Happy New Year!   2013 was a great year for the Piña family and I trust it was a great year for yours. It did not come without it’s challenges, but it…

(Read Romans 6:12-14) This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Yesterday we took a look at the symbolism behind water baptism. The Apostle Paul painted a picture for us, upon the canvas of our minds, that made it painstakingly clear that we (as New Testament believers) should embrace the fact that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ.

(1 Cor 13:13 NIV) And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away

(1Co 13:7 AMP) Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

(1 Cor 13:5 AMP) It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

(1Co 13:5 AMP) It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own.

(1 Cor 13:5 AMP) It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

Major points of emphasis this week: 1. Kindness is always disposed to do good to others. 2. Kindness is always looking for a way TO BE a blessing. 3. Kindness gets excited when presented with an opportunity to bless someone. 4. Love focuses on others – the opposite of love is selfishness (not hate). Enjoy:

Major points I want to make this week: 1. Love is the Rod that holds everything else in place.2. Jesus simplified the message of the Bible down to this: Love God and Love others.3. The Love of God is the foundation for Christian living.

(1 Cor 2:9-14 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

(Rom 15:13 NASB) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Damaged, but still Destined! Not Perfect, but you still have Purpose! Watch this and be blessed…

Here is another 5 Minute Fix

(Prov 23:15,16 NLT) My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.

This upcoming Sunday is Resurrection Sunday – the day we celebrate the MOST important event in Christianity (the Resurrection of Jesus).

My mother came to the United States in 1970 looking for new life in the land of opportunity. The U.S. was back then (and still is today) a symbol of hope for most of the free world.

How do you spell success? Some measure the success of their lives by the size of their bank accounts. Others by the size of their home or the number of cars in the driveway.

If God has been good to you, and He has blessed you with people that have helped to mentor, disciple, and develop you, then you should want to do the same for others. Determine to BE a blessing today!