Do You Want Peace?

This time in which we live is chaotic!  Shootings happen daily. Homeless folks are everywhere. Theft, violence, murder, rape…are now the norm.  But Jesus can still give you peace!  

 

The following poem was written in honor of my dad.  He was a preacher of the Gospel for over forty years, and many times his ministry took him to the Rescue Mission here in downtown Denver. 

He always took my brother and me along…he said it would help us in the future.  I hated going!  I was only seven years old, and “those people” scared the living daylights out of me.  But I remember one night in particular; it has stood out in my mind all of these years.  It’s the story I’m about to tell.  And by the way, my dad was right.  That night, changed my view of “those people” forever!  I came to realize…we ALL need a Savior!

******************

He wakes up in the alley

Vomit, crusted on his face.

Propped up against the dumpster,

Thinking, “How’d I get to this place?”

He slowly stands, and shakes himself off…

Trying to remember.  He used to have a home and family

…A loving wife, so tender.

It’s been a while now since he’s lived this way out on the street-

Scrounging through the garbage, for something good to eat.

It all started with that one social business drink;

And as stress increased, so did his consumption,

And alcohol…well, it dulled his mind so he wouldn’t have to think.

He used to wear suits, and drive a nice car;

But now his clothes are all ragged, and he sleeps in the alley behind the bar.

He stands on the corner, and begs for a dollar

While people pass by, and they stare, curse, and holler.

Some of them scream, “You lazy bum!  Why don’t you get a job?”

But, few of them care to look at his face, or see his heart cry and sob.

They can’t seem to see beyond all of that dirt,

That this man needs help…for he’s bruised, and he’s hurt!

By chance, he stumbles into the Rescue Mission,

And hears the preacher on stage, asking for a decision.

“Do you want peace?  Because I can show you how to find it!”

With torment in his voice, he hollers from the door,

“My God I want peace!  Please…tell me more!”

The preacher on the stage, ignores the stench and filth,

And runs to this man so full of hurt and guilt.

He holds him close, and whispers, “I KNOW the Prince of Peace!”

The man cries, “Introduce me!” as they fall down on their knees.

That night, the lowly beggar got to meet The King of Glory

Because the preacher cared enough to share with him,

Loves’ Greatest Story!

By:  Anita Mondragon Published in 2009



The Reason He Came

Jesus left His throne in Glory and came to earth for:

THE LAST

Matthew 20:16 (KJV) tells us this…

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

THE LOST

Luke 19: 10 (KJV) says…

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

THE LEAST

Matthew 25:40 (NIV) tells us…

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

THE LEFT OUT

Luke 7:36-38 (NCV) tells the story…

36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, so Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house and sat at the table. 37 A sinful woman in the town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus at his feet, crying. She began to wash his feet with her tears, and she dried them with her hair, kissing them many times and rubbing them with the perfume.

 

THE LOOKED OVER

Mark 10: 46-52 says…

  • 46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
  • 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
  • 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and  followed Jesus in the way.

 

The whole human race fits into one or more of these categories.  We would all do well to remember that the next time we think more highly of ourselves than of others!  But take heart- that’s why Jesus came…to save us from our sins!
 
ANITA MONDRAGON


Lord, Help My Unbelief

by Anita Mondragon
 
“…Jesus said unto him, if you can believe, ALL things are possible to him that believes.  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, LORD, I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF.”  Mark 9:23-24
 
This morning, I woke up praying, asking God to show me what He wants from me…and asking Him to reassure me of His care and provision.  He reminded me of a poem I wrote back in 2008.  I share it now with you. 
 
 
Within Your Holy Book, I read

 

Accounts of miracles, and deeds

Wrought by Your hands…

And I believe!

 
It seems my mind’s able to grasp,

The things you did in days long past,

And even things done in

This present day.

When friends, distraught, come to me

And ask me if I’ll pray…

I believe!

 
I know You turned the water into wine,

And parted the Red Sea,

You made the lame to walk again,

And caused the blind to see…

I DO believe!
 
The deaf could hear,

The mute, could speak

When You stretched out Your hand,

And Pharaoh let your people go,

Because of plagues brought to his land…

This, I believe!
 
I pray for those upon death beds,

Who’s diagnosis looks quite grim…

Because I remember Lazarus,

And what you did for him!

Yes!  I believe!

 
I see the addicts on the street,

I feel their misery and despair;

But I’ve seen countless cured before…

Just because You care…

So…I believe!

 
Some held in bondage by demon powers,

Locked away, who sit for hours,

And scream in torment…

And beg for relief,

Have called on You, Jesus…

And been set free!

I DO believe!

 
But when things get more personal,

And it comes down to me…

I fret and worry…and have my doubts;

I wonder…do You see?’

 
See…I trust You with my eternity…

But, umm…just not my money;

Because, You’re up there…and I’m down here,

And, well You know…the market’s been kinda funny!

 
The stocks are up…and then, they’re down;

They change from day-to-day.

So, you know that 10% I was gonna give You? …

Well, I’m thinkin’ it’s gonna have to wait!

 
After all, You know the rent’s coming up,

And my car payment’s long past due…

They’re about to turn my water off…

And I’m out of groceries too;

 
And that old car You gave me to drive…

It sucks up gas, like there ain’t no tomorrow…

So the troubles of this present time,

Make me forget Your miracles,

And in self-pity, wallow!

 
But, then You gently turn my mind

To things in my own past,

And remind me how You intervened,

And acted on my behalf;

 
Like that bag of change I found in the car for gas…

And all those grocery coupons…

How we lived off Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese,

Tuna Fish, and Peanut Butter…

Instead of Chicken, Pork Chops, Steak, and Prawns.
 
But, we never did go hungry,

Our bellies were always fed.

We never slept in doorways,

We slept in our warm beds!

 
You cared for us from day-to-day…

You gave us Daily Bread.

You kept us from all harm and evil…

You did just what You said!

 
So…again, with contrite heart,

I vow to give my 10%;

And though things don’t add up on paper,

I know You’ll provide for the rent.

 
The next time things get bad

And I begin to worry…

When things get out of hand,

And look all skewed, and blurry…

 
When I want to hold onto my tithe,

Remind me of Your miracles Lord…

And let me write the check;

As I drop it in the offering basket,

With my nerves a total wreck…

 
I’ll cry, “Oh God!  Please help me!

I don’t want to be a thief!

Let me trust in You…for I DO believe…

But… help my unbelief!!”
 
-Anita Mondragon


Before They Call

BEFORE THEY CALL…
 
“And it shall come to pass, that BEFORE they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”  Isaiah 65:24
 
My son and his family are going through a really tough time right now.  I won’t go into all the details, but please pray for them and their unborn child!  There are many complications, and bad news from every side.  Tests have been run and doctors give little hope…
 
BUT GOD…
 
I see this phrase all through Scripture.  The situation looked hopeless…BUT GOD intervened.  The outcome had already come to pass…BUT GOD changed the outcome.  The future looked quite bleak…BUT GOD performed a miracle.
 
God knew what was going on, long before the tests were done and the doctors voiced their findings!  And HE said, BEFORE THEY CALL ON ME, I WILL ANSWER…AND WHILE THEY ARE STILL TELLING ME THEIR PROBLEMS…I WILL HEAR!
 
We’ve all been in impossible places before, but many of us have seen the hand of the Lord change things before our eyes!  Please pray and agree with me that God’s will shall be done, for He knows what is best!  Thank you all!
 
Anita Mondragon


The Master Tailor

by Mike Mondragon  

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness as a bridegroom bedecks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

 
What does it all matter, what does it all mean?
Life is hard to live all the time mending the seams,
 
 
When things fall apart, all is tattered and torn,
The dreams are forgotten, and the fabric is worn;
 
The world’s seamstress is busy with feeble attempts to repair,
Sewing in the patches, pieces and worn scraps of despair,
 
And we run around looking instead like rags and old quilts,
Ashamed and afraid, self-esteem and honor wilts.
 
Content to be ragged and oppressed and oft unseen,
Instead of honored and respected and dressed like kings and Queens.
 
But for this truth, God sent His Son, and on that cross he bled.
God is the Golden Needle and we are Golden Thread,
 
Being pushed and pulled intently, through the fabric of His death,
Into new life purposely, renewed by Holy Breath.
 
We become the new material of the regenerated life,
Following in Jesus footsteps, to become the Bridegroom’s wife.
 
Should you allow the Master Tailor to use your Golden Thread,
He’ll create your intended clothing, to replace that torn to shreds.
 
With a garment made by Holy hands, at one time stained with red,
By Jesus blood at Calvary which flowed down from His head,
 
Into a glistening garment more befitting of His stead.
Your thread makes the suit to die for, the dress without a stain,
 
Perfectly fitted and tailored, made by Jesus with great pain.
These garments sewn in anguish, in blood, and sweat and tears,
 
Are now glistening white and perfect, and to Jesus’ heart is near.
These garments are now ready- through His death He did mend
 
And make our garments spotless, in which we will be wed.
To create the perfect suit or dress, which you can joyfully wear.
 
A dress, a suit so perfect…without a single rip or tear.
Known as the suit to die for, the dress without a stain,
 
Perfectly fitted, and sized, and tailored, made by Jesus with great pain.
Your Wedding dress is ready. The Tux pressed, and hung with care.
 
Won’t you please put them on? They are always ready to wear.
The bride groom, He is waiting, and the feast, it is in place,
 
The party room is ready, every piece is in its place.
All that’s missing is you, just say “yes!” to the Dress;
 
Remove the old rags and get rid of your mess.
The Father, He is waiting to give you away To the Son of your dreams….  Today is Your Day!
 
To sit with Him in wondrous glory, a new life in Him complete,
Where life is more abundant and bountiful and sweet!
 
Where hell hath no power, and death has no sting,
Where sin is cast away, where we are given a wedding ring.
 
A ring which means we’ll be together forever and a day, With Jesus our Bridegroom, the Truth, the Light the Way!
 
By:  Michael Mondragon


A Prayer For The New Year

by Francine Rodriguez

 
Dear God,
Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.
 
We pray for your Spirit to lead and guide each step of this coming New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.”
 
 
We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts. We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you.
 
We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of temptations. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run, and whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground. We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy and that you would surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight as intercessors and as we stand in the gap for others. Help us know your will, to hear your voice, and know your ways.
 
We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm, on solid ground, helping us to be consistent and faithful. Give us supernatural endurance to stay the course, not swerving to the right or to the left, or being too easily distracted by other things that would seek to call us away from a closer walk with you.
 
Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness to wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence. We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again.
 
We ask that you make all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, in this new year. We pray for your refreshing over us. Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been and hissing his lies, we trust that your voice will speak louder and stronger, as you remind us we are safe with you and your purposes and plans will not fail.
 
We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.
 
We ask that you would provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us, we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed.
 
We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.” Help us to be known as givers, help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own. May we be lovers of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in our lives – your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Shine your light in us, through us and over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory.
 
Set you way before us and may all your plans succeed. May we reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. To you be glory and honor forever. Amen  
 
Verses to read:


ARE WE REALLY GUILTY?

By: Lee Pierce
 

Do your actions in life ever bring on feelings of guilt before God? I know mine do, quite regularly I’m afraid. I know for a fact that I sin several times a day, every single day! The good news—if you can call it that—is I usually feel very guilty when I recognize that I’ve sinned.  And I typically rush to ask God to forgive me, and, this is most important I believe, I ask for that forgiveness after I’ve apologized to Him for my actions.

 

But do I really need to ask God for forgiveness? I’ve written about this before. I long ago came to believe that to ask God for forgiveness once we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ is not necessary. We can surely be sorrowful when we sin and can rightfully apologize for those actions, of course. But ask for forgiveness again? Maybe not; in fact maybe that’s a sin of disbelief in itself!

 

I was reading about forgiveness recently and about the quandary of objective truth versus subjective feelings. When I sin, objectively I’m truly guilty. I may or may not subjectively feel guilty (hopefully, my conscience has been well informed by the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit and I always feel guilty when I have sinned!). But the fact remains; when I sin I’m factually guilty before God. I’ve broken His law. In a passage I read in Dr. R.C. Sproul’s Tabletalk, it stated, “…our transgressions of God’s law provoke in us a subjective sense of guilt that can be quite burdensome.” Amen to that, and I would want it no other way!

 

The way this should work is this: when we sin, we confess our sin to God and then turn from that sin. But, at least for me, sometimes, those feelings of guilt just hang on. I recognize clearly that God has been so good to me and does so much for me that I often feel guilt so deeply when I fail Him. But here is the bottom line: I think I should rather be feeling sorrow for my short-comings rather than guilt. I hate it when I hurt God with my failings but I shouldn’t feel guilt. No, God long ago has forgiven me when I accepted His Son as my Lord and Savior. As Tabletalk put it: “To question our forgiveness when we have confessed our sin to God and turned from it…is to incur more sin. It is a sin to disbelieve God, and that is what we do when we hold onto our guilt….” And the article concludes with this great thought: “For when God forgives us, He forgives us forever.”

 

So, when you sin—which you will, of course—express your sorrow for that to God (apologize to Him), and then move away from that sin, confident that God has already forgiven you. And then work hard to please Him by your efforts to avoid that sin. God, more then any other, knows we’re fallen creatures, quite capable of repeated sin, yet He stills loves us and shows us that love every day without fail.



JUST LIKE JESUS

By Anita Mondragon
 
As Believers, we are called to be like Jesus.  
 
I don’t know if I’m the only one who at times struggles with this, but sadly enough…I do!  I just told my husband the other day, “I’m so tired of being the forgiver and never the forgiven!  Everyone else seems to think they can have a human moment, and temporarily  ‘fall from grace,’ and I’m supposed to forgive them…but when I am guilty and do the wrong things, forgiveness from them is nowhere to be found!”
 
Did I really think that…and then voice it out loud???  Yes!  I did.
 
You see, my dad was a preacher for over forty years and my brother and I were always supposed to be the example.  There was always someone running to my dad to report on our failings and trespasses!  All the other kids in the church were forgiven when they made a mistake, but not my brother and I.  So…here I am, some sixty years later still having to be the example because I’m in ministry.  
 
I get it.  I KNOW I’m supposed to be like Jesus.  Not only because I’m in ministry…but most of all because I am a Believer, a follower of Jesus.  He’s my Savior and Lord!  
 
So I said all of that to say this…we are ALL human.  We all make mistakes and displease the Lord at times.  But let’s stop passing judgment and take the beam out of our own eye before we try to remove the splinter out of our brother’s eye!  
 
GOD FORGAVE US…AND WE SHOULD BE QUICK TO FORGIVE OTHERS!  Romans 5:8 says: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  If we are truly going to be like Jesus, then we need to love those around us and forgive them as Jesus forgave and still forgives us!


Just As You Are

By Anita Mondragon:
 
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”
Luke 12:20, KJV
…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
2 Corinthians 6:2, KJV
 
 
 

Softly, and tenderly, He’s calling to you…

Are you almost persuaded to come?

As He stands at the portals of Heaven, just waiting…

He’s calling to YOU… “Please…come home!”

Ask Him to search your poor heart today,

Then, come…just as you are!

He’ll wash you whiter than the snow…

This Lily of the Valley…this Bright and Morning Star!

Let Him search your heart…

Let Him change you today.

He’s the Truth…the Life…

He’s the ONLY Way!

So…come to Him now-

Just as you are;

Let Him free you from sin…

Just open your hearts door!

When you hear Him knock…

Open it wide, and ask Him in…

For softly and tenderly, He’s calling to you…

Just listen…and come as you are!



What Kind Of Tool Are You?

By Anita Mondragon
 
 
In a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21 RSV)

Pastor has been doing a series of sermons titled, Equipped 2 Serve. In this series, we as Believers are learning how to make a difference in the world in which we live.  We are learning our purpose, or put another way, we are finding out what kind of tool God made us to be.  We are all made with specific skills-unique to the purpose God has designed for us!  What a wonderful thought!  There’s no one quite like me…or like you; we are Special in God’s eyes, created for a certain task and time.

 

I woke up thinking about tools, and their specific use.  I know…weird huh?!  But the above verse came to mind.  I used the word tools, the Bible uses the word, vessels.  Either way, they are things used for specific purposes. We always hear, and I believe the Bible teaches that we all were created for a purpose.  The main purpose I believe is to glorify God, and bring others to Salvation.  However, we are all endowed with different gifts to bring glory to God and show Salvation to the world.  Some folks are musicians, others, teachers, preachers, evangelists, prayer warriors, counselors, etc.  Some of us don’t have great titles like the ones I just mentioned, but we are nonetheless just as important.  We may fall into the category of janitors, maintenance folks, hospitality and the like, but our job is necessary and important! The “tool” part of my thinking came about as I searched the ‘junk-drawer’ (come on!  I know everyone has one of these…I’m not alone!) for a screwdriver to tighten a screw that had come loose on a cabinet door.  During my search, I found a pair of pliers, a wrench, some needle-nose pliers….  And finally, I found a screwdriver!  But alas, it had the wrong tip on it!  Even tools that look the same, upon closer examination are different and are used for SPECIFIC jobs. So, what is my point here?  Well…God wants us all to know that even though we may look the same…we are all human, we eat, sleep, cry, laugh, walk, talk…pretty much the same way, but each of us is unique.  God gave special gifts to us that only we can wield in His perfection to do His will! You can’t use a Phillips screwdriver on a slotted screw!  You have to use the right tool in order to get the correct result! This is just a reminder, and an encouragement to all of us Believers, myself included, to remember what kind of tool we are; and if we don’t yet know…this is an urgent message for us to go to God and find out!  God can’t use you or the gifts He placed in you until YOU KNOW what kind of tool you are! Then, when He goes looking through the drawer for a specific tool to use…if you’re it, be sure to shout out…”Here I am Lord!  Use me!”