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Have you ever wrestled with uncertainty or perhaps felt as though the carpet has been snatched from underneath your feet. For sure it would be great to ride on the magical carpet of “Aladdin” but unfortunately this isn’t Disney. Whenever anyone has been tasked to fulfill a noble cause it is unequivocal that you and I will be ridiculed, misunderstood, and at times mistreated. With the many hot topics crossing the paths of our daily thoughts, it is easy to become quickly aroused to allow the mess on the outside to clutter the truth on the inside. Wearing a thick skin in moments like these can be the best spiritual armor you, and I can possess. So while the winds of life blow against your front door don’t allow yourself to be swayed by the onslaught of opinions, nor the manipulation of paid news. But, anchor yourself on the bedrock of truth. Clear your conscience! Titus 1:13-16 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

There is a secret hiding place where peace and calm is found. A place where you and I can be ourselves, and be appreciated and loved. A place where the condemned are forgiven, the weary are strengthened, and the thirsty are filled. Many spend a lifetime searching for this place - but for some, it is found in the arms of their spouse, for others in the feel of a cozy shack, yet for others on the ride of their 1960 convertible. Whatever it is that brings you a sense of temporary earthly comfort know that there is still yet another place that can only be found when you close your eyes and abide in the quietness of silence. In that place your anxieties are overcome by peace, your purpose is reimagined, and your determination is renewed. If you listen carefully you will even hear the voice of He who tells you “everything is going to be ok”. Know that God resides there and that he can be found in the center of your heart. His presence is your refuge! Psalms 46:1-5 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

Have you checked the thermostat lately? It’s probably best if you didn’t. With so much happening around the streets of our beautiful nation, it is so easy to become entangled or disrupted with an acute spirit of offense that it would seem that someone is tempting you, and I with a “branch of thorns” at every corner. From a frown to a smile, from tears - to the sounds of laughter, we must continue to not allow the chip on people’s shoulders to quench the joy we find in our God-given faith. For faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. So, while it would seem that things may be falling apart all around us, we are certain that our faith finds rest in that joy will come in the morning. Give yourself permission today to think on better days, watch a funny movie, make someone smile or perhaps rest in the joy that comes from your faithful assurance. For laughter is medicine to the soul. Faith that makes you laugh! Psalms 94:17-19 17 Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. 18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

When tensions are running high and the hearts of those you love and serve are hurting - it is so easy for anyone to be misunderstood. Like in any marriage or long-lasting relationship when the circumstances of the week have gotten the best of any supporting cast within your inner circle someone in the relationship has to wear the cap, land the plane, and turn off the fire. The Lord teaches us that it is best to be sober-minded in all circumstances so that we may respond appropriately to any matter. If you and I allow the arrows of life or even the darts of strife to strike the bullseye of your heart you, and I will slowly be in danger of losing our spiritual lifeline, our integrity, and even our faithful witness. Avoid the hothead, the heavy heart, and the blunt hand, and stay sober. Everything is possible when you and I can see, and think clearly! Fire Extinguisher! 1 Peter 5:6-9 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

There is a type of pain that grieves the human spirit which is dangerous when it is incubated or unleashed, and that can cause collateral damage even to the innocent. From road rage to a domestic argument, and even a bad dose of jealousy can weigh on the spirit of a man. As you and I become privy to the insidious events happening in our nation, and even in our own backyard. We must exercise an enormous amount of restraint, and continual forgiveness in order that we can continue to perform our duties with honor, dignity, and respect. We all know it is not easy to witness the demoralizing behavior of those we serve. But, the most dangerous battle we face is to yield to what is evil. We must anchor down and embrace those things we value, dig deep in our true faith, and never abandon those things which God calls sacred. Dig deep! Romans 12:17-21 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

No matter what your eyes have seen, or what your ears have heard at the battlefield of your workplace, or perhaps at the edge of your screens it is important to filter everything you and I may experience emotionally, spiritually, and mentally through the air filter of truth. I have been guilty many times of reading emails when my heart has been heavy or perhaps answering to my superiors after listening to some fake news. How about having a conversation with your loved one when you have just checked out from a long day/week at work. If you ever found yourself in any of the situations mentioned I could assure you the turnout did not work out in your favor. Whatever it is that is rocking the boat of your heart or perhaps filling the web of your mind causing spiritual glaucoma must be surgically removed so that you and I can have the correct perspective on things. Relationships heal or fail, promotions are invoked or revoked, and life journeys end or begin depending on our filtered perspectives. Clean your filter. The Truth of God will always set you, and I free and set us on the right perspective. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him - 10these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who knows a person’s thoughts except for their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

Growing up as a minority Latino in the streets of Brooklyn, and attending City College of New York (Poor Man’s Harvard) in 1989 in Harlem I decided I would take a university course on African American studies. Many would not know that I had suffered from an identity crisis that made me believe I was a lite skin Jamaican who would go all night carousing dancing like Bob Marley, and well the rest should not be said...... When entering the classroom it never had accord to me that I was the only lite skin Dominican who was in a room full of every shade of black beauty. Even the professor was dressed in Nigerian garments from the motherland - whose name I couldn’t spell for the life of me. As the professor took turns around the room asking everyone to share a little about themselves, and why they were taking his course. I could notice that not one person had set their eyes on the obvious. Eventually, the professor stopped the class and asked that I stand up and give an account as to why I was taking “his” class. And, to his surprise, I looked around noticing everyone’s eyes on me and I smiled, and said: “because I got soul”. And, the entire class including the professor laughed at my candid humor and said brother “sit back down”! The moral of the story, you don’t have to be dark skin to have soul! Let’s bag it up... #andyfernandez

Racism is a real issue for some, but not for all. While you and I may be enticed to voice our pain, or perhaps our opinions, or even take sides because of our cultural responsibilities to represent those whose voice is closest to our ears we must be very careful to not allow racisms divisive power to destroy all of the progress made, or even contaminate the heart of those who are innocently colorblind. If you go through the pages of my life or skip through the links of my photo album you will find every shade of humanity enriching every chapter of my story. Yes, I may be a Latino by the facade, but above all else, I am a child of God representing a culture foreign to those whose feet are well planted on this earth. We as Christians have been called to be peacemakers and ambassadors to all people of every creed that one may be saved and set free. So, as God sovereignly allows the enemy to sift through every life, to tear down every stronghold. So, be wise in your dealings and do not allow yourself to be seduced into a boxing match if you were not trained to be a boxer. Some are announcers, others are paid spectators, and yet others are peacemakers. I’m not a Boxer! Galatians 3:26-29 26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

The Art of Deception: "Make a peace treaty with your enemy, and now he has become your friend - leaving you powerless." "The sin you tolerate is the sin that will kill you." "If you become restless in hearing the opinions of men, you will never be able to discern the truth of God." "The power of psychological warfare is that it leaves everyone confused." "The easiest way to dominate people is to brainwash them." #andyfernandez #iamministries

Like a Drill Sergeant who trains his soldiers to remain composed while chaffed, or a horse who has been bridled or masked with blinders. You and I must learn to eliminate the obstacles that stand on the way of our mission, and peace. It is not enough that many of us are facing insurmountable personal challenges at home, health, marriage, bills, and the likes. Let alone this global pandemic, and well you know the rest..... But, just like the ultimate humanitarian, and Savior of mankind who faced the challenges of death on a cross. Who carried the weight of the world, and the sins of all mankind on His shoulders. He never diverted, caved in, gave up, or surrendered to the obstacles set before him even if it meant death. He completed His final mission, and the obstacles tormenting him on either side was succumbed by His love for His own. So, I encourage you today. Silence the voices of men, the opinions of others, the hate speech, the indignations, and everything else that may rob you of your peace, and surrender it to God. God, himself will vindicate you as you continue your pursuit of peace and justice. Face like Flint! Isaiah 50:7-9 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near! Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

"Without acculturation, there will be no assimilation. We are all Americans who have come from the ends of the earth to try to make it a beautiful nation. Diversity should not only be tolerated but celebrated as we unite to be a beacon of light to the world." #andyfernandez #iamministries

I am perplexed by this new demand by a movement that has been birthed out of bitter waters of racism to request that all people kneel before its motives without first acknowledging God. We have taken a holy posture, and have attempted to make it a cultural trend. I know what it is to kneel next to my brother, and my sister as we seek the face of God, or worship together behind the colorless pews, or pray together in unity, or cry together before the altar. Kneeling was never designed in God’s Word to vouch for anyone’s superiority but His own. If we want solidarity let us all kneel before God in repentance, and forgiveness together. Let us bow and kneel as we seek to acknowledge and heal from how we have wronged others, and how others have wronged us. While the world is hurting, let God’s ambassadors advocate on their knees, and teach the world how to heal. God is watching! Ephesians 3:14-19 14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries