Passages of the Bible, Questions, Reflection

What if we Gave it ALL to God?

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I’ve been pondering and meditating on what it would look like if I completely rendered my life to God?

Among other things it would include, surrendering all my thoughts, 100% of my eyes, everything that goes into my ears, the taming of my tongue (words), all “my” time, talents, treasures – all my decisions…myself would “die” to self.

And what would happen if I did that, gave it ALL to God?

I want to find out.

This is the life of obedience that the Lord deserves. I am created in His image, and I am therefore to give Him all that I am.

Heaven, Questions, Reflection, Salvation, Survey

A Heavy question about Heaven

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Warren Wiersbe said, “Heaven is not just a destination, it’s a motivation.” It’s good to think about heaven, it helps us to know that earth is not our home, it also moves us to reach out.

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Coronilla Clan, Faith, Family, Videos

A little “Talk” with my Son Aaron

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It was a big-time blessing sitting down with my son Aaron and just talking about a myriad of topics. I asked him what was it like being raised as a pastor’s kid (PK)? We talked about Daniel and Esther, about social Media, Calculus, education, the nuances of the King James Version…and other things that came to our hearts.

Aaron and I have some pretty stimulating conversations at home, so these were more like bullet points, abbreviated glimpses into the dynamics of some of those conversations. You’ll notice he’s not like me in that he’s extremely articulate and able to remember details on a variety of topics, but I praise God that he is like me in that he’s placed his faith in Jesus Christ. Both of us are still on this journey, so please pray we stay the course.

Devotionals, Doctrine, Passages of the Bible, Salvation

Assurance of Salvation

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Romans 8:16, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

How can we truly know we’re saved? Is it even possible to know for certain that we’re children of God? Absolutely! Three things stand out to me:

1. The Witness of the Word
2. The Outer witness
3. The Inner witness

The Witness of the Word (the Bible) is an understanding of the Gospel as given in Scripture. We read in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” John in his epistle elaborates on this in 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” We can know we have eternal life…by believing the Gospel centered on Jesus Christ.

Secondly, there’s also the Outer Witness which is a changed life. Jesus said you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20). As C.H. Spurgeon said, “A faith that does not change my behavior, will never change my destiny.”

Thirdly, there’s the Inner Witness. When a person is born again and becomes a child of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3) the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 6:16). As we read in our passage for today, the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness from within. The witness of the Holy Spirit is powerful because He’s so close and personal. His witness may include communication and even feelings but it’s deeper than that, it’s fellowship. I know I’m a child of God because He lives within me.

Do you have that peace knowing you’re a child of God? Praise God if you do! If not, I would encourage you to draw near and search your heart. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” I would encourage you to talk to God, go to church, and maybe even speak with a pastor. We’re here for you. Our heart is that you would be saved and that you would be sure.

Your brother in Christ,
-Manny

Love, Marriage, Videos, YouTube

A Fortified Marriage

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Recently Shelly and I were super blessed and humbled to share at a Marriage Retreat. We decided to do a summary on three takeaways. Fortified by being Justified. Fortified by being Sanctified. And Fortified by being Crucified. Here are a few things that are crucial for anyone…not just those who are married.

LoveTalks, from our Calvary Chapel El Monte YouTube Channel
Bible Chapter Summaries, Passages of the Bible, Reflection

Reflection – Exodus 34

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(Suggested reading – Exodus 34)

As Moses was called to be ready in the morning, to go up the mountain to meet with God, I’ve always seen this as God’s invitation to wake up and “come up” to spend time with Him. Back then God wrote on the tablets of stone, today He writes on the tablets of our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Moses was allowed to see the afterglow of God Who revealed Himself with a description of mercy, grace, and long-suffering with toward us and our sins and at the same time, God is revealed as holy and just, by no means clearing the guilty. This Biblical balance of the revelation of God in His own words is critical to remember. God is willing to forgive our sins, but can only do so in Christ.

The LORD renewed His covenant with Israel and was about to do marvels unparalleled. The Canaanites would be defeated and expelled from the land. Israel was not to make any covenants with them, just as we are not to do so with the world.

This section reminds me that commandments need to be repeated; some are more personal to me, for some reason God’s commandment not to appear before Him empty-handed has always struck a chord within (give to God what belongs to God). And how important it is for the men to gather (Exodus 34:23).

Moses fasted supernaturally for 40 days and 40 nights…can you imagine the fellowship he experienced with God?

In reference to the shining face of Moses there’s a deeper lesson in all this. Moses’ face glowed as he spent time with God intimately, and personally. We stand in awe of such an experience don’t we? And yet we who are under the New Covenant have even more than Moses had! Moses was compelled to wear a veil so that the people would not see the fading glory, but we in Christ can not only meet with God face to face, but we can have a glory that never fades as we are transformed into the image of Jesus.

Bible Chapter Summaries, Passages of the Bible

Reflection – Matthew 28

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(Suggested reading – Matthew 28)

I’ve always admired the ladies for loving our Lord the way they did, willing to anoint His body early that Sunday morning. God blessed them for the heart they had, and it came to pass, they were the first witnesses to the resurrection of Christ! Initially it was surreal, it was a mixture of fear and great joy. Can you imagine what was going through their minds?

The instruction from the angel was to “go and tell”; the instruction from Jesus, was to “go and tell”…I have a hunch the instruction for us is the same.

When the ladies saw the Lord, they worshipped Him (Mathew 28:9)…it’s something they had been doing all along.

With the most wonderful truth in the history of the world about to stare them square in the face, the religious leaders chose to deny it, and in that foolishness denied life. They bribed the soldiers and appeased the governor. It’s tragic what pride, power, and money can buy.

When the eleven disciples saw Jesus, they also worshipped Him (yes He is God), but some doubted…just keeping it real. Jesus dealt with the doubts of Thomas in John 20:24-29.

How beautiful the Great Commission is! Jesus, the One with ALL authority is with us wherever we go, and that we must do – He commands us to GO, preach the Gospel and make disciples of ALL nations. Help us Lord, to do just that.

I want to know Christ more, and make Him known…