Sacrifice - Part 1

When we call out to God, He is not moved to answer because of the tears we cry, the pain we feel or however great our needs may be.
God acts according to our faith; this is the only method He uses to determine our blessing.

That is why, those who believe receive, and those who do not believe do not receive! Take a look at what Jesus said, "And these signs will follow those who believe..." (Mark 16:17)

During the search to build a stronger relationship with God, charitable works and religious doings shouldn’t be called into question, because it is necessary that “he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

God is especially pleased with these acts of faith because they prove how much a person depends on Him and that they are willing to completely obey His Word.

However, many think that they will automatically call the Lord’s attention with acts of kindness and charity. Then, with hands crossed, they wait, hoping that God will reward them because of their actions.

But that’s not how it works! This is why many people suffer, even though they believe in the Lord Jesus.

The Lord considers sin to be the vilest act a man can possibly do, but He forgives us through faith.

If faith is needed to have our sins forgiven, then it is no different to achieve its benefits. What is easier to obtain: eternal life or material possessions?

Those who don’t have faith to achieve their material dreams, won’t have faith to achieve spiritual promises either.

As an example of faith, the Lord Jesus reminds us of the great famine that came upon Israel during Elijah's time. At that time, the Prophet was only sent to one widow in Zarephath and nobody else. During the Prophet Elisha’s time, there were many lepers in Israel, but only Naaman was healed.

“But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” (Luke 4:25-27)

Why were these people chosen to be blessed? Because they both expressed their faith to the fullest!

We all have the choice to embrace the path of faith or the path of disbelief. When we choose the path of faith, we must be ready to sacrifice, because faith requires constant sacrifice.

The Pastor and the Lighthouse

There was an up-and-coming, flourishing town on the western banks of the Pacific Ocean. It was not too big, but it had wide clean streets, wooded parks and its neighborhoods were rapidly growing.

The white sandy beach was like a ribbon between the green hills and the blue sea. And it was from the sea that the village people made their living: fishing.

Each night, the boats swept the waters with their nets. They picked up so much fish, that factories moved in and began exporting the fish.

An old lighthouse stood at the entrance to the bay. For years its light served to guide the fishermen’s boats into the bay during the dark stormy nights.

In this town, there was a church. It was the only church in the whole town. The pastor struggled with all his might to raise the people’s awareness of the Gospel and the Judgment of God. Few paid him any attention and still fewer attended his meetings. But he never discouraged.

He woke up early and spent his days praying on the altar, visiting the sick and counseling. Yet every day, at exactly five o'clock in the afternoon, he would go up and turn on the lighthouse light.

As the city grew, so did the businesses. The boats were now more modern and they were able to bring in more fish. The sea had an amazing abundance of fish. The more boats docked at bay, the more fish appeared in the waters. No one returned empty handed. Whether the night was clear or dark, all you had to do was pull the net out of the waters and the wealth that moved the city came flowing right out.

One bright Saturday morning, the pastor passed away of old age. Nobody noticed, except for the church members. The hardworking warrior of faith parted from this world the same way he lived in it, very much unnoticed.

After their loss, the church members came together and sent a letter to the mayor, asking him to send another pastor. However, they received no response.

The mayor was very, very busy. A large fish market was being built to meet the needs of buyers that were coming in from all over the world. Most of them were representatives of large American factories hoping to close lucrative business deals. There were also plans for a new school and the expansion of the local hospital. With so many important projects, it was quite difficult to get the mayor’s attention.

When everything seemed to be thriving, the fish became scarce. The nets that once were pulled from the water filled with fish now came up empty. In the beginning, nobody paid much attention because the stocks were full. But over time, the problem has worsened. The boats went out to sea, sweeping every inch of the ocean, but without success.

The market became empty. The factories closed and the workers were fired. The new school construction came to a stop and so did the hospital expansion. Many experts were consulted, but it was all in vain. Nobody knew for sure what was going on; the fact is that the fish was no longer coming up on the nets.

Worried, the fishermen continued in their fight. They continued going out every night hoping their luck would change. During one of those nights, a storm quickly formed without them noticing. The sea became rough and the sky became dark with clouds. Unable to see in the darkness, one of the boats crashed into the lighthouse because of a violent wave. The captain was unable to see the lighthouse because since the pastor’s death no one had turned it on.

The next morning, the mayor sat heartbroken in his office. He had tried everything in his power but was unsuccessful. Thoughtful and discouraged, he looked down on the table and saw the church members’ letter. It read:

"Mr. Mayor, we, the members of the only church in our community, sadly report the death of our pastor. In his ministry, he prayed every day for our town and asked God for the abundance of fish in the sea.
He lit the lighthouse every evening because he was concerned with the fishermen and wanted to help guide safely through the dark nights. If we don’t get another man of God to bless our fishing boats and light the lighthouse, the fish will dry up and we run the risk of wrecking our ships on the rocks during the dark nights."

The mayor found the answer he was looking for. The facts were now clear and understandable. "How could I have been unaware of this man and his work?” he asked himself.

That’s when he understood that the pastor was like a lighthouse, which does not shine the light on himself, but on the waves, in order to illuminate the paths of others. His anonymous work had an immense value.

The pastor should be a lighthouse, lit by God. He should not illuminate himself in search of glory from this world. Instead, he casts his light, so that others can find God. Because of his prayers, blessings are achieved and problems are avoided.

Often, we only become aware of this after we’ve lost them and we’re faced with problems. We can only learn from this, the importance of the prayer of a man of God. Isn’t that what the Word of God says?

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)

What a Word?!

Doctors, dentists, engineers, lawyers, teachers, architects and any other professional must have a college degree.
But what qualifies them to start practicing that particular career? How do they become a professional?

Their qualifications come from the scientific and technical theories they learn. Doctors become knowledgeable about medicine, lawyers become knowledgeable about the law, engineers become knowledgeable about construction, etc…

This means that every profession requires listening and then practicing what was taught, according to the career chosen.

When we look at a beautiful bridge or a skyscraper, we can’t forget that behind that architectural beauty, were many professionals who were educated and trained by listening to words. Nothing but words.

When they put those words into practice, wonders come into existence.

Imagine what would happen if you put the Word of God into practice.
Imagine what could happen if you applied it to your daily life.

If humans are knowledgeable enough to create cities, airplanes, ships and heal the sick by putting into practice the words they’ve learned, imagine what they’d be able to accomplish by putting the Word of God into practice.

Think about it!
A professional must have a basic academic preparation.
But to be instruments in God's hands, all you have to do is step onto the Altar and stay there. He will do the rest...

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." John 14:12

Holy Mountain

"You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones." Ezekiel 28:14-16

When we talk about sacrifice, we are talking about having your complete life on the altar.
When we talk about the altar, we are talking about the mountain and when we talk about the mountain, we are talking about material, physical, emotional and family success; above all, we are talking about a place where it doesn’t matter if you are a member, an assistant, a pastor or a bishop, you will be safe and shielded from every satanic attack.

On the mountain (the altar) we are powerful warriors; we can leap over walls and destroy great armies.

However, the devil is constantly trying to prevent people from climbing the mountain (the altar), and tirelessly working towards removing those who managed to make it up there one day and were able to establish their lives. Why?

It's simple. In the beginning, the devil lived on God’s holy mountain. But one day, he was expelled.
He knows what happens when SOMEONE sacrifices their whole life on the mountain.

Therefore, assistants, pastors, bishops, wives and members: the mountain is the place the Lord sanctified for His "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people..." (1 Peter 2:9)
It is a place where, even if all of hell joined forces, they couldn’t possibly defeat you.

Praise God!

Practical Lesson

There once lived a great warrior. Although he was quite old, he was still able to defeat any challenger.

His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land, and many students gathered to study under him.

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master.

Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in his opponent. Then he would make fun of them until they lost their concentration.

He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then he’d strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge.

As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spat in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to man.

But the old warrior merely stood there quietly.
Finally, the young warrior became exhausted.
Knowing he had been defeated, he left feeling ashamed.

A bit disappointed that they did not get a chance to see their master fight the insolent young man, the students approached him and asked:

- How were you able to endure so many insults and humiliations? How did you beat him without even moving?

- When someone brings you a gift and you do not accept it, who will the gift be returned to? -Replied the master.

The sacrifice - Part 2

We cannot forget that sacrifice is the shortest distance between wanting and having what you want. No one will sacrifice unless he’s moved by an inner strength called faith.When God gave His Son to be sacrificed, He was setting an example, showing us the secret of conquering.

It’ very easy to understand this: when a person believes in the power of work, he’s able to conquer his own space, regardless of his belief in God. This is what has happened throughout the history of humankind. Take, for example, men and women who, despite being unbelievers, came up with extraordinary inventions that changed the world. A very simple example is the work of a farmer, who believes in the multiplication of the seed he sows in the soil.

Now, imagine what happens when a person, moved by his belief in the promises of God, takes an attitude and sacrifices! Obviously, this attitude leaves God no other option but to bless him. After all, He cannot lie nor can His promises be withdrawn.

Sacrifice is the narrow door that leads to great achievements.

The majority of Christians, however, do not believe that they need to sacrifice; instead, they choose to rely on the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Indeed, Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to save those who believe, but we also need to sacrifice, as the Lord Himself said to His apostles many times:

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38,39)

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24,25)

“For whoever desires to save his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)

“Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33)

Note that this message is so important that the Lord Jesus repeated it on different occasions.

Matthew and Luke recorded it twice, whilst Mark recorded it once. And what does it mean to take up our cross and follow Him? What does it mean to lose our life for the Lord Jesus’ sake? To take up our cross and follow Him are clear examples of faith in action by means of self-sacrifice. To lose our life for the Lord’s sake is to renounce what the world has to offer in order to live a life dedicated to our communion with God.

Every time we present a perfect sacrifice to God, we leave Him no option—He has to bless us. Faith in the Lord Jesus breaks through all barriers.

Sacrifice is the most effective way of resisting the devil. It also shows that a Christian no longer belongs to evil, for his sacrifice is a sign that his entire life depends on God.

Remember: the life of a person who sacrifices is in his sacrifice!

Read more: The sacrifice – Part 1

Believe in God and alse in yourself

The Devil rips out ex-Assistant's heart

Ugliness is Unacceptable in the Work of God!

The title of this message might seem strange, but we are not talking about physical beauty!

We are referring to spiritual beauty, which is required by God, from those who want to do His Work. So that you may have a better understanding, I would like you to read the following verses. Then, you will definitely understand what God wants to teach us.

Keep in mind that what He said to Moses in the past must still be seen in our spiritual life today!

"For any man who has a defect shall not approach: a man blind or lame, who has a marred face or any limb too long, a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, or is a hunchback or a dwarf, or a man who has a defect in his eye, or eczema or scab, or is a eunuch." (Leviticus 21:18-20).

This passage clearly tells us that any person who had a physical deformity could not serve as a priest.

Therefore, let’s put aside the physical problems and analyze the list God is giving us with our spiritual eyes:

BLIND – Was not suitable for work. In order to be good assistants, we need to be able to see with our spiritual eyes. Remember Elisha's servant, who came screaming into the house, saying: "Prophet! We are surrounded by the enemy’s army."

And what did the man of God do?
He prayed and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And behold, he could see God’s angels protecting them (2 Kings 6:17). For this reason, a good assistant must see things with their spiritual eyes, they cannot be blind.

LAME – Is someone who has a limp or walks with difficulty. Those who walk with a limp are unable to walk at the same pace as everyone else and end up falling behind. Therefore, God cannot use us if we are limping through life.

MARRED FACE – This refers to the look on the face of those who want to serve God. Unfortunately, many still don’t understand that a smile and a kind expression are worth a thousand words.

People come to our church because they are tired and disillusioned with the world. They’ve been mistreated, they’re full of problems and they’re being oppressed by the devil. Then, when they finally decide to seek God, they walk into a church where the assistants or the pastors have a frown on their face; they seem bitter and worried about their own problems!

UNPORPORTIONATE LIMBS - Unbalanced. Their actions are exaggerated ― their speech, their behavior, how they relate to family and friends, the way they dress, etc... ― they are always causing a scandal.

BROKEN FOOT - What happens when someone has a broken foot? They are unable to stand, right? There are many people who want to do the work of God, but they have a broken foot, they are unable to remain firm.

That is, first they’re here and then they’re over there, they start coming firmly and then they fall away again... "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord..." (1 Corinthians 15:58).

BROKEN HAND – When your hand is broken you are unable to grasp onto anything firmly. And the work of God requires lots of determination and persistence.

HUNCHBACK – Keep in mind that those who do the work of God cannot walk with their head held down. They should never bow down out of fear or shame. They should present themselves approved to God, someone who has nothing to be ashamed of (2 Timothy 2:15).

DWARF – Is someone who is of small stature. Many people who come to Church, find themselves under this category. Spiritually speaking, they are dwarfs because they have stopped growing.

DEFECTIVE EYE, ECZEMA OR SCAB - Our eyes and our expression, should reflect the Lord Jesus. You may be a serious person, but you should never be arrogant. You may smile a lot, but not to make a mockery of someone. You may rebuke someone, but with love and never in a spiteful manner.
Get rid of the arrogance, deceit, envy, fear and inferiority complex from your life. Certainly, you will look much kinder and approachable.

EUNUCH – Is someone who is unable to reproduce! A good assistant is someone who makes disciples. They must reproduce; they must win souls. A good assistant attracts everyone's attention and they will want to imitate him because of his good conduct.

Given these qualities, it is good that those who want to do the work of God, or those who are already doing it, take good care of their inward appearance, so that God may use you more and more.

I hope to have enlightened you somehow,
Bishop Julio Freitas