Mi identidad en Cristo (Parte 1 & 2)

Mi identidad en Cristo (Parte 1 & 2)

El blog de Luci

Mi identidad en Cristo (Parte 1)

 

2 Corintios 5:17 “De modo que si alguno está en Cristo, él (ella) es una nueva creación. lo viejo ha fallecido; Mirad, lo nuevo ha llegado”.

Romanos 8:1 “Por tanto, ahora ninguna condenación hay para los que están en Cristo Jesús”.

John 15:15 “Ya no os llamo siervos, porque el siervo no sabe lo que hace su señor; pero os he llamado amigos, porque todo lo que he oído de mi Padre os lo he hecho saber”.

Cuando era una niña pequeña, Recuerdo haber tenido una sensación general de felicidad y libertad por ser niño.. Pero a medida que crecí y comencé a desarrollar la conciencia de mi identidad dentro de mi unidad familiar y me convertí en víctima de abuso verbal y físico., Mi perspectiva sobre quién era comenzó a cambiar..

En el ojo de mi mente, yo era feo, estúpido, y en general, una chica patética a la que nadie amaba ni quería estar. Recuerdo a mi padre diciendo una y otra vez, “¿Por qué no puedes ser como tu hermano o por qué no puedes ser como tu hermana?”?"Se refería a los hermanos mayores que habían seguido adelante y tuvieron éxito., en sus ojos. Por su frustración y su ira desenfrenada., atacó y nos hizo sentir indeseados mientras nos humillaba abusando de nosotros verbalmente.. Mi madre era una persona tranquila., mujer sumisa con multiples (Total de 15) niños para cuidar. Ella no estaba involucrada en nuestras vidas excepto para atender nuestras necesidades físicas.. Y los hermanos que todavía estaban en el hogar., Me trataron con gran desprecio y me golpearon regularmente.. A la edad 11, Estaba siendo abusada sexualmente por dos de mis hermanos mayores y cuando tenía 12, Perdí mi virginidad con un hombre drogadicto que era 14 años mayor, que vivia en el barrio. Literalmente se aprovechó de mi desesperada necesidad de amor y afecto y me convenció de cooperar con sus intenciones egoístas.. No se lo dije a nadie porque pensé que me culparían.; Creí en mi joven corazón que era mi culpa.

Me sentí como un fracaso, que cuando yo era un joven adolescente, Empecé a medicarme con vino y cerveza., y en un momento, Me sentí tan desesperado, Intenté quitarme la vida! Obviamente, no tuve éxito, pero en ese momento, Creí que era un fracaso incluso en eso.! No sólo me sentía indigno de ser amado sino que también me sentía sucio y tenía un gran sentimiento de vergüenza que me cubría como una espesa nube..

A medida que crecía en mi adolescencia, Continué abusando del alcohol, agregando licor fuerte y fue introducido a todo tipo de drogas ilegales, con el que experimenté a diario. Viví una vida destructiva de abuso de sustancias y promiscuidad.. y a la edad 24, Cometí lo que pensé que era un delito imperdonable al abortar., Básicamente, poner fin a la vida de lo que resultaría ser mi único hijo biológico.. Este evento me sumergió más profundamente en una sensación de autodesprecio y vacío que aún no había experimentado.. En el momento en que estaba 25, mi sentido de autoestima estaba en el hoyo; No tenía esperanza ni propósito para mi futuro..

Entonces sucedió! El Señor Jesús, que me había estado persiguiendo durante años a través del testimonio de otros seguidores de Cristo, Me abrió los ojos a su asombrosa aceptación., amor y misericordia para mi. Y puedo recordar la sensación de esperanza y amor que fluyó a través de mí como un río caudaloso.! Fue increíble! Mi autoperspectiva cambió ese día.. Me atreví a creer que podía ser algo más de lo que me había acostumbrado.. Y me embarqué en una misión de por vida para conocer al Dios que estaría dispuesto a morir por mí., un patético, pecaminoso, chica fea y estúpida. Fueron necesarios años de lectura de la Biblia., Apoyo de otros creyentes en Jesús y algo de asesoramiento bíblico., para mí aceptar mi nueva identidad mientras abrazaba 2 Corintios 5:17, que nos dice, “De modo que si alguno está en Cristo, él (ella) es una nueva creación. lo viejo ha fallecido; Mirad, lo nuevo ha llegado”.

Hoy, después de caminar con el Señor por más 37 años, tener su asombroso Espíritu Santo viviendo en mí, Acepto la verdad de que soy la preciosa hija de Dios., amado y apreciado más allá de mis sueños más locos! me ha dado dignidad, autoestima y una esperanza futura. Ya no me condeno porque según Romanos 8:1, “Por tanto, ahora ninguna condenación hay para los que están en Cristo Jesús”. Ya no acepto el intento de otros de manipularme o menospreciarme.. He llegado a comprender que puedo tener límites y mantener el control., por el poder y la guía del Espíritu Santo.

Bendiciones,

Luces

Ver Mi identidad en Cristo (Parte 2) abajo.

 

El blog de Luci

Mi identidad en Cristo (Parte 2)

 

PREGUNTAS:

cual es tu identidad? ¿En qué se diferencia de cuando conociste y recibiste a Jesús como tu Señor??

Mientras Jesús caminaba por la tierra, Enseñar y predicar sobre el Reino de Dios., Validó a las mujeres y les mostró gran misericordia y respeto.. Fue en contra de la cultura en la que vivían.. A diferencia de, su cultura los trataba como ciudadanos de tercera clase, con pocos derechos o respeto. El aceptó, curado, Los amé y les enseñé.. Y Él está disponible para hacer lo mismo por ti y por mí hoy.!

Según los romanos 8:17, aquellos que se han arrepentido de sus pecados y han recibido a Jesús como su Señor y Salvador, convertirse en sus herederos (que es aquel que recibe la propiedad de un inmueble y de todo lo que en él hay), pero en este caso, Estamos recibiendo el Reino de Dios en toda su asombrosa belleza y perfección.. Somos preciosas y amadas hijas del Rey y lo seremos por toda la eternidad.!

Quiero que te imagines vestido con un lujoso, túnica blanca que fluye, que es el símbolo de la pureza y la perfección, y leamos lo que dice en Isaías 61:1-3, que fue escrito 740-700 antes de Cristo (antes de que Jesús caminara por esta tierra).

“El espíritu del Señor Dios está sobre mí, porque el Señor me ha ungido para llevar buenas nuevas a los pobres; Me ha enviado a vendar a los quebrantados de corazón., proclamar libertad a los cautivos, y la apertura de la cárcel a los presos; para proclamar el año de gracia del Señor, y el día de la venganza de nuestro Dios; para consolar a todos los que lloran; para conceder a los que lloran en Sión – darles un hermoso tocado en lugar de cenizas, el aceite de alegría en lugar de luto, el manto de alabanza en lugar de un espíritu débil; para que sean llamados encinas de justicia, la plantación del señor, para que sea glorificado”. ESV

Dios toma nuestros trapos de inmundicia, que es un símbolo de nuestras vidas rotas, y Él los reemplaza con limpios, túnicas blancas o justicia, comodidad, cicatrización, alegría, paz y fuerza!

Isaías 61:10 “Mi alma se regocijará mucho en el Señor, mi alma se regocijará en mi Dios; porque me ha vestido con vestiduras de salvación, Me ha envuelto con manto de justicia, como el novio se adorna con una guirnalda y como la novia se adorna con sus joyas”.

Bendiciones,

Luces

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El Espíritu Santo: mi guía & Amigo

El Espíritu Santo: mi guía & Amigo

El blog de Luci

Recibimos esta paz a través de la morada del Espíritu Santo.

Si hemos entregado nuestras vidas a Jesús y lo seguimos, tenemos el espíritu mismo de Jesucristo viviendo en nosotros! El siempre está presente, intercediendo y guiándonos a la verdad y la paz, dentro y fuera de la tormenta.

¿Cuál es su propósito?? Es que vivirás con paz y alegría en tu corazón, sabiendo que te ama y nada se interpondrá entre ti y él, No importa la situación. Es que te hará justo, para que puedas mostrar los dones de su espíritu y mostrarle a un mundo moribundo.

La oración siempre es el plan de Dios para conectarnos con él, pero ahora más que nunca, Necesitamos rezar fervientemente para que Dios nos atraiga a sí mismo y orando por todo lo que está sucediendo a nuestro alrededor.

Tenemos acceso al espíritu mismo de Cristo en su Espíritu Santo que intercederá por nosotros cuando no sabemos qué pedir!

~ Romanos 8:26-28

“Del mismo modo, el espíritu nos ayuda en nuestra debilidad. Porque no sabemos por qué rezar como deberíamos, Pero el espíritu mismo intercede por nosotros con gemir demasiado profundo para las palabras. Y el que busca corazones sabe cuál es la mente del espíritu, porque[ el espíritu intercede por los santos de acuerdo con la voluntad de Dios. Y sabemos que para aquellos que aman a Dios todas las cosas trabajan juntas para bien, para aquellos que son llamados de acuerdo con su propósito ".

“Nuestras oraciones no siempre son respondidas por una acción específica. A veces nuestras oraciones son respondidas con un cambio en nuestra actitud o en nuestras emociones.. Después de las oraciones, podemos encontrar que la confianza ha reemplazado nuestro miedo, La satisfacción ha reemplazado nuestro deseo, La esperanza ha reemplazado nuestra desesperación, la comodidad ha reemplazado nuestro dolor, La paciencia ha reemplazado nuestra frustración, La alegría ha reemplazado nuestro espíritu de pesadez y amor ha reemplazado nuestra ira. Sé que muchos de nosotros somos sacudidos por los eventos en las últimas semanas, así que, Veamos a Isaías y veamos cómo se las arregló:

Cuando la vida de Isaías fue sacudida, Él respondió mirando hacia arriba. Como resultado, Tenía una nueva visión del Señor. Este es el momento de mirar hacia arriba ... desde nuestras rodillas! Pidamos a Dios que nos dé una nueva visión de sí mismo.. Porque, Dios es nuestro refugio y fuerza, una ayuda siempre presente en problemas. Por lo tanto, no tememos ... ya que el que habita en el refugio del Altísimo descansará a la sombra del Todopoderoso. Diré del Señor, El es mi refugio y mi fortaleza, Dios mío, en quien confío. Seguramente él te salvará de ... la pestilencia mortal ... no temes el terror de la noche ... ni la pestilencia que acecha en la oscuridad, ni la plaga que destruye al mediodía. Mil pueden caer a su lado, Diez mil a tu mano derecha, Pero no se acercará a ti ... "Anne Graham Lotz

 

Bendiciones,

Luces

 

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Miedo vs Fe

Miedo vs Fe

El blog de Luci

John 16:33, John 14:27, and 2nd Timothy 1:7

Cuando era una niña pequeña, I feared so much in my life, especially in my home where I should have felt safe. I can remember fear always being with me. At a very young age, while laying in my crib my older brother would come in and silently hover over my face, to frighten me. For years he tormented me in so many ways, including sexual molestation when I was an adolescent but no one came to my rescue. My parents were mostly present but unaware; they were not able to care for us individually since there were so many of us; I had 14 brothers & sisters. They were busy working, training us to do household chores, taking care of the home and keeping us afloat. My mom was not a communicator and didn’t engage in individual conversation with us. And my father was a very angry man who took his frustration out on us kids, so in fear I hid from him when he came home from work. But that was not always an option.

A lo largo de los años, I learned that if others saw my fear, they would take advantage of and sometimes prey on me. Eventually I learned to mask my fear with a false persona of self-confidence to prevent anyone from getting too close and hurting me emotionally. I worked really hard to provide for myself and created a perception that I could overcome any threat that came into my life; I was convinced, I could protect myself. This worked as long as I was able to control my environment. But that is not reality. We know there are many situations we can’t control, including our relationships with others!

Into my early teens my life spiraled out of control with promiscuity, broken relationships, drug and alcohol abuse until I came to the point that I lost what sliver of hope I had and felt an overwhelming sense of despair. Fear ruled my thoughts and no matter how hard I tried to bury it; it was always present in my heart. I continued on this destructive path, trying to bury the pain, until one day I found myself pregnant and this situation stopped me in my tracks! I feared that my lifestyle would be exposed, I was ashamed and feared what others would think of me. I was single, in my 20’s and didn’t really know the father, so I had an abortion. That is when I found myself unable to cope with my decisions, especially the one that took the life of my child. This choice brought me to a point of extreme crisis. I couldn’t move past this decision which was always in my thoughts and defined who I had become.

During the time span of my disfunction, from the age of 14, I can remember followers of Jesus telling me about Him, but I was afraid of getting involved in what I thought was the rigid religion I grew up in that had nothing to offer me except judgement. For 11 years Jesus sought me out and one day, ironically, 9 months after my abortion, He opened my eyes to see His truth and, on that day, I asked forgiveness for all my sins and invited Him to be my Lord and Savior. As I began to walk with Him and explore the bible, I read that He would care for me and that I could exchange my fear for faith in Him, and in His promises!

As a new Christian, just learning about the ways of God and who I was in Him, I continued to operate out of fear. But over time, I came to understand that fear and faith cannot co-exist. One will always negate the other. This was a life changing truth for me!

For the past two or so weeks we’ve been listening to the world and experts tell us to, “Be afraid, fear for our health, the health of our family members, the economy, losing our jobs, not having enough to sustain us, to avoid all social contact, that things are going to get much worse, that there is a silent killer among us!"

The government entities have closed down the parks, escuelas, restaurants, businesses and more. The stock market is plummeting and the world is reacting in panic, wondering what the future holds for them and their children. Many are selfishly hoarding goods in the event they have to be quarantined. There is uncertainty all around us. While I’m very aware of what’s happening and that we have good cause to experience this fear and concern, I want to share 2 perspectives that I hope will help us put things into perspective.

And I heard Satan Say, “I will cause anxiety, fear and panic. I will shut down business, escuelas, places of worship, and sports events. I will cause economic turmoil. I will isolate them so I can more easily attack and cause great fear, so they will lose all hope.”

Luego, Jesus said: “I will bring together neighbors, restore the family unit, I will bring dinner back to the kitchen table, I will help people slow down and appreciate what really matters. I will teach my children to rest and rely upon me and not the world, their money, or possessions. I will provide for all their needs.”

What are you fearful of?

How do you respond when you cannot control your environment?

The Lord has given us His Word to show us how we can be encouraged through difficult times and not to react in fear.

We read in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you; not as the world gives do, I give to you. let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

2 Tim 1:7, “For God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”

 

In Christ’s love,

Luces

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Gifts from God & Giving Gifts with Purpose

Gifts from God & Giving Gifts with Purpose

El blog de Luci

It’s that time of year that we are thinking about giving and receiving gifts. And today I want to share my heart on the topic as well as share some spiritual insight.

When I was a child, we had very little by way of gifts as my parents couldn’t afford much with 15 children. I don’t know how but they always managed to give us one or two gifts a piece. They would get us one toy and an item of clothing which we cherished because most of what we had were hand me downs.

But I really wasn’t longing for material gifts; Instinctively I longed for the gifts that come from the healthy kind of love a child would expect from her parents, like affection, healthy interaction, guidance, acceptance, and encouragement to become the best I could be. I had a deep longing to feel safe and cherished.

As I grew into my adolescence, I discovered that needless material possessions, dysfunctional relationships and substance abuse could temporarily substitute for those things that I lacked and truly longed for. It wasn’t my intent but I set out on a self-destructive path which caused me to establish unhealthy patterns and relationships. When I did receive a material gift with a personal touch, it gave me a great sense of belonging and worth. For example, en 13, on a rare occasion, while my oldest brother was home to visit, he took me shopping and bought me a new outfit. I felt so loved! But it wasn’t the actual gift that moved me, it was the fact that he took time out, saw a need in me and made me feel so special!

As I grew into my 20’s, the Lord opened my eyes to Him and having tried to live life my way which was causing great pain and broken relationships, I surrendered to Him, not knowing all that it involved, jumped in and simply believed He loved me and that my life would be better. I was in for a wonderful surprise in how my life improved!

As God began to pour into me and bless me with all the good gifts, he has for us, I had an overwhelming desire to pour His blessings back out. And over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to give so much to others. And others have been so generous to me in the giving of gifts.

I’ve always had lots of fun choosing the “perfect” thing for each person I was giving to. It’s so much fun for me to see their delighted response to what they receive. According to Acts 20:35 “it is more blessed to give than receive.” I have found it to be true in my life. But then I had to learn that receiving gifts with humility and thanks is just as important because the giver receives a blessing as well as the recipient. I also discovered that I didn’t have to spend much $ to give the most meaningful gifts!

Entonces, as times passes, my perspective on giving gifts has changed. And, more often, I’m giving with the desire to move others closer to the heart of God. Because that is the gift that will be the most meaningful and have eternal benefits.

As an example of giving with meaning, when a dear friend’s husband suddenly died of a heart attack while the two of them were entering the church one Sunday morning, I made a mix of worship songs for her because she loved music that praises the Lord. It didn’t cost very much but it helped her focus on Jesus, during a time of great struggle.

As I consider how we give and receive gifts, it got me wondering how God gives gifts and for what purpose. And what we can learn from His ways. As I researched and prayed, the Holy Spirit showed me just how much He does give and the wonderful ways it works in our lives.

Entonces, here are some of the many gifts God gives us:

Protection: Before I even knew Jesus, He kept me safe in my disfunction and very bad life decisions. So many times, I could have died or fallen so deep into my sin that I would not have found my way out on my own. I remember one time while hitch hiking to the laundry mat from my apt. I was picked up by a guy who dropped me off where I asked him to but as I was getting out of the car, he hit me over the head with a heavy object. It hurt so bad but didn’t knock me unconscious. As I got out of the car rubbing my head, he was racing down the road with the passenger door still open. I can only imagine what his intentions were! I believe the Holy Spirit was there protecting me. I am so thankful!

Provision: Before I knew Jesus, He was providing for me and meeting my material needs, for many years.

Revelación: He reveals himself to each of us uniquely, speaking to us and meeting us where we are in our lives. Being from a very large family, I’m especially thankful that He treats me special, as if I were His only child! Can you relate to this?

Forgiveness: He forgave all my offenses from my past, present and future and I chose to repent and turn from them. But even when I went back to some sinful habits, He never abandoned me. He is always available to help me sort out my mess when I come to Him.

Guidance: I’ve prayed for direction so many times when I didn’t know which way to turn or what choice was best and He guided me!

Favor & Salvation: When Jesus saved me, I felt as if I was unworthy of any love or acceptance but He adopted me and taught me the meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. His gift of salvation is irrevocable if we truly repent and surrender our hearts to Him.

We read in Romans 8:32 that “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” God loves us so much! He wants to shower us with gifts and blessing in this life and the one to come!

His Word: It gives me hope and helps me understand my connection to Him and what He expects of me

Prayer: This is one of the main ways we connect with our Lord. It is a gift He gives so we can communicate our hearts to Him.

Our Role: Being used of God to fulfill His eternal plan at this time in history. God’s timing is perfect and we were chosen for such a time as this! How incredible is it that God allows us to be part of His plan?

His Holy Spirit: In Acts 2:38 we read, “And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” This is Jesus in me! One of the gifts I am most thankful for! He is my constant companion.

Entonces, what gifts can we give to the Lord; what does He desire?

God wants us to trust in His Son as Savior and Lord.

He wants us to “become conformed to the image of His Son.

He delights in our praises to Him.

He desires for us to spend time with Him.

He calls us to love one another and serve Him with humility.

The gifts God desires from us have the distinct purpose of making us righteous, in good relationship to Him and loving one another. If you notice, it’s all about relationship with Him and the body of Christ. It’s never about performing works for the sake of that alone.

God is loving and gracious, always wants what is best for us. Let’s praise Him together during this most beautiful time of year.

In Christ’s love,

Luces

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