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Denial always leads to deception, deception always leads to rebellion, and rebellion is always the nature of our spiritual enemy the devil. #andyfernandez #iamministries #quotes

In the process of interpreting, discerning, and translating Holy Scripture it is imperative that we understand the importance of each of these three in the study of the Word of God. Throughout this mentoring program, we have learned that using authentic sources or resources will help accurately determine the literal precept which the scripture was written in. The more insight we have regarding the bases, origin, language, and history of the Scripture the more prepared we are to discern the literal context in which it applies, to who it applies to, and what it applies. Respecting various commentary resources does not weaken us as students of the Word, but strengthens us with the knowledge and understanding that different viewpoints and interpretations may render us in determining the accurate message of Holy Scripture. PS: It is my contention that Commentaries are a vital resource in studying the Word, and should be written more frequently then Bible interpretations or translation. At least it removes the stigma and possible repercussions for mistreating and handling scripture. Just food for thought. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

For God optioned to reveal his eternal forgiveness toward us so that we can understand the magnitude of our own corrupted condition and his vast salvation. Throughout generations, we learn that history has a tendency to repeat itself. It is the same with all human beings, if left to sought things out on our own, we will be in an unending broken record, in a vicious cycle of immorality, corruption, and sin (separation from God). This condition literally restrains us from ever being able to live at peace with God, with man, and with thyself. The words "forgive, as you have been forgiven" comes to mind when reflecting on this question, and God's immense love for me. For in the nature of my continual sin (separation from God) I was disabled from making and living righteously or ever living for my eternal purpose. I was limited, imprisoned, and in need of help, regarding my moral decisions and corrupt lifestyle. For God's eternal mercy, and unmerited favor reached down and rescued my sinking soul. This depravity and unconditional ruin was in need of a Savior, and that is why I can sing today "What can wash away my sin......Nothing but the blood of Jesus, What can make me whole again.......Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow......that makes me white as snow..........There's no other fount I know..........Nothing but the blood of Jesus". Thank you, Jesus. :) #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Correction is a lot easier when you have uprooted rebellion. #andyfernandez #iamministries #quotes

1 John 1:6-7 (New International Version) 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Questions: I have asked these questions simply on the pretext of this verse and not the complete context of the entire scripture, book, or paragraph. Who is the author talking to when he says "We", is he speaking to an exclusive group (believers) or non- believers, or both. Is this individual group or persons (broad) claiming to have something that others do not have, "fellowship", or something that everyone has? What does it mean to have "fellowship"? When the author writes "fellowship with him", who is "him"? When using the word "yet", is the author clearly trying to distinguish a difference in concept or provoking the readers or those who claim to have "fellowship" to conscience consider where are they in the issue of "fellowship". When the author makes comments or references to the word "walk", is this a physical walk or a spiritual walk, or both. Is there a difference between what is spiritual or physical? Are there similarities between spiritual or physical? In what context is this word being written, in a spiritual context, physical context, or both? What does "darkness" mean? Does it mean that all of a sudden, there is no physical light (the sun decided not to shine), or is the author referring to something obscure, dirty, void, unknown, lost, blind, evil, etc......, or both. What is darkness? In view of our "fellowship" with "him" can we make a conscious effort to consider whether we are lying? What does it mean to "lie"? If we lie, how do I know that I am lying? What is the truth? How do I know the truth? What does it mean to "walk in the light" What is light? Is the author referring to the sun, sunlight, artificial light, what? Is this light physical, spiritual, or both? And who is "he"? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider or make a contrast or connection between who "we" are and who "he/him" is? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider, make a contrast, or connection between darkness and light, and where are we in the spectrum of this difference? Who do we have "fellowship" with, "each other", "him" or the author "himself" Why is the author making reference to "blood"? Is the author weird, crazy, or a cannibal? What is so significant about "blood"? Did someone die? Is their possession of this "blood" somewhere? Where is this blood, that the author would make reference to it in the present tense? Who is Jesus? Why is the blood of "Jesus" so important? What does Jesus mean? When the author refers to "his" son, who is "his", who is the author referring to? When the author refers to " his Son", is there a family we should know about? Who is the "Sons" father? How can, "Jesus blood" purify? Why does the blood of "Jesus" purify? What does it mean to purify? Purify from what? Am I, or can I be contaminated? What does the author mean by "all sin"? Is there more than one "sin" What is "sin"? Do we need to be purified from "sin"? Why do we need to be purified from "sin"? Should I want fellowship with "him"? What is the importance of all this? Who is the author? What is his name? What does his name mean? Why should I value this scripture? What makes this scripture anymore different or important from any other form of literature? #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

As passionate students of the Word of God, there are resources but also viable techniques that should be applied to the study of the Word in order to avoid misapplication or misinterpretation of scripture. As we continue to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling", it is also important to know that God holds every individual who teaches the Word of God responsible for what they teach others. There are respectable techniques that can be found in the art of "hermeneutics" which will safeguard us from such folly, and which will help us deliver an inductive and objective interpretation of Holy Scripture. In this art of study, we learn that "hermeneutics" teaches us that there is a strong ally between truth and reason. "Overstanding" or "overstating" scripture could be dangerous as we seek the quest of becoming mature teachers of God's Word. These "overstanding" or "overstatement" can involve warped biases or prejudices which will mislead the teacher as well as the student. But, respectfully "understanding" scripture allows us the opportunity to "stand under" scripture, reverence it, study it, humbly reason through the gaps found (cultural, linguistics, time, geography, etc) and give our readers, students, and any individual sound guidance to the truth that bears God's fruit. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Faith is not known only by its words, but rather by its actions. This is how you and I will give an account of what we believe, and whom we believe in. #andyfernandez #iamministries #pastoraladvice

We would like to begin by encouraging you to sit back and take a moment, a moment to identify any area of your life where you may be struggling and/or wrestling with a lack of God's provision. It could be in the areas of your finances, relationships, un-forgiveness, emotional health, mental health, or something as simple as self-control or enjoying a level of peace. If you can identify with any of these symptoms we want to welcome you to the ranks of those who may be suffering from a spirit called poverty :) We want you to know that "poverty" takes on many forms, even some of the wealthiest people in the world suffer from a lack of spiritual and emotional stability and even at times mental health. The information that we will be providing is to diagnose and solve this reality with the truth of the Gospel. This is not a prosperity message, but rather a Gospel message that God wants to see you prosper as much as your soul prospers. So put on your hats and take this journey with us as we indulge in the battle to rid ourselves of this spirit called "poverty". The very first step in breaking the "Spirit of Poverty" is to identify that "Poverty" is not simply a lack of finances, material gain, or a lack of mental stability, it is a Spirit. There is an entity, which the Bible states, desires to devour the blessings of your family, your children, and your children's children. I do not want to seem overly spiritual, but if we disregard this first fact, that there is an entity who desires to steal, kill and destroy your dreams, your hopes, your faith, and even your finances we are blind of the truth that will set us free. As a Pastor I want you to know that there are external forces working against you trying to disrupt your effectiveness in the Kingdom of God and the opportunity to bless others. I say all this not to bring fear to your hearts but to strengthen you in the truth that some of what is happening to you may not be the fault of your own. In later lessons, we will be discussing attitudes, behaviors, and habits that can lead to poverty, but at this moment we want to address the truth of our adversary. I have seen throughout my many years in ministry that many of God's greatest generals within the Kingdom of God will struggle, if not face this enemy named poverty. It disguises itself as self-pity, righteous sacrifice, and even takes the form of self-denial. There are many times when these excuses become our reasoning to embrace or make sense of what is happening to us while serving God with all of our hearts and even with our finances. As a Church Planter, my wife and I know very well what it is to empty out our accounts and live within our means for the sake of the Gospel. We understand what it means to not enjoy a simple meal at the local fast-food restaurant because we didn't have the means to even provide. I, myself, have faced this enemy and I would like to encourage you to do the same. My purpose for this post is not to impart a spirit of self-pity but to recognize and cause you to wake up. There are struggles and/or patterns that you must recognize and become resiliently angry about. The Word of God states that people perish for lack of knowledge. Receive this knowledge today and break the spirit of poverty in your life. Remember, only the truth of Christ will set you free. And the truth is "Christ became poor so that you may have life and have it more abundantly! #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Do not ever call what is big in God's eyes, small in your eyes. #andyfernandez #iamministries #quotes

It is challenging to understand that total perfection can be found in a human being (Jesus Christ) from the scope of human intellect. For our sphere of understanding and articulating miracles, divinity, and even God is limited and requires faith, and the mind of Christ (Spirit) to achieve. Death-defying miracles, walking on water, changing water into wine, feeding five thousand with a few pieces of bread and fish is a clear manifestation of the supernatural, and even science lags behind in attempting to understand it. But, Jesus Christ was not only human but also divine, all-powerful in his Godly nature. To help understand this complicated phenomenon I will try to use a simple analogy even used in "Hollywood", a supernatural man, with a costume (flesh), with supernatural powers, with a divine purpose, tempted but sinless in nature = "Jesus Christ" my superhero. LOL Perfect in the image, perfect in the likeness (nature), perfect in spirit, perfect in action, and perfect in power. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

There is nothing more frustrating in life than wandering around, spending our time and energy without direction or purpose. Too often we hunger for a clear picture of what our future looks like through the eyes of God, and what does he really want from us. The last time I took my son to the doctor, I sat on the edge of my chair hoping that the physician attending to my son would give me the right prescription so that my son's health will improve. I had no doubt that the hard work of the physician and the knowledge he possessed can quickly help resolve the problem with my son's ailing body. In the same way, God has a prescription for our lives to live with maximum purpose and direction. The Word of God is our compass, and our hope should be that if we apply the remedies prescribed in his Word we will see the outcome and evidence of his promises. The Will of God for your life is provided in Scripture as the following: 1. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 2. Have eternal life John 6:40 "For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” 3. Good health, all goes well with you, and your soul 3 John 1:2 "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 4. Blessed, favor, abundance Deuteronomy 28:3-6 "You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. 4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. 5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. 6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out." 5. Be Sanctified 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified" 6. Keep doing good 1 Peter 2:15 "For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." 7. To be sons of God Ephesians 1:5 "He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." 8. That no one should perish Matthew 18:14 "So it is the will of my Father who is in heaven that not one of these little ones should perish." Ephesians 5:15-20 15 Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Understanding that everything is created by him (God), and for him (God), is key in embracing the unique ways that God uses all things for the good of those who love him. If God wants to use a donkey, a raven, a prophet, or an angel to accomplish his work of salvation and the glorification of his Son, we must humbly respect and rejoice in that. Insight of the totality of God's majesty we are just part of that grand plan and the angels also play an important part. God's total sovereignty is our focus, and not swearing by, or exalting above, but respecting his creative hand and everything in his creation can help in the uniqueness of -how he holds "everything" together. Interesting scriptures: Jude 1, Colossians 1:15-23 #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries