Mounting on Faith

Perseverance

2011-11-06T09:58:00.004-04:00

It's all about perseverance... The candle knows that the fire will cease or quench, but the candle continues every second to produce the best fire moving forward.

In the corporate America we Christians at times feel that we are placed in a candle holder waiting for an opportunity to arise to lid the candle. God made us to be VICTORIOUS and to press forward during an opportunity or when there isn't one. We should not settle to sit in a candle holder waiting for an opportunity to arise. God gave us the ability to seed or create our own opportunities in turn lighting our own candle of opportunity. Many fear to do so because of possible failure. Just as many of us when stuff gets hard or harder, it's a temptation to quitting. And when you're tempted to quit, you sometimes have to hang in there for just one more day. Our walk with Christ shows us not to quit (lost of faith), don't look back just continue moving forward (Steadfast on Faith); Hey, it worked for many of us and I know it will for you too. God is the God of the impossible as well as fortress. So Forward....March....Left ...Right...Left...Right.... Plant that seed of opportunity. May God Bless You Always

Lord's Day?

2011-10-02T20:00:00.000-04:00

Without a doubt, most professing Christians still accept Sunday as the New Testament Lord's Day. Some religions observe no day.

But there are those who insist the seventh-day Sabbath is still binding.

Few take the Sabbath seriously—in fact, the vast majority of Christians have never looked into this question. Most never question Sunday-observance, unwittingly following the traditions of men rather than the clear command of God!

Is it possible that many of these churches are wrong on this fundamental doctrine? So many questions concerning this topic. It is our personal responsibility to seek the truth in which the Holy spirit will loosen your mind to choose what pleases your relationship with God.

God knows what is expected from our heart.

May your journey be blessed and fulfilling.

God Bless

Guilty or Not Guilty

2011-09-29T20:05:00.003-04:00

Do we spent 75% of our daily life judging others, because we think our way is the only way to accept God and seek Salvation?

Why not spend 75% of our daily life encouraging others, building their character, being a lifeline, a compassion listener and sharing the Word with respect.

The gospels show us His immense compassion for the suffering, His attentive listening presence, and His energetic celebration of the lives around Him.

Sometime people are caught up in their own realm and competing who is more holy. At times it seems that Christians spends an enormous time and energy within their same denomination or church in competition within themselves.

Christ love is simple for ALL his Followers and His love is the Same no more and no less.

Blessing to all who took a few minutes to read this thought of mind. May God be your First Love.

Difficulties vs Victory

2011-09-27T20:45:00.000-04:00

Don't think that being a Christ follower exempt you and me from going through difficult times or challenges. Going through difficult times is not the problem; it's how we come out victorious with Him that lights our path. I know there is someone that will understand this message. It's His glory not OURS.

Belief vs Faith

2010-04-26T23:46:00.000-04:00

Many maybe asking what is faith? As we seek the definition of faith, we find it difficult to grasp the true meaning behind faith. In the dictionary the definition of "faith" is "believing that is not based on proof", "confidence or trust in a person or thing", "faith in others ability".

I believe that there are two types of faith. The first one is the one that we are born with which evolves as "Intellectual faith". Is the faith that grows with you since birth and everyone has this faith and it is one of the most used attribute in our day to day life activities. However, the second faith that exist is the "Spiritual Faith". The definition of Spiritual Faith is "Our relationship with God and Lord and Savior Christ", "Believing in God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now some may argue that they don't believe in Spiritual Faith, but the truth is that each one of us have the ability to tap into the Spiritual Faith realm. Not everyone will tap into the Spiritual Faith realm. Christian faith is not purely based on evidence; but again many times we actually see the evidence through miracles, historical findings and testimonies.

I believe there is a time for everything in life; Christian or non Christian we will encounter in our life time a huge crisis which may lead us to tap into the Spiritual Faith realm and establish a one on one communication and relationship with God; in return establish a bridge which leads us to Christ as our Savior.

Let's refer to one simple verse in the Holy Bible Hebrews 11:1 and it reads as follow "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.".

What is belief? Here are a few definitions:

Something believed; an opinion or conviction
Mental acceptance of something as true
The mental act, condition or habit of placing trust or confidence in another

Belief is an attribute that we are born with as well. As we grow our belief expands and builds a database in your mind archiving events, ideas and facts. Belief also allows us to apply logic, knowledge and experience to make an intellectual decision. Let's use the example of a simple small, medium or large complex bridge. Observe the bridge closely, examine it's design and structure. You see that the bridge is sufficiently engineered and material chosen was the best quality to withstand huge weight, weather and appealing design. Most likely you choose this bridge to go over the other side believing it will support you and others driving across the bridge. I am sure we have crossed many bridges in our lifetime........ Now that is FAITH!

May God keep you safe always,

Johnny Rodriguez

Gradual Transformation

2010-03-18T20:29:00.000-04:00

Why is it that we are so intrigue with change? Could it be that we are the main element or substance of change. There are many definitions that describe change; for example: "to change one's name"; "to change one's opinion"; "to change the course of history"; "interchange" or "to change places with someone". The majority of civilization and Christian's go through changes throughout their lives. As we explore our inner-self, we discover that true change is transforming gradually to God's expectations. He offer or present us with situations or challenges in our lives offering us the freedom to decide which path to take. As we start our spiritual walk we start to experience a gradual transformation from within. Jesus who is Lord of Lords came to this world to change mankind thinking, living, worshiping and how we communicate with God.

The key is FAITH......as you walk this path, the higher the mountain the greater your Faith becomes. So being patient and gradually seeking the Word, will transform you with the Holy Spirit.

May God keep you safe always,

Johnny Rodriguez

Appreciation

2009-09-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

When was the last time we took time to appreciate everything in our work place and in our spiritual life realm? Maybe we do sometimes, but not too often? In a Corporate America world sometimes seems to be the normal practice when it comes to appreciation. Corporate America focus 99% of their energy on ways to generate revenue and keeping cost down to produce higher profits.

Imagine reversing the scenario above instead of focusing 99% of their energy on ways to generate revenue, that the focus is appreciating everything to God first.

Taking the time to appreciate and thanking God for everything is so crucial in our walk with God. Being grateful and doing good deeds of appreciation to others brings forth true blessings to the recipient of your deeds. While Corporate America seek ways to generate revenue and keep operation cost down, we should seek ways to generate blessings and plan of salvation to others and keep sins cost down producing higher gratification to God.

One Wednesday night driving from work eager to get home, there was going to be a special night at home. Usually our Wednesday is bible study at the church; but tonight was going to be truly special. Some church members from another county selected our home to give thanks and appreciation to God. They stated that it was placed in their hearts to visit us on this specific night and house. Well, this unexpected invitation can't be turned down, because God works in ways that is not understood by mankind. I was very excited when my spouse informed me that they wanted to visit us. Well, they arrived a bit after 8:30 PM and we also had some friends that were invited as well so they can be part of what is to be a night of appreciation to God.

Everyone was present. we began opening up with a prayer to God in the name of our Lord and Savior. That was the beginning and the fuel that took everyone into a single thinking and praise to God giving Him the thanks and appreciation for everything including spiritual miracles and physical miracles. The leader of the church group hosted the activity and provided biblical wisdom and matched life experiences with biblical references.

As the night went by so rapidly like three hours into the night the Holy Spirit was truly in the house throughout this whole activity, praises, hymns and introducing prayer requests to God through our Lord and Savior Christ was no doubt in my heart was pleasing to God.

In the Holy scripture Philippians 4:6-7, states the following "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Remember to always take the time to give thanks to God for everything; place God first in our life and God will guard your heart as well. My desire is that may one day you encounter similar situation where a church group selected by God bring home the Good News and let the Holy Spirit flourish throughout the home and hearts of friends and love ones.

May God Bless you Always

ClasificadosCoquipr

2009-08-12T09:23:00.001-04:00

ClasificadosCoquipr

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Two Kinds of Wisdom

2009-06-28T09:25:00.001-04:00

What is the problem with many Corporate America leaders where they claim to have wisdom? There are actually few leaders that has wisdom and it is shown through their good deeds to others. Yes, we must do our best at work and do better through our good deeds for others.

Many of today's Corporate America leaders only think and focus on their business or work; only leaving God, family and church on a "maybe things to do list".

In the Holy scripture in books James 3:13-18 talks about the two kinds of wisdom that man has. The scripture say "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

How many of us are wise and understanding in our walk with God and walking the walk today in faith? The holy scriptures states that let it be shown by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Remember, for where we have envy and selfish ambition, there we will find disorder and every evil practice.

Let us take a few minutes to perform a self check evaluation of ourselves and take corrective actions if needed to align our deeds accordingly.

May God Bless You Always,

A Christian Concert

2009-05-18T16:35:00.000-04:00

Many who have never experience a Christian concert are truly missing one of the most energetic Spiritual experience that is within our reach. If you are one that never been or experienced a Christian music concert, your Spirit is waiting for you to take the next giant step and attend one. You will never come out the same as you went in. The glow in your inner and outer self will be so bright that others will notice that you have just experience a Spiritual rejuvenation.

There are so many different types of Christian music that you would have never imagine. The Holy scripture tells us that all music praising God is welcome and encouraged. In the Holy Bible in Colossians 3:16 says "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." and in Ephesians 5:19 also states "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart," Truly investing your time and saving up to purchase a Christian concert ticket is an important element in our Spiritual walk. Seek and attend your closest Christian concert and there you will find a message that is waiting for you to receive.

May God Bless You Always,

Being Forsaken

2009-04-10T17:07:00.000-04:00

Being forsaken; the definition of forsaken is being deserted or abandoned. Haven't we felt being forsaken in the past or maybe now at this present moment? People can view being forsaken as a negative experience, but there is a positive view of being forsaken. In the Holy Bible mentions many great people anointed by God that had encountered being forsaken various times in their lives from Father Jehovah. One may asked how can you find a positive side of being forsaken by God? Well, this established that there is a communication or relationship with God. If there was no such relationship or communication with God, then how can we be forsaken by God. Let's take a quick look at three examples from the Holy Bible that at one time or another asked or told Jehovah God that "why have God forsaken them?".

King Saul of Israel, was one that who was a king selected by Jehovah God and anointed by the prophet Samuel who had a relationship with God and in return God favored Saul. But it came to be that King Saul lost focus on God and did not keep the lord's command, and failed to execute orders from God through the prophet Samuel. It is written that King Saul shouted out to Jehovah saying "My God My God why have you forsaken me?".

Second example is King David, who was also chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next King of Israel since King Saul lost favor of God. When King Saul died along with his sons, David was crowned King of Israel. King David also had a relationship with God Jehovah and was favored by God. However, King David started to lose focus on God and His favor. King David had lustful eyes on a woman who was the wife of a captain in the army of Israel. King David issued an order to have the captain sent into the battlefield where he sure to be killed, so that King David can take the woman as his bride. This did not please Jehovah God and King David had to go through numerous trails and tribulations in his life time, where he lost his son prince Absalom and King David wept and lied on the ground and said "God has forsaken me". Time went by where King David seek God and His favor.

The third example which is the greatest man that walked on the earth and his name was Jesus. It was God only begotten son who He was so pleased. Let me refer to the Holy Bible scripture Matthew 27:46 and it says "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?".

So if we have a relationship with God, there can be a time that we question God and shout "My God my God, why have you forsaken me?" In return God Jehovah can and will answer. As long as we have a personal relationship with God, it is alright to ask God why He forsaken you in times that you find yourself lonely or departed.

The positive side is that if His only begotten son Jesus shouted out to the Father Jehovah why he was forsake, we too can feel at ease with father God to ask Him too. God wants you to have a one on one relationship and at times relationship can be difficult, this tell us that there is a relationship established with God and He will guide us through difficult times even if we do not understand His ways.

May God Keep You Safe Aways, God Bless

End of Month Reports

2009-03-31T22:43:00.000-04:00

It's that time again to prepare our end of month reports. In the Corporate America world reports are valuable analytical tools providing a snapshot of the present state, previous state and forecast state. A report can dictate what course of actions are needed to re-aligned back towards the objective. A report can also influence drastic business decisions that can affect directly and indirectly a person or employee behavior. Imagine Corporate America without reports, is like the blind leading the blind.

So how does a Christian render his or her report during their Christian walk we may ask? What does reports has to do with being a Christian some may ask? There are so many questions we may ask, but the true answers a few; because it all comes down to being accountable as a Christian in all our actions. Christians also have to generate spiritual reports to analyze their present state, versus previous state and analyze are they in line with their spiritual objectives. Christians as Corporate America must analyze their reports to dictate what decisions must be made in order to re-align their strategies to reach or exceed the established objectives. Reading the Holy scriptures in Acts 6:3 it says "Brothers choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." and Acts 6:7 states that "so the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith". The scriptures mentioned provides examples of decisions that were taken based on previous reports. Are we aligned with our spiritual goals? Is there a need to re-align our Christian walk? Christians too needs to produce daily, weekly, monthly and year end reports on their self, validating if their course of actions are in line with the Word of God. Remember, we are not perfect and we must always re-calibrate our spiritual compass to point us back to our Father God and His kingdom.

May God Keep You Safe Always, God Bless.

Corporate Bailout versus Christian Bailout

2009-03-17T21:14:00.000-04:00

Is it ironic how big Corporate America companies bailouts are taking advantage and abusing the system to obtain tax payers money to satisfy their personal greed or personal finance agenda to receive their so call bonuses. While their are so many production and blue collar workers trying to make ends meet, seeing no merit increases and no bonuses to the like of a corporate bonus. Why are there so many Corporate America CEO's and high level executives trying to project a compassion image while on the side most are obtaining stocks worth millions of dollars? Well, is this the true definition of capitalism at it's best? With all the scandals in Corporate America at an all time high and one of the biggest economic challenges that United States is facing, no doubt that the battle will be hard but we will overcome these difficult economic times.

You know, many Christian are also battling with their spiritual bailouts. Being a Christian does not exempt us from spiritual battles including economic challenges. We Christian can not and should not depend on government or tax payers money to provide us a social bailout; instead we need to focus on the true bail out God. We need to render our challenges to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. We are told not to carry the yoke, but to hand off our yoke to Him to ease our pain and load. Reading my Bible in the scripture 2 King 12: 9-16 says the following:

"Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid. He placed it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the temple of the LORD. The priests who guarded the entrance put into the chest all the money that was brought to the temple of the LORD. Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal secretary and the high priest came, counted the money that had been brought into the temple of the LORD and put it into bags. When the amount had been determined, they gave the money to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. With it they paid those who worked on the temple of the LORD -the carpenters and builders, the masons and stone-cutters. They purchased timber and dressed stone for the repair of the temple of the LORD, and met all the other expenses of restoring the temple.

The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver for the temple of the LORD; it was paid to the workmen, who used it to repair the temple. They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty. The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the temple of the LORD; it belonged to the priests.".

Imagine couple of thousand of years ago, they managed their finances with honesty and trustworthy ensuing that they spend only what they managed to collect or obtained. This example shows how we should be good stewards managing our finances and not spending more then what we have. The biggest example we have is what is happening now. I know the battles and stress must be terrible, but we must now put aside our man solutions and seek Gods bailout guidance and His will. Don't give up, you are a child of the most high God and you are a warrior of Christ. While Corporate America focus on man solutions, we should not be deceived by man solution as Gods solution. Father God loves us so much; look at the birds who don't know how to sow a seed and reap their harvest, and yet Father God provides them with their survival needs. If God provides for the birds, imagine our provisions from our Father. He love us more than the birds and He will provide us with all of our needs with His blessing.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to accept His plan of Salvation. I invite you to pray this prayer right now, and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

Plan of Salvation:

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

May God Keep You Safe Always,

Johnny Rodriguez, Rio Grande PR

Town Hall Meeting in Corporate America

2009-03-01T20:43:00.000-04:00

Today's weather is around the high 84 degrees and winds up to 10 mph with scatter showers to cool off the Island. Overall, I would qualify the weather as another beautiful day. No doubt we been bless with great weather during the last two weeks.

Have you ever been or participated in a Corporate America town hall meetings? I kind of summarize it as a town hall meeting in a box. Where previous year accomplishments, failures and current year expectations and objectives is the main menu on the agenda. Why is it, that so many Corporate America companies are still inside a box and not meeting their objectives and struggling to reach their goals? Could it be that they lose their true focus on the main provider "God"? Has Corporate America forgotten that all successful accomplishments comes through God and with God's blessing? A Corporate America without God's blessing will remain in a box and only harvest within the box. A Corporate America with people and leaders that runs the company with their spiritual values are guided by Gods blessing, compassion and wisdom. They will harvest not only from inside the box, but out of the box as well. God will provide in abundant and over-flowing.

Reading my Bible I found that in the following scriptures teaches us about reaping our harvest in abundant and over-flowing. In the following Scriptures in my Bible John 15:5-6 states the following:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

It is no doubt that if we or Corporate America are not part of the branches of the vine, we will not bear fruit or will not prosper. Corporate America that are part of the branches of the vine; will bear fruits and will prosper exceeding their established goals or objectives. A Corporate America that is blessed by God and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will flourish in abundant. So a town hall meeting without a branch to the vine will be thrown away and withered.

May God Keep You Safe Always,

Johnny Rodriguez, Rio Grande PR

Fear of Failing

2009-02-25T08:56:00.000-04:00

Today weather is 78 degrees, but feels like mid 80's with low winds less then 8 mph and a beautiful blue sky. Overall, I could say the weather is perfect for a perfect day.

It has been a very busy week in Corporate America with many tasks and timelines to meet. As I completed all my tasks within the established timelines and fulfill the expectations; it is a good feeling not in a prideful way, but in a spiritual way. By successfully meeting or exceeding established goals or objectives, it put our day to day skills and wisdom to the test. A Christian that exercise good Christian values in their work place to meet or exceed their established goals or objectives, demonstrates that Christian values rendered from the heart and soul surpasses Corporate America standards.

If we can execute and live up to our Christian values in any Corporate America environment, then there is no need for us to fear failing or falling. We learn to get up and seek to achieve our goal.

In the Bible I read the following scriptures in Deuteronomy 6:24-25 and it says the following "The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

We need only to fear God so that we can continue to prosper on earth and be obedient to his laws.

May God Keep You Safe Always,

Reward & Recognition

2009-02-20T13:32:00.001-04:00

During the last three days we been having a nice cool weather in the low 70 degrees, gusty winds around 15-20 mph with 10-20 foot coastal waves for those who love to surf.

I been under the weather with a cold and sore throat that kept me away from work and my computer due to some medications. I asked God to give me health to return to work and be healthy to celebrate one of my employees 15 years service anniversary this Friday February 20, 2009.

I had made some plans to recognize and award him with a nice dinner in the biggest and largest mall in Puerto Rico called Plaza Las America.

These are the great moments and time that a director or manager cherish to see their employees grow within the company and reach a milestone of 15 years of service. We teach and we learn through the years to reach certain milestones. Rewarding others is a blessing for me and encourages me to continue to treat our co-workers or employees with due respect and valued advise.

In my Bible in Jeremiah 17:10 talks about rewarding and I would like to take a moment and refer to it; it says "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

After reading the passage, I realize how we recognize our co-worker or employee in Corporate America for their services and conduct. But our spiritual reward recognition in Jeremiah 17:10 passage was clear stating that the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.

I thank my God for giving me the blessing for having such a good and healthy relationship with my co-workers.

May God Keep You Safe Always,

Training Your Subordinates

2009-02-16T18:44:00.000-04:00

The weather today was partly cloudy with isolated showers and lows 73 lower with some winds up to 10 mph. I take 73 degrees anytime of the year compare to the cold weather that is still hitting some of the states. The weather was nice and comfortable, but then we had no electricity for about two hours. But again that is typical in the tropical Islands.

In my previous devotional blog, I talked about what are the qualities that Corporate America seeks to occupy a supervisory, managerial or executive position. Today, I would like to talk about what a Corporate America leader should do when teaching his or her subordinates versus what a Christian leaders should teach as well.

Corporate America leaders and Christian leaders are almost identical in the things that they should be passing down or teaching to their subordinate so they can grow and become good leaders. While I was rationalizing the comparison, I referred to the Book that has all my answers, my Bible. I found the following scriptures that provided me some great examples that we can follow as a Christian leader or a Corporate America leader.

In my Bible in Titus 2:1 it says "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." and in Titus 2:6-8 says "Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you."

The Bible pointed out common actions that we should consider when we are in position to teach or train others. We can still fulfill Corporate America requirements as a Christian and following these guidelines will help everyone who benefit from our teachings.

You don't have to live one way in Corporate America and live differently after work; instead we are challenged to represent our God in all we do. Following my God and my Lord and Savior Christ, I can not go wrong in both world in God's eyes. My advise to all is to be a good steward and continue to be faithful.

May God Keep You Safe Always,

Titus Task on Crete

2009-02-13T22:01:00.001-04:00

After waking up today with beautiful weather temperature in the 80's clear skys, it was tarnished when I saw the morning news about the plane that crashed into a house in New York killing all 49 or 50 passengers and one on the ground. How suddenly you wake up to a beautiful morning to encounter such terrible news.

My prayers goes out to all the families during these difficult times.

What are the qualities that Corporate America seeks when interviewing someone for a supervisory position? Can we say that the qualities that would satisfy the requirements are effective communication skills, driven for results, motivator, dedicated, loyal and lead by example. There are much more qualities that Corporate America seeks, but in summary those skills and talents would be attractive.

Reading my Bible today, I ran into some scriptures which talks about qualities that are needed, come to realize that if we seek those qualities we are more than qualified for any supervisory, managerial or executive positions in Corporate America. Let me direct you to the scriptures that I read in Titus 1:7-8 and the holy scriptures says "Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, mot violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined."

If we can develop those great qualities mentioned in the scriptures, there is no doubt in my mind that we can succeed in Corporate America or in life. I encourage you to build on these qualities and apply them in your life and in Corporate America. God our creator desires us to seek these qualities and apply them to our everyday life. No doubt, that being a full-time Christian is not easy and God knows our weakness and is testing us on how we are going to overcome those difficult challenges. Never give up and never lose FAITH.

May God Keep You Safe Always.

Godlessness in the Last Days

2009-02-12T16:46:00.000-04:00

Today's weather was very good with temperature hoovering around 80+ degrees and was having a feeling that today is going to be a great day. As the day progresses it was a very good day where everything was working smoothly and everyone working as a team. I have to admit, I do have a great bunch of individuals, that in their way they do get along like family in a good healthy working environment.

Have you ever visited places where you kind of said to yourself "why am I still here? As I was reading my Bible I ran across a reading that there will be terrible times in the last days. As I compare what a beautiful and great day I had today versus that we will go through terrible times in the last days, makes you realize that we must cherish all the great moments and give thanks to God on a daily basis.

Reading my Bible in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 says "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

If I started to count my faults from the list mentioned above, I am sure that I was guilty of at least 90%. So I ask myself "Why am I still here?

The answer is simple, ask God for forgiveness and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior who came to earth to save us from our sins by dying on the cross and was risen on the third day. He or she that believe in Him and is Born Again will be save from these terrible times in the last days. It is clear to me that I been bless in so many ways surrounded by God's people.

Keep the Faith, Don't Stop Praying and Fast.

May God Keep You Safe Always,

A Workman Approved by God Part 2

2009-02-11T12:43:00.000-04:00

Waking up this morning Tuesday February 11, 2009 I realized what a beautiful day it is with the exception of some gust winds of about 30-35 miles per hour here in my residence elevated somewhat in the mountain.

Today I will be on SOHO mode, working from my home office and what a beautiful and easy going secretary I have and her name is Joy. She is our Yorkie who brings Joy to our family and friends. While I am working at home on my computer, since my profession is in the information technology field, I always ask Joy when will she ever learn to answer the phone and do secretarial work. It seems that I have to do her part of the work too. But that is Joy who is so quiet and playful. Looking at how a beautiful, but small pet can offer happiness to your life is amazing. She stands firm knowing that she is not only a pet, but family as well. She looks so confident knowing she belong here with us to be loved, setting expectations on sharing and caring in return. How we treat and care for our pets says a lot about where our heart and spiritual values lies. Sometimes, I realize that I should show the same love and care that I have for Joy to everyone. This task sounds easy, but it is one of the hardest and highest commandment to fulfill; love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is an everlasting battle that must be fought to honor this commandment.

What a difference working in a Corporate America environment versus working from my home office in a quiet, peaceful, comfortable and most of all spiritual atmosphere. My work output performance increases, quality of work is much better, no debates or quarrels and goals or tasks are meet as scheduled.

Picking up my Bible today where I left off on 2 Timothy, I started reading 2:19-26 which says "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and, Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

After reading these scriptures, I looked back on how my behavior needed some gradual alignments to fullfill the scripture. Recognizing our faults is not easy, at least for me. It takes me more time to identify and rationalize my faults. In time I realize that I was wrong and apologies are needed and most of all asking for forgiveness. Being the Lord's servant in Corporate America will always be challenges to overcome and mountains to climb. But, I am serving the greatest and most powerfull loving God; who can be against me?

Well, Joy is looking at me probably thinking at what time will she get off to go shopping!

Keep this in mind, we must never give up no matter how hard it is being a servant of God and to my Lord and Savior.

May God keep you safe Always.

Johnny Rodriguez
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

A Workman Approved by God

2009-02-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

As I start my day at my office at work, I tried to read a page or two from my Bible and ask God for wisdom and lead me to do His will in corporate America.

This morning I started reading 2 Timothy 2:14 which open my eyes as I find myself at times engage with folks at my work place that at times speaking godless words or joking and I know they don't realize what actually coming out of their mouths or ours.

In my NIV Bible 2 Timothty 2:14-15 says "Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen."
Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

How many times we find ourselves in these similar situations and then realize that we should have done something about the situation. I ask God for forgiveness and to be more attentive to these type of situations and what is expected by God.

Reading further in 2 Timothy 2:16 the verse hit me in the FACE. How true, clear and straight to the point during my experience. I am so happy to have hit this verse during my Bible reading during the morning especially 2 Timothy 2:16 which says "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly."

I sure don't want to be ungodly and am sure you don't want to be ungodly either. Being a Christian in Corporate America is extremely difficult, but looking at this in another perspective, challenges are not suppose to be easy.

That's all for now and may my Lord Jesus Christ and Father God forgive us and we will do better to please Him. Amen

May God keep you safe Always.

Johnny Rodriguez
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico