God is Within her!

 “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:5,7

Have you ever felt that God is with everyone else and answers all their prayers except for yours? Have you ever felt that you are not worthy? Have you ever felt your prayers are not being heard? 

God loves you and wants to use you. No matter how bad things get, we have nothing to fear. We're vulnerable to unpredictable situations, but in God, we have rest. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our hope is in the Lord. He is our Rock. He is our salvation. 

Life offers us challenges each and every day some other day worse than others. We are being bombarded with evil in the world today; and the Love of many has grown cold.  The Bible tells us that because of the increase of wickedness, the Love of most will grow cold, this is a warning given to the Church. When our prayers aren't answered, our natural response is to pull away, thinking God doesn't care and doesn't really love us. But it is these times when we need to draw closer to God even when we don't see anything happening. There was once or a few times in my life that I remember asking God to reveal my heart.  I was praying wondering if there may be some hindering in my prayers from being answered. True is that many of my prayers; most and all have been answered for the Glory of God. I remember when I found out that I was pregnant with twins. The  hospital that I worked at the time had a chapel where I loved to pray.  Knowing that I already have two boys; I pray every day to God to please consider and listen to the petitions of my heart. I ask every day to please grant me the desires of my heart to have a baby girl.  God knew exactly that asking him for a girl was more than just a baby girl. I have always been a loner. Not known for popularity, never walked with groups and never had many friends. I grew up rejected by my siblings and hated before I knew it. God answered my petition with a daughter. She is today a leader in the church for the Glory of God. I prayed for my husband. God gave me a man of God. His love and respect for me means everything. He is there on my good days and on my bad days he still loves me. I did not want to get married. I really made his life hard. God sent me so many messengers to tell me; he is the one. We have been together and counting our blessings for twenty-three years. I pray for a house. God bless us with a beautiful home. I pray for my career. I pray for God to help me pass my boards. Today, for the Glory of God I am a registered nurse in New York and New Jersey. I just graduated with my BSN. God is still writing my page. I am currently doing my masters. I pray for my two older boys and today he is serving the Lord. My journey has many bruises. I have failed. I have been  betrayed two many times. I have been humiliated by publicity and I have failed many materials in college. I struggle with rejection and fear for years. I pray and pray to God. I have been redeemed. He paid my debt. Today, I walked with God, and not ashamed, not embarrassed and nor as a failure. Life is not easy. Life will throw you curve balls.  God will answer your prayer before you know it. As God sent Gabriel to let Daniel know what was happening in the heavens. After three weeks of mourning and seeking answers, Daniel experienced another divine encounter, which explained to him the spiritual battle that was going on. Stay firm and keep praying. God will send you a messenger too. He is listening to your prayers. He will give you the strength you need. Today in Butterfly by Grace Mommy and daughter blog I want to encourage you. Don't stop praying. You can do this. You are not alone! Remember “Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but it is against the rulers, it is against the power of this world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Please share with us your comets! We want to pray for you. God bless you.

Lets Pray, 

In the name of Jesus we pray for all reading this blog. We pray for unity, mercy and love. Father God, your children cry out to you. We come asking you to hear, listen, and answer our heartfelt prayers, praising and thinking of you with gratefulness.  We know you answer prayers even before we ask. Today we check the condition and attitudes of our hearts, we pour our heart asking to change us, and take away anything that hinders our prayer. Reveal the root of our conditions, help us, change us for your glory God. We know that you can and you will.  Oh Jesus come and help us. As the battle rages in the heavenly realm, please Lord just give us the strength.  Thank you for answering our prayers in the name of Jesus. 

Working As Unto The Lord!

 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, always doing your best and doing more than is needed, being continually aware that your labor even to the point of exhaustion in the Lord is not futile nor wasted It is never without purpose. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Being a registered nurse is the most rewarding professions. The truth is that if I have to do it again; I will do it without any hesitation or doubt. In my heart, I wanted something more than just a profession. I wanted to serve. Thinking in ways to contribute to the kingdom; beside preaching the gospel, I find it an inspiration to help people who cannot help themselves. One day, praying for a miracle; I was fasting and praying. I asked God to please help me pass my boards. I asked God: “Please help me pass and become a prudent nurse, I will forever serve you, I will surrender it all, I will dedicate my license to you by serving and preaching the gospel, I will always remain humble, I will make the calling to accept Jesus as savior in every opportunity that you grant me Lord”. If I am a nurse today; it is not because of my own strength, but God's favor and grace. Everything that God gives; he may also take away. Never forget God when he answers your prayer. “I still remember the days I prayed for what I have now”. Florence Nightingale was a British nurse known for being a social reformer known as the founder of modern nursing. She became “The Lady with the Lamp”. She was a caring nurse and leader, In addition to writing over 150 books, pamphlets and reports on health related issues. Florence highly valued education and advocated raising the standards of education for nurses. She emphasized nursing as a calling, a vocation, someone devoted to God. 

“A Nurse must have a respect for her own calling, because God’s precious gift of life is often literally placed in her hands”. ~Florence Nightingales. My journey in nursing has not been the best. My journey has been a very difficult path, where I can testify that it made me doubt my calling. Every Christian woman knows the price to serve God. To serve; we most die and as I paraphrase with deep sorrow; “I have given everything for garbage to serve God”.

\ In Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians he explained all his achievements and status as worthless in comparison to knowing Jesus. I recently graduated with my BSN in Science, made the Dean’s list, earned honors and did it with integrity. No shortcuts, just hard work, faith, and resilience. Now I've already started my Masters degree. The journey continues and I'm only getting started. For those who humiliated me and did not believe in me they fueled the fire. There is not a part of my career in Nursing that I can remember without pain. “But when Jesus heard it, He replied, " Those who are strong and well (healthy) have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick.” (Mathew 9:12) Remember to work as for the Lord. In whatever you do secular; do it for the Lord. Remember to always be humble to serve in your secular profession. There is injustice, unfairness and bullies; but our reward comes from the Lord. We know that Jesus is coming soon and he is bringing his recompense to repay each and one of us. I am writing to remind you of his big recompense and his reward to all who love him. We must remain faithful because he is faithful. God is calling his faithful servant to stay humble and always do what's right. If you are being mistreated, misunderstood, abandoned, you are not alone. Continue praying! I understand that you are tired! You want to quit! You don’t have the strength anymore! Today I want you to know that there is hope. Jesus reminds us through his word that there will no longer exist anything that accursed detestable, offensive, impure, hateful or horrible. There should be no more curse! But the throne of God and the Lamb should be in it. “Bless are those who do his commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life, and they may enter through the gates into the city. Keep pushing through. You are going to make it. “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it”. John 14:14. Remember that God causes situations to work out for your benefit. Do not give up; Instead seek God's help and do not stop praying. As believers, we know that when someone seeks God, the Bible promises, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13).

Lets Pray,

Thank you father God for all your Blessings. Your way is perfect for my life and all of those I love. THough sometimes it is hard and uncomfortable to do the right thing, help me to stay faithful and remember that you fight for me. You defend my cause Lord. Lord, we ask you to help us. Renew and convict my mind of the steps you would have me take, and give me confidence to walk forward boldly with you. Thank you for guiding me as I learn your word and lean into your presence. Thank you for going before me and paving the way toward your will. Lord forgive us! We need your help!  Lord righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. I believe in the name of Jesus that you already reverse this situation for anyone facing injustice in their secular profession in the name of Jesus. 

Prophesy to these bones!

Ezekiel 37:4-5

Then he said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and will come to life. 

Dealing with depression while still trying to remain strong and faithful can be a challenge. When Injustice seems to prevail, we begin to doubt God and become vulnerable and weak. What do you do when injustice knocks you down? When the whole world seems so cold. I found it hard when people might question my faith. They might accuse me of not trusting God enough or just tell me worry was a sin. If I told them I was feeling numb, lonely, anxious or depressed, they might say I just wasn't praying enough, reading the bible enough or applying scriptures correctly.  Depression can happen to believers who have strong faith and are godly people. Unfortunately, some Christians made me feel ashamed about my emotional struggles. Someone once said: “emotional abuse has the same impact as physical abuse”. Emotional wounds need healing too. Leadership comes with a unique set of pressure that most regular roles don't have. Have you ever lamented? Have you ever cried out of anguish? Feeling the pain in your chest, having such pain that words can not explain. Crying out to God, asking God to take away the pain and sorrow?

I remember being in my bedroom alone asking God to please help me! My husband, who is a firefighter, was on his shift. I saw the spirit of death visiting me night after night. I could not eat, nor was I able to fight my depression and continuous sadness from facing injustice. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, was a profound injustice. While I may not be a public figure, witnessing this act of violence; I am certain that the injustices I endure are meaningful and worth acknowledging. This act of injustice has reinforced my commitment to stand against injustice. The personal sacrifices I've made—losing jobs, friends, and family—have been difficult, but they have been worth it. I will not remain silent." Nor should you remain silent. Raise your voice against injustice. No one was capable of defending my cause; Instead they all remained silent. (Luke 23:23-24) “But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested and he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Leaders are often providing support during times of grief, illness, and family strife. This constant exposure to others' pain and suffering can lead to compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion. It is crucial that we understand the immense pressure on pastors to maintain a perfect image. Many pastors are not comfortable sharing their struggles with anyone. The bible instructs believers to pray for leaders: "Remember those who rule over you, who spoke the word of God to you, whose faith follows, considering the outcome of their way of life and imitating their faith:. Hebrew 13:7. Too much disappointment leads to emotional burnout. Elijah confessed to God that he preferred to die than live in their current reality. God did not revoke his prophetic calling due to his depression.  Instead, God provided comfort and sustenance during his low point. Even the most faithful can battle depression. Job, another man of God. He was blameless and upright. He was a wealthy man. God describes Job as “blameless”. He was a prosperous man who lost his wealth, livestock, and the death of his ten children in a tragic event. His wife urged him to curse God and die, expressing their despair over their suffering. Job did not curse God.  What is so amazing about our Lord? This is how the Lord responded to Satan: “Very well, then he is in your hands; But you must spare his life”.  Job's faith was rewarded,  and he was restored with greater blessings. Many people think that feeling emotionally broken is a sign of weakness. This is not true. In fact, I found that those who consider themselves “Christians” are the first to throw stones at you. They use their favorite verses to hurt you when you are facing trouble. Instead of praying for you. 1 John 4 says:  “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone into the world." We are called to pray for each other. I have to admit; this is a very cold and comfortable generation. Unfortunately, Job's friends were certain that Job must have sinned in order to receive punishment and argue with him about it. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet because of his overwhelmed sadness and sorrow over the fate of his people. As a prophet his messages of repentance were ignored leading him to feel depressed. Our Savior, Jesus Christ also faced emotional anguish. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”. Jesus, our savior, was holy and perfect. There was no sin in him according to the bible. “Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth.  Charles Spurgeon,  my favorite 19th century preacher, battled depression. Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback and author of “The Purpose Driven Life” battle depression after his son Mathew die by suicide. It is crucial to address depression among leaders. The topic has been shrouded in silence and stigma. Depression is real and should not be ignored. Whether I believe that some of us can be more stronger than others; it should still be addressed immediately. For pastors, depression can have far reaching effects. 

Lets pray,

Lord Savior! We cry out to you. Father, we need you. We can not do this without you. Help us Lord. Too many of us are facing injustice. Holy Spirit move in a super natural way. Father God guides us in the pursuit of justice. Father God in the name of Jesus open the eyes of those who are spiritual blind. Father God this world needs you. Bring awaken! We pray for justice that may prevail over evil. Help your saints discern  truth from falsehood. Grant us the courage to stand up against injustice and the strength to protect the innocent. We declare every tongue that confesses against any of God's children will not prevail. Silence in Jesus name every voice that rise up to accuse his chosen people. We thank you Jesus. Amen

"Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth”

 ~Proverbs 22:6

"Start Children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

In the Bible, God tells us that children are a blessing and a gift! They are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth”. 

I always look forward to parties, and moments with families, especially long for time with kids who have moved out and now have a life of their own. 

Growing up; I was fortunate to have it all. My father was a successful businessman. He was the owner of a well known moving company, and owned the most beautiful house in the neighborhood. But, there was one thing missing. 

My family was family oriented. They were strict and traditional. They had rules. We were not allowed sleepovers, and we had to be home before it was dark. Dinner was together, and weekends were spent as a family no exceptions. No friends were allowed in rooms. Bed had to be done once up, and the rooms clean and organized. Having everything yet the most important thing was missing. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 

My parents were catholic. I was taken to church for as long as I have memory. I was baptized as a baby. I did my first communion and my sacrament of confirmation. My best friend and I were always looking forward to our youth church meetings. I recall crying on our last day; because I did not want to come back home. I was empty. Something was missing. I was looking for something that I could not explain. I did not have a Christian background nor were my parents believers. I did not have the privilege of having parents that prayed. Even when I had everything; I felt empty. I knew something was missing and I was reaching for it. 

Fortunately, we gave our four children the privilege to have a choice. “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” What a blessing and a privilege to be married to a man who prays and reads the scriptures. My husband had a Christian background. When we got engaged; one thing he said: “God will be the center”. “Our children will be raised in a house of fear to God”.

I met Jesus Christ in my early 20s; my mother in law was a fearful woman of God. She knew I was empty. She was a woman of prayer. Back then she went to Pentecostal church 6 days a week. “There is such anointing in grandmas”. She always had oil. She prayed and fasted for days. She knew the scriptures. She anointed me from the moment she knew her first grandson was going to be born. She told me she was going to take her grandchildren to church everyday with me or without me. I remember her picking up the kids carrying her back pack, oil and huge bible. She knew how to fight that battle. She would put the kids to sleep with worship or “Yiye Avila” One of the most respectful anointing men of God from Puerto Rico. She knew she was planting a seed in good soil to her grandchildren. Hallelujah! Indeed. 

There are many young people today who grow up in the church with many advantages that children like myself who were raised in the world knew nothing about prayer or the word of God. All children who were brought up in church are under grace all their lives. Children have heard hundreds of sermons and bible lessons. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ". Romans 10:17. They know the scriptures. “You are mistaken, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” Mathew 22:29.  The privilege of prayer. To be born into a Christian home is to be born into a house of prayer. I have prayed for all my four kids. From the moment they were conceived, we prayed. I have prayed over my children, by them and with them. We taught our children the importance of prayer and daily devotion. To be born into a Christian home is to be born into a house of declaring the gospel. I did not want to raise a child that did not know God. I will not raise an atheist nor a Scientologist. There are many children today that have never visited a church. My children will have an opportunity to make a choice once they are older. Christian home is something that we must all strive to create for the future of our children and the children of our children. A Christian home certainly does not happen by accident; it takes sacrifice, and purposeful decision making. When we choose to do things his way, the sacrifice today is infinitely worth the blessings he gives in eternity. When I hear my oldest son talking and writing on his Instagram page about God; all I want to do is worship him for his goodness. He understands the fear of God. He knows that he will always encounter temptation and that the world will always see us differently; but he knows who he is in God and not what the world labels society today. All of his promises are Yes and Amen. I encourage you to stand firm and make this big decision today. As parents it is our responsibility to teach the world of God to our children. Teach them how to pray. If you don't teach your children, society will do it for you. Never give up on your children. Children stopped going to church when their parents delegated the upbringing of their kids to the church. It is crucial that children know the importance of Christian habits and values. Legitimate belief cannot be coerced or forced. This is by faith. 

Let's pray, Father God. We bless your holy name. I thank you for my children. I thank you for the opportunity to raise them and and call them my children. I thank God because today, we are proud of four kids that belong to you God. Father, God do your will. We pray today with anyone reading “Butterfly by grace” “Mommy and daughter blog” I ask you God for discernment, courage Lord. Let their children know that they are strong than any evil or wicked influence in this world. We raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Therefore, We believe that our children cannot depart from the truth they were taught. Break your light upon children upon all the prodigal sons and daughters. “Let there be light”. You sent your light into this world to shine into the darkness. Shine the light of Jesus in every child's heart, merciful father, by your spirit. Send your spirit Lord to every youth, teenager and young adult now. Let them hear joy and gladness. In the name of Jesus, restore to them the joy of your salvation, and uphold them by your generous spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen 

My Fortress And My Deliverer!

Psalm 71:20-21

You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,

Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side.

I have moments in my life that I have said: “Really God?” I have so many moments in my walk with God that I've just come out of one thing and now here's another. When we say stand strong in the Lord; It is not always going to be easy. But, I do rather fall into the arms of the Lord. We can write down our goals and our targets and through all of my wins and losses, I expected things to go my way. My walk with God has been full of surprises. In fact, I've found myself trying to figure out an easy way out or trying to do things my way. The Lord has always been my rock and deliverer. We can make all the plans but the bible established that we should seek God in everything and he will direct our paths. The bible also says: “separated from God we can not do anything”. Jonah ran away from God's plan and he ended up in the belly of a fish, Noah followed God's plan and he was saved. Lot's wife deviated from God's plan, and she was turned into a pillar of salt. Joseph trusted in God and in his plans, and he became the ruler of Egypt. Sampson decided not to follow God’s instruction, and he lost his supernatural strength, Joshua stuck to God's plan and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. Indeed! God’s plan will always work out for those of us Love God and are called according to his plan. It's crucial to not deviate from our path with God. This can be  dangerous and we should not take our salvation for granted; otherwise, we are running the chance to be faced with judgement. When you reject God and his plans; you leave yourself open to the attacks of the enemy and the judgement of God. Trusting in God's plan isn't  always an easy thing to do because it requires more faith than does sight. We have to believe even when we don't see. Trusting in God requires us to go against everything we've been conditioned to do. Trusting in God requires us to ignore what we can see or understand. Trusting in God and trusting the new anchor. Trusting in God and ignoring what the economy is doing. We need to let go of the need for control. Today we say Yes God and Amen. Not my will God; but yours, I want only and nothing more than your will for my life. “For nothing will be impossible with God” “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you God. In psalm 119 David said: “It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees”. And when I read this psalm; I asked! How is it good to be afflicted? How is it good to go through pain and distress? I learned that afflictions, pain and distress do more than simply show what kind of character we have. What’s inside our hearts? Touch times, shape and form out character. Affliction is necessary for the Christian man or woman, because if it is not for those hard times you’re going through, how much would you know that God will never leave you nor forsake you? If it is not through sickness, how would Jesus heal? If not through financial hardship, how would you know that the Lord is a provider?  My need for the Lord increases everyday when I realize that without God who knows where I would be. I rather lose all and everything than to gain this world and lose my soul.  Today, take heart. Listen to the holy spirit because the time is near. 

Lets pray,

Father God we are sorry. Please forgive us for trying so hard to figure it out. We are sorry for our anger, we are sorry for disobedience. We love you. Come into our heart. Holy spirit of God, I will not move unless you are with me. Holy spirit I declare that anyone who reads this Blog as they read, hallelujah they feel the joy of salvation. I declare doors open, I declare healing, salvation, new job I declare that you who are reading this blog God will bless you and your family, I declare that miracle in your hands. I declare no weapon formed against you shall prosper. I declare that every tongue against you shall not prosper and will be condemned. I declare the favor of God comes toward you today, it reframes your past: It refocuses your present; It releases your destiny; I declare miracles your way. In the name of Jesus! AMEN hallelujah O Lord our God, the most high God, maker of heaven and earth, our creator, sustainer, our protector, you are the just God of all the earth sitting on your throne of judgement, the high court of heaven. You Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. You are the Lord, the ruler over all, the God angelic armies that fight for his nation United States against our enemy and our adversaries. Bring your righteous judgment against our adversary and all that he is doing. I command in Jesus name the release of all increase that has been fraudulently withheld, mistreated, sabotaged, blocked, stolen and destroyed. Execute your vengeance against the enemy. Bring to us full recompense that is due to us as redeemed heirs of God and join heirs Jesus Christ that we may advance your kingdom in all the earth. Crush the oppressor of all wickedness and establish your kingdom. In the name of Jesus…… AMEN

True fasting!

 True fasting!

Isaiah 58:6-7

“The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. When you call me, I will respond. 

For a long time I have fasted at the beginning of every year. I will always start my new year doing the 21 day fast of Daniel. I always believe in the importance of fasting and praying. These are crucial in the Christian life. Your prayers don't need to be perfect; pour out your heart to him instead. 

Every year people make so many New Year's resolutions. There is nothing in the bible that speaks for or against making New Year's resolutions. As the New Year is about to begin the subject of making resolutions and new goals always seem to come front and center. “The heart of the man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” Proverbs 16:9. We all have made promises that we haven't been able to keep. Many of these resolutions turn out to be something too hard to pursue after many obstacles and people rather quit halfway through. We are living very difficult times. My goal has always been Jesus' center. This year, my main goal is to get closer to God. I desire to grow in spirit and truth. I desire to try something that I call “being the change”. I don't want to be like everyone else; instead, I desire that I become that change. Year after year I have seen how cold and far from God people have become. The satisfaction of sin in people and how far we are from God each day. There is so much sugar-coated teaching and preaching. The intent of a gospel is certainly not to offend people. Words can motivate someone to do the right thing, or they can drive people away. Their main goal, without even realizing it, is to soothe the itching ears of those they are preaching or trying to teach. While offending others should never be the purpose, we do not do anyone any good by sugar-coating the truth or watering the gospel as many are doing today. We are living in the end of times. There is no time left.  Disobeying God's law and lack of fear for him will lead to a road to death. The bible clearly says: “The Love of many will grow cold”. 

The Christian life if full is a journey filled with both abundance and challenge.  “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who remains in me and I in him, he bears much fruit” (John 15:5). This year my goal is to “be the change” by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As we all enter 2025, take a fresh look at your prayer life and uncover habits that may be holding you back from a deeper connection with God. “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Let pray,

Father God let this new year be a fruitful year. Help be a better sample to those unbelievers by having a good pure testimony in speech, conduct, love, in faith and in purity. Father help us this year to get closer to you. Father, makes us a blessing to our family. We pray that in 2025 you restore all families. Lord, bring unity. Thank you and we praise you for the gift of family life. We ask you to bless all families and to especially assist all families who are suffering because of brokenness. You always intend for family life to be a gift for us. In the name of Jesus. AMEN

¿Debe la iglesia celebrar Halloween? 🎃

¿Debe la iglesia celebrar Halloween? 🎃

No tengan nada que ver con las obras infructuosas de las tinieblas, sino más bien denúncienlas. ~ Efesios 5:11

Recuerdo que en los años 80, los disfraces de plástico a juego con una cara de plástico que apenas podías ver o respirar y una goma detrás de las orejas, con tu hermano y tus amigos tirando de la goma y golpeándote la cara, parecían divertidos en los primeros días de mi infancia. El disfraz de plástico largo que se te quedaba pegado en la piel después de sudar. Recuerdo tener disfraces de plástico de la Mujer Maravilla y la Mujer Biónica. ¿Alguien se siente identificado? 

¿Debe la iglesia celebrar Halloween? 🎃

Sorprendentemente, no comía tantos dulces como la mayoría de los niños normales. A medida que me hago mayor, no me gustan los dulces, prefiero mi queso cheddar extra fuerte favorito y aceitunas que un caramelo duro. Me encanta el chocolate negro :) Para la mayoría de los niños, "Halloween" es la mejor época del año porque es cuando los niños pueden comer más dulces que nunca. En aquel entonces, tus padres te daban un dulce y guardaban el resto durante una semana entera. Solo se te permitía comer dulces después de comer toda la cena y hacer la tarea. Lo más importante, tu habitación tenía que estar limpia y ordenada si querías ganar un dulce por día. En esta generación, tienes padres e hijos contando las calorías, la grasa y los azúcares. Creo firmemente que si los niños tuvieran el conocimiento del origen de "Halloween", no celebrarían un día tan malvado. La mayoría de las personas siguen sus tradiciones familiares sin ninguna verdad o conocimiento. Muchos no nacidos cristianos creen en muchas supersticiones y/o todavía practican los rituales y tradiciones paganas de sus padres. "La verdad os hará libres" (Juan 8:32).

Muchos de nosotros hemos luchado contra maldiciones generacionales. Si tu familia sirvió a otros dioses y te enseñó tradiciones que todavía sigues, necesitas ayunar, orar, renunciar y arrepentirte. Puedo entenderlo. Créeme, este es mi testimonio. Todas las cosas ayudan a bien a los que aman a Dios. “No te inclinarás a ellas ni las honrarás; porque yo soy el Señor tu Dios, un Dios celoso, que visito la iniquidad de los padres en los hijos hasta la tercera y cuarta generación de los que me aborrecen, y hago misericordia hasta mil generaciones de los que me aman y guardan mis mandamientos” (Éxodo 20:5-6). 

No importaba si Halloween caía en un día de escuela o no, la mayoría de los niños no usaban sus disfraces para ir a la escuela y no había ninguna presión sobre quién tenía el disfraz más espeluznante. En ese entonces, se instruía que estuvieras en casa antes del anochecer y antes de que los niños mayores salieran. Esta fue la década en la que la manipulación del Tylenol condujo a los sellos de seguridad que ahora vemos en los medicamentos. Cómo los envenenamientos por Tylenol de 1982 casi cancelaron Halloween después de que las desafortunadas muertes de siete personas en el área de Chicago por pernos manipulados llevaron a un retiro masivo y generaron temores en torno a los envenenamientos por dulces. Los padres se aseguraron de que no se entregaran golosinas dudosas. Afortunadamente, los eventos de "Halloween" se cancelaron debido a la pandemia de Covid-19. A veces, me pregunto; Si alguna vez otra pandemia sacudiría, despertaría a la iglesia. "Y no den lugar al diablo" (Efesios 4:27).  Esto no significa que Halloween no fuera tan malvado como lo es ahora. El mal era mal entonces, y hoy ese mal simplemente se ha multiplicado.

La celebración de Halloween tiene raíces paganas y no deberíamos ser parte de esas celebraciones malvadas. En cambio, deberíamos ayunar y orar porque esta nación necesita a Jesús. Necesito a Jesús más que nunca. No quieres que las puertas de tu casa estén abiertas. Disfrazarse como un demonio o una personalidad encantada puede parecer inocente y divertido para muchos, pero en realidad es la aceptación de todo mal. “Pero temo que, así como Eva fue engañada por la astucia de la serpiente, los sentidos de ustedes de alguna manera sean extraviados de la sincera devoción a Cristo” (2 Corintios 11:3).

De niño no tenía ningún conocimiento del mundo espiritual, ni tampoco lo tenían mis padres. Mis padres eran católicos con un gran candado de Conocimiento. “Mi pueblo fue destruido por falta de conocimiento. “Por cuanto ustedes rechazaron el conocimiento, yo también los rechazaré como mis sacerdotes; por cuanto ustedes ignoraron la ley de su Dios, yo también ignoraré a sus hijos” (Oseas 4:8). No podemos hablar de luz y oscuridad en el mismo asunto. Hay un significado en separar oscuridad y luz. “Porque en otro tiempo estábamos en tinieblas, pero ahora ustedes son luz en el Señor. Anden como hijos” (Efesios 5:8).

5:8)

Nací en septiembre, cuando vemos los últimos días del verano y los primeros del otoño. Las hermosas hojas caen y cambian sus hermosos colores. Me casé el 1 de noviembre. Muchos me decían: “te vas a casar el “día de los muertos”, otros decían: “¿por qué tu dama de honor tiene colores de muerta?” “Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia” (Efesios 5:25). “Por esto dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, y se unirá a su mujer, y los dos serán una sola carne. Así que ya no son dos, sino una sola carne. Por tanto, lo que Dios juntó, no lo separe el hombre” (Mateo 19:4-6).

El mundo llama a este día “el Día de Todos los Santos”. Me encanta ver los cambios del verano al otoño. Me encanta ver cómo cambian de color los árboles. Me encanta la estación porque a mi hija y a mí nos encanta decorar nuestra casa. Nos encantan los sabores del café que acompañan a la estación. En cuanto llega octubre al calendario, todo lo que podemos ver son decoraciones espeluznantes y exhibiciones desbordantes de dulces aparentemente por todas partes. 

Halloween tiene un origen cristiano como todo lo demás. Nací en Brooklyn, Nueva York. Sé que la historia y los orígenes de “Halloween” se celebran de muchas formas diferentes por todo tipo de personas en todo el mundo. Tradicionalmente, se conocía como “All Hallows’s”. Hay mucho paganismo que se ha asociado con Halloween a lo largo de los años. Hay tanta maldad y oscuridad. Hay vandalismo, incendios provocados, bromas destructivas y glorificación de la sensualidad, la muerte y muchos demonios que son una fuerte oposición al fruto del espíritu. (Gálatas 5:19-23). ​​Todos los predicadores que promueven prácticas modernas cuestionables deben despertar antes de que sea demasiado tarde. Muchos investigadores afirmaron que la festividad se remonta a unos 2000 años. El festival pagano llamado “Samhain” para honrar a los muertos implicaba la ofrenda de grandes sacrificios de cultivos y animales. Hay muchas referencias a las tierras celtas conquistadas por los romanos. Bajo el dominio romano, el día de “Samhain” estaba influenciado por los festivales romanos. Había dos tipos de festividades. Una se llamaba “Pomona” y la otra “Feralia”, ambas eran el día romano de los muertos que se celebraba a finales de octubre. El Papa Bonifacio IV creó el “Día de Todos los Santos” y el Papa Gregorio III trasladó más tarde la festividad al 1 de noviembre. Un par de años más tarde, la “Víspera de Todos los Santos”, la iglesia romana convirtió el 2 de noviembre en el “Día de los Fieles Difuntos” en honor a los muertos. ¿Te suena familiar? 

¿Tienes algún familiar que celebre el día de los muertos? Todos podemos identificarnos. Necesitamos seguir orando; creer que Dios tiene el poder de romper todas las cadenas. “¿No es este tipo de ayuno que yo escogí: soltar las cadenas de iniquidad y desatar las cuerdas del yugo, poner en libertad a los oprimidos y romper todo yugo?” (Isaías 58:6) Hasta hoy, los irlandeses, escoceses y toda Europa este es un gran día de festividades. Muchos cristianos protestantes celebran el Día de la Reforma. México tiene (El día de los muertos), los guatemaltecos tienen (el día de los muertos), Brasil (Finado) (Día de los Muertos), Bolivia (Día de las Calaveras), China (Festival de los Fantasmas), Japón (O born o simplemente bon), Vietnam (Festival de los Fantasmas Tet Trung), Corea (Chuseok o Hangawi) antepasados ​​fallecidos, Nepal (Gia Jatra), Filipinas (día de los muertos Araw ng mga Yumao) que significa aquellos que han muerto; en este día sus tumbas son limpiadas y repintadas. En Puerto Rico el 1 de noviembre también se celebra el (día de muertos) entre otros días paganos, la República Dominicana celebra el (día de muertos) el 1 de noviembre. 

Para los estadounidenses, se ha vuelto extremadamente comercial. Creo que “Halloween” ha pasado de ser disfraces inocentes y dulces a una atracción mucho más malvada y directa hacia todas las cosas horribles y paganas. Sin duda, esta nación se ha alejado de Dios hace mucho tiempo. Esta nación necesita a Dios. Necesitamos a Dios. Nuestros hijos y nuestra familia necesitan a Dios urgentemente. Halloween se centró en raíces que están en tradiciones paganas, se centró en fantasmas y brujas. Hay muchas denominaciones que celebran lo que llaman “Trunk and Treat”. Esto puede hacer que muchos cristianos como yo nos sintamos muy incómodos, ya que hay muchos que se esfuerzan por predicar la verdad y llevar a muchos a los pies de Jesucristo.

Estoy en total desacuerdo con este tema de baúl y trato. La iglesia está perdiendo el punto y la verdad del evangelio. El enemigo ha estado tomando el control de la ignorancia y la ceguera espiritual de la iglesia. “El dios de este siglo cegó a los incrédulos, para que no les resplandezca la luz del evangelio de la gloria de Cristo, el cual es la imagen de Dios” (2 Corintios 4:4). 

Cuando se mezclan la oscuridad y la luz, se puede participar en actividades que parecen inofensivas o divertidas pero que tienen orígenes siniestros. Jesús amaba a los niños. Pero, Jesús no tenía la intención de llevar el evangelio a los niños celebrando “Halloween” o “Trunk and Treat” para tener la inocencia de los niños dándoles dulces para que asistieran a la iglesia. No necesitamos darles dulces a estos niños sin hablar sobre los verdaderos orígenes demoníacos. Esta nunca fue la intención de Jesús. Jesús dijo: “Dejad que los niños vengan a mí y no se lo impidáis, porque el reino de los cielos es de los que son como ellos” (Mateo 19:14).

Estas celebraciones han llevado a confusión en cuanto a la espiritualidad. He estado hablando durante tanto tiempo. Es hora de despertar. No queda tiempo para dormir. “Despierta”. La iglesia estableció el “Día de Todos los Santos” el 1 y 2 de noviembre, el “Día de los Difuntos”, un día destinado a que la gente rece por los que han muerto. Europa desarrolló sus propias costumbres de Halloween. 

“No sacrifiques a tu hijo ni a tu hija, ni practiques magia ni brujería, ni adivines, ni hagas encantamientos, ni hables con los espíritus de los muertos” (Deuteronomio 18:10-12). Varias creencias sobre fantasmas y brujas vinieron de Inglaterra. En el siglo XIX, muchos inmigrantes de Irlanda y Escocia llegaron a los Estados Unidos e introdujeron su “Halloween”. “No participen en las obras infructuosas de las tinieblas, sino más bien, reprendedlas” (Efesios 5:11-16). Dios ha estado revelando mucho sobre el arrepentimiento. Cuando predico, quienes me conocen a mí y a mis mensajes no son muy acogedores en las iglesias. No endulzo las cosas. No soy un orador motivacional. Mis mensajes de Instagram no tienen demasiados “me gusta”. “Nunca entrará en ella nada inmundo, ni nadie que haga lo que es vergonzoso y engañoso, sino solo aquellos cuyos nombres están escritos en el libro de la vida del Cordero” (Apocalipsis 21). Predico la verdad. Predico el amor de Dios y su fuego consumidor. Últimamente, mis mensajes son para quienes predicamos el evangelio. El mensaje es para la iglesia. ¡Jesús viene! ¡  Necesitamos arrepentimiento! 

Hemos escuchado este mensaje por mucho tiempo. Dios es luz, y en él no hay ningunas tinieblas (1 Juan 1:3). Santos, sigamos proclamando este evangelio en espíritu y en verdad. Me pregunto qué pasó con la reverencia hacia Dios. Practicar y participar en las cosas malas de este mundo puede llevar a que se abran muchas puertas. Como pueden ver, Estados Unidos le ha dado la espalda a Dios y ahora estamos enfrentando grandes consecuencias. Sin embargo, esto es solo el comienzo porque empeorará y todos tendremos que enfrentar el juicio. Su casa debe ser un lugar de oración y adoración. “Jesús dijo que el templo debía ser una casa de oración para todas las naciones” (Marcos 11:17). 

En conclusión,

¿Debería la iglesia celebrar Halloween? 🎃 La respuesta es no. 7 de cada diez estadounidenses que afirmaban ser cristianos ahora celebran Halloween. Los estadounidenses gastan más de 9 millones de dólares al año en Halloween. “Halloween” significa (la noche anterior al Día de Todos los Santos) o (Día de Todos los Santos). Halloween es el nombre abreviado de All Halloween, (Noche de Todos los Santos) y (Víspera de Todos los Santos). Su origen y significado se derivan del celta antiguo. El truco o trato originalmente era como “Adorar” a muchos niños que iban casa por casa y decían oraciones a los muertos. “Cuando entres en la tierra que el Señor tu Dios te da, no aprendas a imitar las abominaciones de las naciones que están allí. No se encuentre en ti quien haga pasar a su hijo o a su hija por el fuego, ni practique adivinación ni hechicería, ni interprete agoreros ni practique hechicería” (Deuteronomio 18:9-10).

Vengo a ti en nombre de mi familia y mis antepasados ​​​​y en nombre de esta nación y me arrepiento de cualquier pecado que nuestros antepasados ​​​​cometieron contra ti. Reconocemos patrones que destruyen tu propósito. Declaramos el poder y la sangre de Jesús. Renuncio y me arrepiento de las tendencias pecaminosas de las tradiciones, rituales, fornicación, adulterio, aborto, lujuria, pereza, depresión, mentira, celos, ira, rabia, amargura, odio, racismo. Yo, renunciamos perdónanos por seguir a nuestros antepasados. Somos libres. Hoy nos volvemos a ti. Lava nuestros pecados. Escribe nuestros nombres en el libro del cordero. Señor, rompe todas las maldiciones generacionales; Señor, libéranos, líbranos. Jesús te amamos. Te necesitamos. Gracias por tu amor, favor, misericordia y gracia. Gracias por morir por nosotros. Gracias por traer salvación a nuestra familia. Bendice este blog; Butterfly by Grace “Blog de mamá e hija” Bendice a todos los que leen este blog En el nombre de Jesús oramos. Amén