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Those who do not respect their spiritual leaders are not respecting the anointing of God. The anointing is what breaks the yoke, and when you disrespect that man/woman of God in your life you are disrespecting the one who anointed them. Jesus Christ. #andyfernandez #iamministries #pastoraladvice

Find yourself a mentor who bears the fruits you desire to attain. Study them, affiliate with them, follow them, and be loyal to them. Everyone needs a mentor. Hebrews 13:7-8 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. #andyfernandez #iamministries #pastoraladvice

In this journey called faith, there are seasons. There are springs, summers, falls, and winters. When seasons change always remember that God doesn't change. No matter what season you find yourself in, always remember it's just a season, this to shall pass but his everlasting love and faithfulness shall never pass away. Be still! #andyfernandez #iamministries

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

"The blessings of God are always to exceed and go beyond your own personal needs. They are provided to bless others, including your children and your children's children." #andyfernandez #iamministries

While you are awaiting your unanswered prayer, do not forget any of his benefits. While your children are serving or not serving the Lord, do not forget any of his benefits. While you are pressured or concerned about today, do not forget any of his benefits. While you are building a ministry or assisting one, do not forget any of his benefits. While you are growing rich or living by means, do not forget any of his benefits. While people come in and out of your life, do not forget any of his benefits. In all that you do, think, and feel never forget any of his benefits. In a time when doing what is right, and serving the Lord has become scarcely difficult to many. We must always remember to prioritize our lives and mind according to scriptural truth. King David reminded himself that there is eternal profit, divine benefits in praising, and serving the Lord God. Perhaps you don't have the latest car or the million-dollar house, perhaps your dreams seem almost impossible to accomplish, perhaps you are just waiting for some supernatural event to intervene in your life and rescue you from your turmoil. But, let me remind you according to God's truth that there is more to life than just material prosperity. There is a never-ending truth that God will redeem you and crown you with love and compassion. You will rise again and your sins will be forgiven forever. Live in this truth when your soul is bankrupted, and you shall see that you are richer than you think! Psalms 103:1-7 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

What has God said to you? Has he spoken to you? Has it been hard to hear God? Has God's voice been muffled by the storms of life and the uncertainty of tomorrow? There are times in life when it seems almost impossible to hear God. When the cold nights are prolonged by the brisk of a winter breeze, and your soul longs for comfort, if not a warm fire or an encouraging friend. As a seasoned Christian I can tell you I have witnessed these moments many times before, and these are the very moments that exercise our faith and prompts us to draw closer to God. There are always highs and lows in ministry, in life, and in our daily affairs. Just like the great prophet Elijah whose name means "Yahweh is my God". He had been destined to live life passionately, he had reached the height of his call, a man who trained his ear to listen to God, who was anointed to speak for God, and who can call fire from heaven or cause drought by a simple spoken word from his lips. Elijah's convictions were real, he was passionate, he was convinced and he was on a divine mission. But, like many of us, he had his moments where running seemed like the best option, when hiding seems like the only solution, and where an overly pompous view of himself led him to know how weak he really was. In the cave is where this story begins, and I can tell you many prophets are hiding in caves throughout the world silenced by their fragility and fearful of their speech. God had told Elijah to stand on the mountain, to remove himself from the cave, and stand upon the obstacles that obscure his vision. Mountains are designed to be conquered and God did not tell him to kneel on the mountain or lay on the mountain, but to stand on the mountain. As God prepared himself to pass Elijah by, the Word says that three events took place. First, a strong wind passed by, this wind represents the incredible hurricanes that wist away your hopes and blows away your dreams and everything you believe in (please notice the wind was so strong it shattered the rocks). Secondly, an earthquake jolted the core of the earth and rattled Elijah causing devastation and uncertainty as continued tremors will cause our soul to shake. Finally, a fire was ignited, and this fire breathing prophet had known very well that Moses had seen a fire, and that God had answered his own prayers as a fire had consumed the sacrifice on the altar. The interesting part of this scripture is that God said he was in none of these events. Sometimes we look for God in miracles, in signs, and in wonders. But God said he can be found and heard through a whisper of his voice. You see when our trust and faith are based on miracles we forget that God is only true to his Word. Jesus said in Luke 4:4 "Man does not live by bread and water alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God". He didn't say miracle, he didn't say a fire, nor wind, nor earthquake he said Word. If you are feeling weak, be comforted, and know that you have joined a cloud of witnesses that have experienced the same winter. It dawned on me the other day, if God is silent maybe he wants to grab your attention. Maybe he wants you and me to draw closer and share our innermost thoughts, concerns, desires, or prayers. Or just maybe he wants you and me to listen more intently. I encourage you to go invest time with God this week and silence your cell phones, your TVs, your radio, or even your thoughts. Take a walk, drink a coffee, drive a car, or take a retreat but invest time with God and let him whisper direction and hope for your life and new year. Incline your ears to him today and listen to what God wants to say to you, you may just hear him! 1 Kings 19:11-13 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

In a time of change, turmoil, and uncertainty there is one assuring and inspiring truth that will harness your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. It will create an order and give you the necessary structure to begin your year with purpose and clarity. If you desire this remedy, you will have to settle your biases with God and accept one incredibly refreshing truth - that is that his "law is perfect". Everyone needs to learn how to govern and conduct themselves in times of insurmountable differences, the word law is defined as "a set of rules and/or guidelines which empowers an individual, people, or society to govern". Structure and stability are vital in the midst of changes, the Word of God says that his Law (Word) is perfect and it has no loopholes or downfalls, it is dependable, reliable and trustworthy just as much as the creator himself. It will revive your soul, make you wise, bring joy to your heart, give vision and clarity to your eyes, and reward you. If you can believe it, you should read it! Take time today to indulge in the goodness of his Word, and refresh your thoughts with his perfect Law. Let the God of the universe establish his ordinances in your life and watch as your world is healed and established on certainty and impenetrable hope. Psalm 19:7-11 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Today, if you are facing circumstances beyond your control, God has a word for you! If you find yourself shaken or even fainting there is a "Rhema Word" that can restore your joy, and place you once again in your rightful place with Christ. The most important ingredient in every miracle, in every breakthrough, and in every blessing is the measure of your "spiritual appetite". God knows very well how to feed his sheep, his riches are endless and his answers to your problems have already been provided. I read something the other day that I would like to share with you so that you may be blessed, and it reads like this..... "the Gospel is God's gift to you, what you do with the Gospel is your gift to God". God desires to bless you with a fresh anointing so that you may have hope, are you hungry for God? As the great Psalmist "David" uttered his deepest groaning in a songful prayer, he understood that his God would never abandon nor forsake him. David understood that regardless of the great circumstances that awaited him, his God was worthy to be exalted. I would like to tell you that there is a "shout" that will break open the windows of heavens for you today. This "shout" is not a scream - but a clamor. A declaration of what you know and not what you feel. David taught us that in the midst of his greatest adversities, a prayerful Song could reach the heart of God. Clam your joy and your victory with shouts of "praise"! As you do so, you will immediately sense your heart shift, your joy return, and your hopes energized. David learned the secret of War through praise! For praise and worship is for God's Glory, but for your Victory! Psalms 100:1-5 1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

The book of Revelations is an unveiling truth of the absolute victory which is to beget the Church and believers throughout the world and history. For as I turn the pages to find this scripture I came to realize that it is found at the end of the Holy Bible. Now, that may sound superficial to many but this marked my memory for life. As a student of God's Word, I came to realize that the author of this wonderful book (God) always planned a dramatic conclusion. A conclusion called to many believers "the blessed hope". You see, for anyone who enjoys reading or simply going to the movies, we purchase a book or a ticket for the simple reason of learning or entertaining our thirst for knowledge or pleasure. But, the greatest scenario has already been determined, decreed, and written. There are an end and climax which is unparalleled, the story of life ends in "victory". I have a particular sign on the door of my refrigerator which says "What would you do if you know you can not fail?". Well, that statement is absolutely true and guaranteed in the pages of the bible for those who believe. The Apostle John was given the opportunity to envision and see what is going to happen in the future (revelation), as he was exiled to die on the island of Patmos. He could have rendered the white banner and lifted up his hands to declare, surrender. But you see, he had already surrendered his life to Jesus and therefore was gifted with the wonderful opportunity to see life from a different perspective. He may have been exiled but he "John" will be crowned with victory. I read a wonderful statement the other day on Facebook which read "your circumstances do not determine your destiny". Well, John understood that he didn't have to pay a ticket or purchase a book, because the price had already been paid by the precious blood of Jesus. He just needed to understand that he (John) was in the midst of life's drama and the pages were the summary of his journey with God. For his name (purpose) had already been determined and written within the pages and truth of God's Word. What is your purpose, or where is your name in God's Word? There is an end, and it is a marvelous one! Where perfect harmony and peace will reign, and our blessed King will rule with power and might. All life's agony will seize, and all that you have once dreamed of will come to pass. I encourage you to partake of this truth, do not surrender to life's problems or circumstances but surrender to the author of life. The story of your life has just begun, and as the author of life says “I am making everything new!”, begin your day receiving forgiveness for your sins and let God direct your steps to total victory in Christ. This revelation was not only for the "end times", but it can be experienced today in your spirit. For the Word of God is spirit, and so let this speak to your inner man or inner woman. Let God make all things new today! Revelations 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

There comes a time in a Christian's life that he or she must go beyond being "lukewarm". A time when you and I are "tired, of being sick and tired". God is calling for a generation of Christians that are no longer afraid of what people think, nor are they afraid of confronting a culture that is spiritually deprived. We are so hungry to see God, and his love being poured on his people and sinners alike that we will confront sin, and love the sinner through the preaching of the truth. A truth that is anchored in love! Peter had gone through his discipleship, and now it was time to stand up for what he had just witnessed for the last three years. Peter could not deny the miracles and the power of his Savior as he stood before him after the resurrection. He could no longer deny that he had witnessed the greatest sacrifice ever known to mankind. His friend, his Savior, his God had been mutilated with the pounding of insults, whips and curses let alone the crucifixion on a cross. He had come to a place in his life where he would have to make the most powerful gesture or motion that would transform the world and launch the very first Church in the bible. Peter stood on his feet, in this posture he stood up for what he had believed and witnessed. He was empowered by on high to speak as no other man had preached before, so powerful was his words that three thousand (3000) souls were saved moments after his five-minute utterance. Standing is a posture of warfare, a posture of conviction, a posture of action. God never requires his servants to sit down, nor lay down but to stand in the midst of adversity, to stand in the midst of trial, and to stand in the midst of war. For he will go before us, and he will defeat our enemies, just stand! Acts 2:14-18 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

There is nothing like a newness of heart. A heart refreshed, inspired, and in love with God. Where your circumstances are melted away by the knowledge that, God is in control and that he is fathering us into a nation of priests that are holy and acceptable. The kind of love that calls you and me "children of the Most-High God". I ask that you take a moment to humble yourself and lay your burdens at the feet of your Savior Jesus Christ. Allow all your circumstances to be brushed away, by the manifest presence of a living God and Savior who desires to fill your life with goodness and favor. There are many times that in the weathering and seasoning of our Christianity, we have allowed our eyes to focus on the daily interactions of culture and society, yet forgetting the most interactive experience and that is with our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus. Let me just take a moment to remind you why you should fall "in love with Jesus" all over again! Colossians 1:15-20 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. A simple summary of Scripture: In Matthew: He is King of the Jews. In Mark: He is the Great servant. In Luke: He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel. In John: He is the Son of God. In Acts: He is the Savior of the world. In Romans: He is the righteousness of God. 1 Corinthians: He is the Our rock 2 Corinthians: He the triumphant one, your victory. In Galatians: He is your liberty; He sets you free. In Ephesians: He is head of the Church. In Philippians: He is your joy. In Colossians: He is your Shalom, completeness. In 1 Thessalonians: He is your hope. In 2 Thessalonians: He is your glory. In 1 Timothy: He is your faith. In 2 Timothy: He is your stability. In Titus: He is the reason you serve. In Philemon: He is our provider. In Hebrews: He is your perfection. In James: He is the all-powerful In 1 Peter: He is your example or model. In 2 Peter: He is your Holy God who sanctifies us. In 1 John: He is your life. In 2 Juan: He is your pattern. In 3 Juan, He is your motivation. In Jude: He is the foundation of your faith. Revelations: He is the Great King to come. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries