stop throwing caution to the wind and break with the trending women’s empowerment movement.

—What I don’t agree with is women who are teaching both men and women.
— What women who are trying to teach both men and women may not realize is this—They are hurting the word of God, and I take that very seriously because you cannot mess with God’s word.

— Some may say that the Bible is not clear on women teaching men and that in today’s modern society, the all male centric way of worship is antiquated and out of touch. That women have all the rights of men in every aspect of society, and that whether men like it or not, women will do whatever they want.

—When I hear this, I realize two things, that those women who are intensely adamant of leading their families and churches, usually have a problem submitting to the LORD. I say usually because this is what I see in both men and women who have problems with serving others in life and ministry. (More on this next post.)

I have a few questions, but I’ll ask just one. The most important one:

Show me anywhere in the Bible where there were women Priests, or High priests chosen to serve inside the Temple or were allowed to walk into the holy of Holies?

Now for what the Bible says about women senior or lead pastors:

Next Post…. Where the war on men came from & why women want it all, including in the spiritual realm . Why it is the ultimate war on God and not men.

November 8, 2019November 10, 2019

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Don’t Give Up —Don’t Give In! Press On! |Tuesday Reset!

I was up late night praying for the final classes I’m taking. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been on a roller coaster ride these last four years. I have gained some very valuable insights while getting my Pastoral & Divinty Diplomas, as well as my Bachelor’s. This, for me is not a pause, since I will be studying to get my Master’s.

What should have been me working on my Master’s a while back, turned into another future blog story. But, now, I can see the finish line…
Oscar Rcoca

I am not saying this to pat myself on the back or let everyone know how wonderful I am. On the contrary, as I was praying for patience and thankfulness, a thought came to mind. I saw many a student who was struggling with keeping up with the demands of so much in life. I must admit, it gets overwhleming but bearable.
I envisoned the different class members with their families and lives. Each student was going about their business.
Some did not look joyful because of the present worries and struggles in their lives.
Some were young, some middle-aged. Some had lots of family members walking alongside them on their journey. Others had few friends and family, and still, others were alone, walking towards their graduation. All of them had caps and gowns on.

I found myself empathizing with each of the students I came across as I imagined walking around the small American town.
Oscar Roca

I continued imagining…a few graduating students were turning back, disheartened, and sorrowful.
Those are the people that I would hurry and try to encourage. I had what looked like a plethora of gold bar graduating pins with me.
I wasn’t supposed to be putting it on them. That was for the faculty to do, yet, I was being led strongly to do this.
A faculty member saw what I was doing. She gave me a nod to continue as if she knew that I was trying to encourage the students who were so close to graduating, but were thinking about quitting.
Some came from violent areas where it was so hard to live, let alone go to college.
Some came from broken homes where single parents could not afford to help them.
Some were the single parents, who were struggling to make ends meet, and having second thoughts about staying in school.
Others were going through a family crisis, not knowing whether to move forward or stay put.
Those were the ones I would shake hands with, hug, high five, or fist bump. And those are the ones I would cheer on while placing a graduation pin on them.

Their faces… that’s what I most remember.
Oscar Roca

You see, their countenance went from sorrowful to joyful and peaceful.
They would look at me and make an about-face from their car, or direction they had started. They had been encouraged by the small gesture to continue towards their prize.

My urgency was to empathize, encourage, & educate them to achieve what they had started, it felt right, just, & pleasing to God.
Oscar Roca

If you are reading this and are going through any health issues or addictions. You may be going through financial hardships, family struggles, or whatever it is that is making you want to turn back on your walk with Christ. Or, are having setbacks educationally, or spousal or family problems, I want to tell you that God loves you. He is waiting for you to cast all your fears, concerns, and heavy burdens on Him. God wants you to keep moving forward by shedding or casting all your burdens on Him. Don’t give up!

Because in life, we are all either students—Of Christ —or, Students of this world…
Oscar Roca

If you are a student of this world, it means that you are burdened by the heaviness of the busyness of this world. Where you can’t see past your next paycheck, let alone graduation time, or an end to marriage counseling or the next hospital or prison visit. I invite and encourage you to give those issues to Christ and not to give up. To move forward.

If you have fallen and are panic stricken, unable to make your next move, close your eyes, breathe in and get back up! Dust off, look around and take a mental picture of your situation. Because one thing I know, life moments, some joyful, some harsh, will come and go. Take a mental picture of it all. For the moments that make you stronger, are the moments where you don’t want to move forward in life. Those are the moments that God reaches down from His throneroom in the heavens, and grabs a hold of your spirit.

It is in those times when you look up & cry out, that God touches you! You have the strength to jump to your feet & start running! You feel encouraged, you have that extra spring to your step & set your eyes back on the final prize!
Oscar Roca

This is what God can, and has done for many of His children. God can do this for you right here, right now. Just ask Jesus to help you keep your eyes on the goals in your life. Then also ask Him to bring you to a state of peace and stillness where you can take a moment to:

Refresh— Only the way that God can refresh your spirit. Ask God to strengthen you spiritually, mentally and physically.

Regroup—Take a step back and see where your goal is. Take a set of mental pictures of where you were when you started, are now, and will be in the future. Do not look back on the negatives, but look back at all your triumphs.

Reinforce—Reinforce the goal you have and ask God to give you the strength to move forward. No matter who is telling you that you can’t or that it’s too hard. Don’t listen to people, sometimes, they are mirroring their own doubts and fears. This includes your parents, siblings and anyone else who discourages you from attaining what God has commanded you to do.

Replan— Take a look at your plans. If you have not written your goal down and have planned on how to finish it, do it now.

Most people fail to plan, so their plans fail. Don’t become one of those statistics
Oscar Roca

Remove—Remove all doubt. The world will tell you it can’t be done. God says, “Follow Me and I will show you!”

Resume— You can take a break from everything, but don’t wait too long because your break may be permanent! Start as soon as you have gained your spirtual and mental strength!

For those that need to hear this— I am cheering you on! Keep running towards your prize. Stay focused on your goal! Whatever goal it is in life that you are running to.

If you need God’s help, ask Him! If you don’t know how, just ask Jesus to help you with the words. Ask Him to remove any negative things in your life that are casuing you to keep pausing on your goals, or marriage, or health issues. Ask Him into your life. He will bring you peace through all your life struggles. Accept Him as your LORD and Savior. You will see that He cares and loves you beyond any obstacles you may have.

Recommit your will through Christ to finsih the race! This is extremely important. You must be committed to finishing what you have started in order to do it with gusto!

There are no I’ll Try’s, only I’ll Do’s & Won’t Do’s!
So go & reach for the stars, because Heaven is rooting for you!
Oscar Roca

Click on any of these links if you want a personal relationship and commitment to God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

November 5, 2019

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