He has everything under control

It has been quite sometime since the last time I blogged anything. But this year I plan on doing more in sharing my thoughts & express my ideas. With that being said I am opening my heart to whoever reads these words in my blogs as I pray it helps & encourages people lives. 

In my recent media fast I just finished I took it upon myself to evaluate my life & put in balance many things. I came to realization that how we spend our time & utilize it is so important. I was drawn by the countless times in which I noticed people constantly checking their phones & seeing who liked their status or their pics. But at the end I asked myself; for what? Why do we do the things we do? Why do we post & comment the things we do? Is it for self worth, for approval or acceptance? What are our overall motives? To see how many "likes" we get? These & many more questions were the ones I came across in asking myself recently. Is God in the midst of our everything? Is he in complete control of my entire life? What am I reflecting? 

With this being said there is more I want to share...

As many of you know I am engaged. I recently proposed to my beautiful girlfriend Mayra. We've been dating for almost 2 years. And I must say they have been the best 2 years of my life. 

Like any happy couple we started out tremendously & ever so happy. Things were great & all was perfect. As months progressed we started having little issues here & there. But we always managed to fix our problems.

See what I didn't know is that God sets us up for challenges in which He knows we will overcome. I'm not saying it's all been horrible in my relationship with my fiancé. What I realized is that God has been preparing me to be greater than what I thought I ever could be. He's always reminding me how valuable I am, my importance, my worth & what an impact I produce to others; through Mayra. She's constantly reminding me I can do it, that everything is going to be ok. That God has everything under control. 

When faced with adversity it is so easy to forget that God is by our side. We easily forget that He has every single detail of our life all planned out. One of my favorite scriptures that comes to mind in which even myself tend to forget is 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

We read this over & over again. We've read it & heard it many times but it's not until we hit a certain point of our lives in which this becomes so evident & essential. We begin to fully understand what Christ is trying to tell us through the Prophet Jeremiah. For HE knows the plans HE has for you! That means in those plans He already knows what's going to happen even before we know anything! 

It took me awhile to really comprehend this because all my life being in church & growing up as a pastors son I figured I had "special" favor because I was a pastors son. But I later realized that that was not the case in Gods eyes. I'm flesh & bone just like everyone else. I make mistakes, I fall & fail, I sin, I am not perfect BUT it's how I get back up when I fall that God is pleased at. It's making sure I don't make those same mistakes again. It's trusting in Him completely & wholeheartedly that He takes pleasure in. 

God puts certain people in our paths to make us better people, and some of us are blessed to have a significant other who push us forward & motivate us to become greater. 

Jesus, all he wants is our complete surrender. He wants our heart, our service & life. I can't count ALL the many blessings I've encountered for believing & trusting in Him. By simply turning all my hardships & problems to God my life has become so much lighter. I don't worry about what will or will not happen because I know my life is perfectly placed in God's sovereign hands. HE will take care of my & protect me. HE has my life.

HE has everything under control! 

There's NOTHING to worry about! 

As I finish I pray & hope that these simple words have been of an encouragement to your life & that this helps you be motivated. We are human & we tend to worry but I encourage you to leave all your worries to God. 

Read 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast ALL your worries on Him because He cares for you."

Dear Jesus, 

thank you that you have our lives in your hands & that YOU have everything under control. That we don't have to worry about anything because you care for us. I thank you that you can allow us to come to you with our needs & you hear us. 

Thank you for being all mighty & all powerful. I pray this in your name, Amen!

In the Silence...

Ever wonder where God is when things go wrong in our lives? Ever question "God, why is this happening?!" I know I have, not once but many many times throughout my life. But here's a question not many of us think about...ever stop & think God is doing it for a reason? Like he's testing us, testing our character, molding us into something we can't see? God doesn't do things just because...He has reasons & purposes as to why He does & allows the things that happen to us or we go through.
One of those things is...letting go. & I know I speak for many that letting go of certain things is or can be very difficult. Letting go of something you get used to, comfortable, attached to etc is never easy. Let alone letting go of someone. A fascinating phenomenon is that God never takes anything away from us He himself cannot replace for something better! Sometimes we don't see that because of our own blindness but if by allowing God to take over the navigation of our lives we'd see with clarity the blessings He has for our lives. One of my ALL time favorite passages from the scripture is found in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I love this verse because I'm reminded that God in the midst of our storms, trials & tribulations He knows what He is doing. We're always asking God questions & always wanting a response right away...but God doesn't work on our timing, He works in His. He's like the father whom his child goes to him to ask for something & the father says no, then the child says why not?! & throws a fit...not knowing that the father is just simply saying no not because he just wants to but because he is wanting to see the reaction of his child when he or she is denied what he or she wants at that particular moment. In the same way is how our heavenly father works. He doesn't deny us things just because He wants to but simply maybe we're not ready.
He doesn't answer & stays quite. He observes our reactions & tests our faithfulness towards Him. In the silence is where God is more near & closer then ever! Nothing happens for coincidence, everything has its purpose & its timing & God at His timing will reward us with His merciful blessings!
We all go through things that we wish didn't happen like they have or do, wishing things were different & wanting to make things work for our benefits but ultimately it's not what God has in mind or stored for us.
As we speak God is molding me & braking me & is showing me to trust in Him more. To let go of certain things & trust Him with my life 100%! Its not easy but I know its not impossible! My life depends on Him & it depends on my future in Him. He always knows what's best for us even though we may not see it right away.
One thing my Dad has always told me is "The best is yet to come" & "Don't give up!" So the same way im being molded & encouraged I encourage you to press forward & never give up! Gods silence isn't a bad thing, its a good thing because that means he's at work. He's just preparing how He is going to pour out His blessings over you & me. So when you're questioning where God is or why He doesn't respond to you when you ask him something, remember the teacher is always quite during a test...
When you begin to pray just stay still & listen to Gods voice, because he'll never speak over your voice while you're talking, he'll wait after you're done & then he'll speak. But sometimes we don't wait or stand still & be in the silence...
Let's make that a habit & let us transition our mind sets to greatness & know God has everything under control. Letting go isn't easy without His help...Psalm 55:22 NIV

Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.

-Oscar Jovel

(I linked this song that has literary been braking me & every time I play it it transforms my life, I hope this encourages one of you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGDzNIZfdYQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

...What puts a smile on your face?

As im sitting here waiting for my flight back Seattle in my home state where I was born. (California), I stop & think about what made me smile while I was here. I can think of several moments in which I had a smile on my face. One of them was seeing my brother Jon whom I hadn't seen in 14 months. One of the most memorable moments was when I surprised my mom! (who nearly almost had a heart attack in seeing me, Lol). The expression on her face was priceless & unforgettable. Along with many more priceless moments I had while I was on vacation, one of the things I was reminded of was God's merciful love over my life & my family's.
A passage I came across & reminded me of Gods love over my life was found in Galatians 1:15 NIV

"But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased"

This made me realize about so many plans God has already had over me set apart since before I was born. Set me apart from my mother's womb! & to top it off called me by grace!!! I don't know about you but that puts a huge smile on my face! :)
See many people may over look at certain situations in which God smiles down at us & is pleased. If I can do ONE thing in life right it would be to please my heavenly father & put a smile on His face.
2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

This is what gets to me, to know that no matter I am to always please God. Because by doing so I put a smile on His face. More then anything in life I want to have God look down on me & be pleased & smile at me. We're humans & as humans we make some crazy decisions in which God may be like c'mon man! Lol! But never the less He loves us unconditionaly.
So as I wrap this up & head back home, think about what makes you smile? What puts a smile on your face? & what ever it may be be reminded how YOU put a smile on your heavenly father's face. :)
This is my desire! ...so smile on my friends! :)

2012, last blog of 2011

As we culminate this year many thoughts may cross your mind. For many of us as we look back at 2011 there was great moments full of joy & happiness. Probably the best year of your life. Achieved what we wanted & accomplished our dreams. Or for many of us it was a year of devastation, heartbreaks, sorrow, pain, probably the worst year of your life.
Whatever your circumstances may have been this year one thing is for certain & that is that God was always faithful in your life. A question I'd like to formulate is: What are you thankful for in 2011? What do you give thanks for; for this past year? There is soo much to be thankful for. God gave us victory & blessings. He gave us another year to worship Him & to serve & honor Him. Holding dear to Gods promises & not letting go was probably difficult & hard for some of us this year but our perseverance & determination is what kept us striving for greatness. Let us look & come into this newyear year with great expectations & open hearts.
What are your goals for this 2012?  What do you wish to accomplish? Several people look into a new year ad a brand new opportunity. A fresh start, new beginning, a 2nd chance. All of those things are correct. Its how you approach the new year what brings value & worth to your life.
Let us receive this new year with open arms & open hearts. Giving thanks to our Lord & savior for a brand new start & opportunity. Each year that is granted to us we shouldn't take as a grain of salt. But rather as a blessing & a gift from above from the one that gave you & me life. So as end 2011 let is not forget what God has done for us this year & remember of His promises. Let us let go of the past & embrace the new. Let us unwrap 2012 with all its wonderful blessings & gifts. God is faithful yesterday, today & forever more! His word & love remains the same & will never change! 2012 is a year of greatness & where many dreams will come a reality. 2012 is our year, let us welcome it together.Many blessings to all my family & friends. Love you All!
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!!

-Oscar Jovel

What is your biggest dream?

Ever stop & wonder what your dreams are? Ever stop & think how big your dream or dreams are? Let me take you into my personal state. My biggest dream is to be the person God called me to be. Nothing less then that. Along side of that my biggest dream is to be a successful Psychiatrist. Have my Ph.D in Psychology. Is it a dream that's nearly impossible for me? Yes it is. But in God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I can do ALL things in Christ Jesus! A passage to remind me of this is Phillipians 4:13.
Aiming for greatness & for things that are unreachable is what dreaming is all about. Because once you accomplish & achieve your dreams you'll look back & remember the hard work & sacrifices you made to reach your dream(s). Never let anyone or anything scew you away from what your heart desires & dreams. I say DREAM BIG! life is too precious & short to not try & go all the way in accomplishing your dreams. Only those who dream big are those who gain big things in life. The biggest you dream the bigger your heart & mind are.
Gods wants to bless us in greatness & wants us to reach for the stars & for us to Dream Big! He knows our hearts & our desires but he still wants us to put forth effort to make things happen. A leap & step pf faith & trusting Him. Our complete trust & faith in Him! We can't do things on our own let alone accomplish our dreams. But in Him & through Him we can be assure that our futures are secured & our dreams become a reality. It just takes a leap of faith with a little effort in not giving up on your dream(s). NEVER STOP DREAMING! One thing my father always has told me is: "Don't give up, keep going. " Never give up on anything! Keep going regardless of what life throws at you or regardless of the circumstances in life. These things occur to test our development as humans & to mold our character. But its the attitude we take in that the outcome turns into something truly extraordinary!
So remember: dream big, never stop dreaming, don't give up, keep going & finally BELIEVE & TRUST in God! That dream or dreams that you have will come to pass, all in Gods perfect timing!

...His Love Never Fails

As I've poundered upon the mercy and grace of our Savior I've come to stop and realize that His Love is soo great and uncondtional. We make mistakes and fail to do things but he never jugdes us nor does he condem us. He simply extends His loving arms and says "come to me my child." He wants us to not forget what to be thankful for. One scripture I came across was Psalm 136:2 "Give thanks to the God of gods, His Love endures forever." When we realize ALL what he's done in our lives we ought to be in awe. He's pulled us away from the slavery of sin, from the pits of hell. He's taken us from the mirary clay, set our feet upon the rock to give us hope and freedom!

One of my ultimate favorite passages is found in Jeremaih 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you." What a powerful declaration! Many times we blame God for whats happening in our lives or start complaining in saying why God! But in reality there are certain things he wants us to go through so He can test our faithfulness in Him. To see how much we truly trust in Him and ultimately how much we love Him.

If God was right in front of you, what would you do? What would you say?
The most powerful and amazing things about God is His love towards us! His love for us has been the same through out the ages. He loves us even when we think no one else loves us. When we make mistakes, fall short of His presence, feel rejected or critized. He loves us even when he dont love Him back. Why? Because our God is an everlasting all mighty, loving God. His love NEVER fails nor will it EVER! His Love is UNCONDITIONAL. Which means that no matter what we do His love will always prevail among us! His agape love that surpasses every kind of love, every boundary, every limitation, everything we can think of Gods love is an NEVER ending Love! One thing I want us to remember is found in Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER."
So let us remember, no matter what stuggles, battles or circumstances we're going through in life there is nothing he cant do to help us and guide us. There is NOTHING he cant fix! Let us hold on to His promises and continue pressing forward in knowing that HIS LOVE NEVER FAILS!


-Oscar Jovel

Blogs soon to come. ;)